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2008 Cadillac DTS Full Review
Date Published: 4/30/08
Also in the 2008 Cadillac DTS Review:
5.
6.
Cadillac DTS Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2008 Cadillac DTS Review
The 2008 Cadillac DTS gets a new Platinum Edition Package. This premium large car has front-wheel drive and comes in base, Luxury I, Luxury II, Luxury III, and Performance trims. The high-end Platinum Edition Package is available only on the Performance. All have a 4.6-liter V8 engine and 4-speed automatic transmission. Base and Luxury models have 275 hp; Performance has 292. Available safety equipment includes ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Also offered are blind-spot alert and lane-departure warning systems. Leather upholstery is standard on all DTS models, as is OnStar assistance. Heated front and rear seats and a heated steering wheel are available, as are cooled front seats. The Platinum Edition Package features unique exterior and interior trim and a navigation system.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Large Cars are top-of-the-line sedans in size and luxury. Many are manufacturer flagships and/or showcases for the newest automotive technology. Some have six-figure price tags.
Our Best Buys are the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Lexus LS. Our Recommended picks are the Audi A8 and Cadillac DTS.
Our Best Buys are the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Lexus LS. Our Recommended picks are the Audi A8 and Cadillac DTS.
News
A renamed rear-wheel-drive replacement for DTS is reportedly in the works as a 2010 or 2011 model. It will likely use the "Zeta" global platform engineered by GM's Australian branch and which bows in North America with the new 2008 Pontiac G8 sedan. Zeta will also be the likely basis for a new flagship Buick sedan and a possible new rear-drive Chevrolet Impala. Both should appear in the same time frame as the DTS replacement.
A rumored Cadillac "Ultra Luxury Sedan" may still be on GM's agenda, but is way down on the priority list. GM remains very busy trying to improve sales and profits, so expensive "vanity" projects are on hold or being reevaluated. If a grand luxe Caddy does emerge, it would probably start at around $120,000 in today's money. It would target top-tier entries from Audi, BMW, Lexus and Mercedes.
A rumored Cadillac "Ultra Luxury Sedan" may still be on GM's agenda, but is way down on the priority list. GM remains very busy trying to improve sales and profits, so expensive "vanity" projects are on hold or being reevaluated. If a grand luxe Caddy does emerge, it would probably start at around $120,000 in today's money. It would target top-tier entries from Audi, BMW, Lexus and Mercedes.
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2008 Cadillac DTS Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration | Fuel economy |
| Quietness | |
| Passenger room | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Both V8s furnish punchy takeoffs--about 7.0 sec 0-60 mph in Consumer Guide tests. Merging and passing power is more than adequate. Most premium cars have automatic transmissions with more than four speeds, and our testers are divided on its behavior in the DTS. Some cite quick response, others slow downshifts.
| Luxury II w/navigation | Performance | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7.3 |
Both V8s furnish punchy takeoffs--about 7.0 sec 0-60 mph in Consumer Guide tests. Merging and passing power is more than adequate. Most premium cars have automatic transmissions with more than four speeds, and our testers are divided on its behavior in the DTS. Some cite quick response, others slow downshifts.
Fuel Economy
In our tests, a Luxury model averaged 23.7 mpg in mostly highway driving and 18.7 with more city work. A Performance version averaged just 14.4 mpg in mostly city driving. Cadillac recommends premium-grade gas for all DTSs.
| Luxury II w/navigation | Performance | Class Average |
| 5 | 4 | 3.3 |
In our tests, a Luxury model averaged 23.7 mpg in mostly highway driving and 18.7 with more city work. A Performance version averaged just 14.4 mpg in mostly city driving. Cadillac recommends premium-grade gas for all DTSs.
Ride Quality
DTS's base suspension comfortably smothers most bumps but allows some float and wander over large pavement humps. The Performance's firmer suspension setup checks body motions with very little comfort penalty despite its 18-inch wheels and lower-profile tires.
| Luxury II w/navigation | Performance | Class Average |
| 8 | 7 | 8.2 |
DTS's base suspension comfortably smothers most bumps but allows some float and wander over large pavement humps. The Performance's firmer suspension setup checks body motions with very little comfort penalty despite its 18-inch wheels and lower-profile tires.
Steering/Handling/Braking
DTS handles competently but is compromised by its size and heft. In Luxury models, even moderately fast turns induce much body lean and noseplow. Performance versions feel more stable and confident. DTS's size makes for a large turning circle, which hurts maneuverability. All have brakes that deliver short, no-drama stops.
| Luxury II w/navigation | Performance | Class Average |
| 5 | 6 | 6.9 |
DTS handles competently but is compromised by its size and heft. In Luxury models, even moderately fast turns induce much body lean and noseplow. Performance versions feel more stable and confident. DTS's size makes for a large turning circle, which hurts maneuverability. All have brakes that deliver short, no-drama stops.
Quietness
Wind noise is modest at any speed, but coarse-surface tire thrum is a bit high by premium-class standards. The engine growls pleasantly while accelerating, especially in the Performance model, but is subdued otherwise.
| Luxury II w/navigation | Performance | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 8.4 |
Wind noise is modest at any speed, but coarse-surface tire thrum is a bit high by premium-class standards. The engine growls pleasantly while accelerating, especially in the Performance model, but is subdued otherwise.
Controls
Clear analog gauges are easy to read. Minor controls are mostly handy, but some switch icons are not obvious and others are too small and hard to read in daylight. Refreshingly, the climate controls are independent of the optional navigation system, which absorbs but doesn't complicate audio functions.
| Luxury II w/navigation | Performance | Class Average |
| 7 | 8 | 5.9 |
Clear analog gauges are easy to read. Minor controls are mostly handy, but some switch icons are not obvious and others are too small and hard to read in daylight. Refreshingly, the climate controls are independent of the optional navigation system, which absorbs but doesn't complicate audio functions.
Details
Test cars disappointed with minor squeaks and rattles, betraying the premium image Cadillac hopes to portray. A plethora of padded cabin surfaces impresses. The overall quality of interior materials bests Lincoln but trails most import rivals.
| Luxury II w/navigation | Performance | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 8.4 |
Test cars disappointed with minor squeaks and rattles, betraying the premium image Cadillac hopes to portray. A plethora of padded cabin surfaces impresses. The overall quality of interior materials bests Lincoln but trails most import rivals.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
DTS is among the roomiest, most comfortable big sedans, though its available bench seat may squeeze a middle rider. Standard bucket seats are all-day comfortable. Ample seat and steering wheel adjustments cater to most any driver. Some testers laud the front seat's massage feature, others find it annoying and its activation switch hard to reach in any case. Driver visibility is a bit restricted to right rear and directly aft.
| Luxury II w/navigation | Performance | Class Average |
| 9 | 9 | 8.8 |
DTS is among the roomiest, most comfortable big sedans, though its available bench seat may squeeze a middle rider. Standard bucket seats are all-day comfortable. Ample seat and steering wheel adjustments cater to most any driver. Some testers laud the front seat's massage feature, others find it annoying and its activation switch hard to reach in any case. Driver visibility is a bit restricted to right rear and directly aft.
Room/Comfort (rear)
There's good overall room on supportive seats, but foot space is tight. The rear seat has sufficient width for a middle adult, though the center backrest section very hard. Entry and exit is easy.
| Luxury II w/navigation | Performance | Class Average |
| 9 | 9 | 7.9 |
There's good overall room on supportive seats, but foot space is tight. The rear seat has sufficient width for a middle adult, though the center backrest section very hard. Entry and exit is easy.
Cargo Room
The trunk swallows four golf bags and more through a large, bumper-level opening. The center pass-through opening is too small to be of real use. Folding rear seatbacks would be more useful. Interior storage space is limited.
| Luxury II w/navigation | Performance | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4.1 |
The trunk swallows four golf bags and more through a large, bumper-level opening. The center pass-through opening is too small to be of real use. Folding rear seatbacks would be more useful. Interior storage space is limited.
Value within Class
In this price range, Cadillac leaves any sporting pretensions to its rear- and all-wheel-drive STS models. The front-drive DTS aims for the traditional American-luxury-car buyer, and scores. It's powerful, roomy, and refined, and matches most rivals for standard safety features. Starting in the low-to-mid $40,000s, the base and Luxury I versions are particularly strong Recommended values.
| Luxury II w/navigation | Performance | Class Average |
| 8 | 7 | 5.5 |
In this price range, Cadillac leaves any sporting pretensions to its rear- and all-wheel-drive STS models. The front-drive DTS aims for the traditional American-luxury-car buyer, and scores. It's powerful, roomy, and refined, and matches most rivals for standard safety features. Starting in the low-to-mid $40,000s, the base and Luxury I versions are particularly strong Recommended values.
Total Score
| Luxury II w/navigation | Performance | Class Average |
| 75 | 74 | 74.7 |
Scores for all Premium Large Cars
| Low Score | 67 | |
| Average Score | 74 | |
| High Score | 87 |
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2008 Cadillac DTS Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/29/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| Base 4-door sedan | $42,620 | $39,850 | $870 |
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| Luxury I 4-door sedan | $45,620 | $42,655 | $870 |
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| Luxury II 4-door sedan | $46,120 | $43,122 | $870 |
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| Luxury III 4-door sedan | $47,620 | $44,525 | $870 |
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| Performance 4-door sedan | $50,120 | $46,682 | $870 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base
Powertrain
4.6-liter 275-horsepower V8 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, wiper-activated headlights, daytime running lights, emergency inside trunklid release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
OnStar assistance system w/one year service, air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel w/climate and radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, 8-way power front bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment, center console w/floor shifter, trunk pass-through, heated power mirrors w/turn signals, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, remote engine start, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, satellite radio, tachometer, trip computer, illuminated front visor mirrors, variable-intermittent wipers, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, rear defogger, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, xenon headlights, fog lights, cornering lights, load-leveling suspension, 235/55R17 tires, alloy wheels.
Luxury I adds to Base:
Safety
Front- and rear-obstacle-detection system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Front split bench seat, column shifter, heated steering wheel, heated/cooled front seats, heated rear seats, memory system (driver seat, mirrors), automatic day/night driver-side mirror, rain-sensing wipers, heated washer fluid.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: front bucket seats, center console w/floor shifter.
Luxury II adds to Luxury I
Comfort and Convenience Features
Tri-zone automatic climate controls (including rear controls), front bucket seats, center console w/floor shifter, universal garage door opener.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: front split bench seat, column shifter.
Luxury III adds to Luxury II:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Massaging front seats, power tilt/telescopic heated wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel, rear-seat lumbar adjustment, wood interior trim, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, rear illuminated visor mirrors, power rear sunshade, self-dimming headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Chrome alloy wheels.
Performance adds to Luxury III:
Powertrain
4.6-liter 292-horsepower V8 engine.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sport suspension w/self-adjusting shock absorbers, 245/50HR18 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Luxury Collection
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Luxury I, Luxury II
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$895
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$743
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Cargo mat and net, chrome alloy wheels.
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Premium Luxury Collection
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Luxury III
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$1,995
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$1,656
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Power sunroof, full Tuscany leather upholstery.
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Ultra Luxury Collection
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Performance
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$4,195
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$3,482
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Navigation system w/voice recognition, power sunroof, full Tuscany leather upholstery, color-keyed grille.
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Platinum Edition
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Performance
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$6,490
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$5,387
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Blind-spot alert, lane-departure warning, navigation system w/voice recognition, power sunroof, full Tuscany leather upholstery, alcantara headliner, cargo mat, unique interior and exterior trim, chrome alloy wheels. Deletes rear illuminated visor mirrors.
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Sun and Sound Pkg.
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Base, Luxury I
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$1,505
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$1,249
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Luxury II
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$1,395
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$1,158
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Power sunroof, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, universal garage door opener (Base, Luxury I).
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Sun and Navigation Pkg.
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Base, Luxury I
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$2,995
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$2,486
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Luxury II
|
$2,885
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$2,395
|
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Power sunroof, navigation system w/voice recognition, universal garage door opener (Base, Luxury I).
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Safety |
||
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Blind-spot alert
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Luxury I, Luxury II, Luxury III
|
$395
|
$328
|
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Lane-departure warning
|
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Luxury I, Luxury II, Luxury III, Performance
|
$295
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$245
|
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Requires blind-spot alert. NA Base.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Navigation system
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Base, Luxury I, Luxury II
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$2,145
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$1,780
|
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Luxury III, Performance
|
$1,945
|
$1,614
|
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Includes voice recognition.
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Tri-zone automatic climate controls
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Base
|
$195
|
$162
|
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Includes rear climate controls.
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Power sunroof
|
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Base, Luxury I, Luxury II, Luxury III, Performance
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$1,200
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$996
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Luxury III, Performance delete std. rear illuminated visor mirrors.
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Adaptive cruise control
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Luxury I, Luxury II, Luxury III, Performance
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$1,695
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$1,407
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Front split bench seat
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Base, Luxury III
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$295
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$245
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Includes column shifter. NA w/full Tehama leather upholstery.
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Full Tuscany leather upholstery
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Luxury III, Performance
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$1,295
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$1,075
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Full Tehama leather upholstery
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Luxury III, Performance
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$1,995
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$1,656
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Performance w/Platinum Edition
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$700
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$581
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Heated/cooled front seats
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Base
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$1,425
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$1,183
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Includes memory system (driver seat, mirrors), driver-side automatic day/night rearview mirror.
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Wood interior trim
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Luxury I
|
$395
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$328
|
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Luxury II
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$550
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$457
|
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Trunk Convenience Pkg.
|
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Base, Luxury I, Luxury II
|
$95
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$78
|
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Cargo net and mat.
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Body-colored grille
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Performance
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$250
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$108
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NA w/adaptive cruise control.
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Special paint
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Base, Luxury I, Luxury II, Luxury III, Performance
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$495
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$411
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Premium paint
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Base, Luxury I, Luxury II, Luxury III, Performance
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$995
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$826
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Chrome alloy wheels
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Base, Luxury I, Luxury II
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$825
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$685
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Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Cadillac DTS Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Cadillac DTS 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 115.6 |
| Overall Length, in. | 207.6 |
| Overall Width, in. | 74.8 |
| Overall Height, in. | 57.6 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4009 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 18.8 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.2 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.5 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.6 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 41.6 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V8 | dohc V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 4.6 /279 | 4.6 /279 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 275 @ 6000 | 292 @ 6300 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 295 @ 4400 | 288 @ 4500 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 4-speed automatic | 15/23 | 15/22 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Cadillac DTS 4-door sedan |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/100,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 6/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 5/100,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Cadillac DTS Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Cadillac DTS Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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