2006-2008 Cadillac DTS: Road Test

Both of Cadillac's V8s furnish punchy takeoffs, accelerating to 60 mph in about 7.0 seconds. Midrange power is good, too, for confident merging and passing, though the automatic transmission sometimes hesitates to downshift for passing. Some testers have praised the automatic's quick response; others are troubled by those slow downshifts. Most premium cars have automatic transmissions with more than the Cadillac's four speeds. A Luxury model averaged 23.7 mpg in mostly highway driving, versus 18.7 mpg with more city work. In mostly city driving, a Performance model managed only 14.4 mpg. Cadillac recommends 87-octane, regular-grade fuel. Base suspensions comfortably smother most bumps, but allow some float and wander over large moguls. The firmer Performance setup checks body motions with little comfort penalty, despite 18-inch wheels and lower-profile tires. Steering/handling is no-surprises competent, but compromised by the DTS's size and heft, as well as a large turning circle. In Luxury models, even moderately fast turns induce considerable body lean and nosedive. Grip is modest on the ride-biased base suspension with 17-inch tires. The Performance version with 18-inch tires feels more stable and confident. All models reassure with the available antiskid system and brakes that deliver short, no-drama stops. Expect modest wind noise at any speed, but coarse-surface tire thrum is a bit high by premium-class standards. V8 sounds are audible, but subdued even at full throttle. The engine growls pleasantly while accelerating, especially in the Performance model, but it's toned down otherwise. Redesigned for 2006, the dashboard has clear analog gauges and large, mostly handy minor controls. However, some switch icons are not obvious, and others are too small and/or hard to make out in daylight. Refreshingly simple climate controls are independent of the optional navigation system, which absorbs but doesn't complicate audio functions. Though it isn't daunting, the navigation system does take time to learn. Some test cars have disappointed with minor squeaks and rattles. Workmanship is acceptable otherwise, though most import-brand rivals do better. Overall quality of cabin materials beats Lincoln's, but trails most import-brand rivals. Cadillac's biggest model is among the roomiest and most comfortable big sedans, though the available bench seat may squeeze a middle rider. Front bucket seats seem all-day comfortable. Ample seat/steering-wheel adjustments cater to most any driver, but visibility is a bit restricted to the right rear, directly aft. In the rear, firm support is accompanied by plenty of head and legroom, with sufficient width for a middle adult--though the center backrest section is quite hard. Toe space is tight, too. Entry/exit is easy. Some testers have praised the Luxury II's massage feature; others have declared it annoying. Either way, its activation switch is hard to reach. The DTS trunk swallows four golf bags and more, through a large, bumper-level opening. Interior storage is limited, and the center pass-through opening is too small to be of any real utility.

Value for the Money
In this price range, Cadillac leaves any sporting pretensions to its rear-drive and AWD STS models. The front-drive DTS aims for traditional American luxury-car buyers--and scores with them. Powerful, roomy, and refined, it matches most competitors for standard safety features. Overall, it's a bit more solid and better finished than the earlier DeVille, but otherwise much the same. Curtain side airbags, an important safety feature standard on DTS, were unavailable on DeVille. Base and Luxury I editions are particularly strong Recommended values.