Cadillac DTS Review

New name, old car. Though the Cadillac DTS is a fairly recent introduction, this large luxury car actually has considerable heritage behind it. For more than 50 years, its predecessor, the DeVille, was a dominant player in the full-size luxury segment, offering the traditional American big-car virtues of spaciousness and a quiet, well-cushioned ride. As the decades wore on, it slowly adapted to changing wants and needs, finally downsizing to more manageable dimensions -- in terms of both physical size and power plant volume. More recent versions have seen a return to the days when driving a "Caddy" meant powerful V8 motivation, classy uptown styling and a roomy, sumptuous interior. Perhaps not yet back to its once "standard of the world" status, but definitely headed in the right direction.

The latest Cadillac DTS remains true to its heritage while offering a level of sophistication that keeps it reasonably current -- a traditional Cadillac for the traditional Cadillac buyer. Compared to the leading imported luxury sedans, the DTS lags behind in terms of top-quality materials, precision build quality, handling dynamics and, for many, a perceived level of prestige. But astute shoppers will also note that the Caddy checks in from $10,000-$30,000 less than those rivals. And compared with its chief domestic rival, the aging Lincoln Town Car, the DTS is a superior package.

Current Cadillac DTS

The Cadillac DTS luxury sedan is available in four trim levels -- Base, Luxury, Premium and Platinum -- although all are well equipped. Every DTS features a 4.6-liter V8 which makes 275 horsepower in all but the Platinum, where it puts out 292. All come with a four-speed automatic transmission that sends engine power to the front wheels. The Platinum features recalibrated transmission shift programming for quicker responses.

Regardless of whether you go with the five- or six-passenger DTS, interior room is outstanding. Front passengers are coddled in soft leather bucket seats (or a 40/20/40 leather bench on the six-passenger version) and rear passengers enjoy just as much legroom as those in front. Way out back, the nearly 19-cubic-foot trunk can hold all of their stuff and more without breaking a sweat. Overall design and materials are decent, but still lag behind the import-brand competition. On the plus side, we've found the navigation system and most other controls easy to operate.

On the road, the Cadillac DTS comports itself surprisingly well, considering its impressive bulk and softly tuned suspension. There's plenty of power on hand for quick passing maneuvers and effortless high-speed cruising, while the suspension manages to offer a compliant ride. The Platinum model's Magnetic Ride Control suspension does a better job of controlling ride motions than the standard setup, such that the big sedan never feels floaty or imprecise. At first the audible rumble of the Northstar V8 seems out of place in a luxury sedan, but ultimately it's reassuring and recalls Cadillacs of years past. Road and wind noise are almost nonexistent.

Used Cadillac DTS Models

The newly renamed DTS debuted in 2006, as Cadillac's traditional full-size sedan received a significant freshening and a number of updates to front and rear sheet metal, a new interior, improved chassis components and a strengthened structure. Since then, there have been minor standard and optional equipment updates, specifically standard stability control for 2008. Prior to 2010, the Platinum trim with its higher-output engine and Magnetic Ride Control suspension was known as the Performance trim. Consumers interested in a used DTS prior to '06 will want to check out our review of the car's predecessor, the DeVille.