2010 Cadillac DTS Review
2010 Cadillac DTS Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Roomy and quiet interior, cushy ride, huge trunk.
Cons
- Unimpressive performance and handling, hard to park, so-so crash test scores, some interior materials look/feel subpar, lacking some modern technology features.
What’s new
The 2010 Cadillac DTS returns largely unchanged, except for the loss of last year's Performance model.
Edmunds says
While Cadillac's full-size 2010 DTS luxury sedan has some good qualities, it's outclassed overall by European and Japanese competitors.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2010 Cadillac DTS 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.58 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$308/mo for DTS Base
DTS Base
vs
$224/mo
Avg. Large Car
Vehicle overview
You know the expression "the more things change, the more they stay the same"? Well, that old cliché actually turns out to be a pretty succinct summation of the 2010 Cadillac DTS sedan.
Despite Cadillac's attempts to modernize it over the years -- including giving it the somewhat uninspiring DTS moniker back in 2006 -- this full-size flagship of GM's luxury brand remains a bit of an anachronism. Simply put, it has as much in common with the classic DeVille sedans of Detroit's golden age, an era when rolling up in one of these epic land yachts announced to the world that you'd arrived, as it does the current luxury sedan market.
While it offers its share of modern amenities, this old-school luxury liner's handsome yet conservative styling, plush ride quality and quiet, roomy passenger cabin all combine to create a leisurely motoring experience reminiscent of the DeVille's glory days. There's a big V8 engine as standard, too, though in modern DeVille/DTS fashion it sends its power to the front wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission.
In comparison, more than a few European and Japanese luxury sedans -- including the BMW 7 Series, Infiniti M56 and Lexus LS 460 -- offer fresher styling, significantly better performance and more cutting-edge gizmos. Of course, these vehicles can cost considerably more, but the DTS is also outclassed by the similarly priced Lincoln MKS EcoBoost. Further complicating matters is the fact that the new Buick LaCrosse, Hyundai Genesis and trusty Toyota Avalon offer similarly smooth rides and spacious interiors for thousands of dollars less.
In spite of all this, we still like the 2010 Cadillac DTS, and it remains a solid choice for buyers looking for a full-size American luxury sedan. But we'd still recommend test-driving several of its competitors before signing on the dotted line.
Performance & mpg
Under the hood, the 2010 Cadillac DTS gets one of two slightly different 4.6-liter V8s. The base engine, which comes standard on all but the top-of-the-line Platinum trim level, puts out 275 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Platinum models offer a little extra oomph courtesy of a modified V8 that makes 292 hp and 288 lb-ft of torque.
Handling the shifting chores is a somewhat dated four-speed automatic, which also gets tweaked for better performance in Platinum models. Front-wheel drive is standard.
Even with the more powerful V8, acceleration can best be described as adequate. A test car with the Platinum engine managed a 0-60-mph time of 7 seconds flat, which sounds respectable enough until you learn that most V8-powered luxury sedans -- and even a few V6-powered models -- are considerably quicker.
EPA fuel economy estimates are also just average at 15 mpg city/23 highway and 18 mpg combined for the base engine. The DTS Platinum differs with 22 mpg on the highway. However, the fact that both engines are designed to run on regular-grade gasoline does give the DTS a definite advantage over many of its competitors that demand a steady diet of pricier premium fuel.
Safety
Standard safety features include electronic stability control, antilock disc brakes, side-impact airbags for front seat passengers and side curtain airbags that cover both rows. Missing from this list are active front head restraints, something that is typically standard on a car in this price range.
As with other aspects of its performance, the big Caddy's safety ratings are merely adequate. In government crash tests, the 2010 Cadillac DTS scored five stars (out of five) for the driver and four stars for the front seat passenger in frontal impacts. Side-impact tests resulted in four stars front and rear. The DTS received a top "Good" rating in frontal-offset crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, but a second-best "Acceptable" rating in side impact testing.
Driving
With a suspension tuned to favor a cushy ride over sporty handling, the 2010 Cadillac DTS is all about coddling its occupants. In other words, it's the epitome of a car built for comfort rather than speed.
The DTS Platinum is the best driving model thanks to its more powerful V8 under the hood and the Magnetic Ride Control suspension -- the same technology offered as an option on the Chevrolet Corvette -- that automatically adjusts suspension firmness to match road conditions and your driving style. But let's keep things in perspective here, as even with these powertrain and suspension upgrades, the DTS is no sport sedan. Also, because of its size, it can be difficult to park -- especially for shorter drivers.
Ultimately, its combination of a smooth ride and a comfortable, roomy interior make the DTS best suited to drivers who prefer to motor along at a nice relaxed pace.
Interior
Even though the DTS is roughly 18 inches shorter than some of its ancestors, its passenger cabin still feels remarkably spacious. While front bucket seats are standard, the available 40/20/40-split front bench makes this one of the few modern sedans that offers seating for six. No matter which configuration you choose, you'll find comfortable seats and abundant head- and legroom for both front and rear seat passengers. Wind and road noise are nicely subdued, creating a hushed environment that adds to the luxury sedan feel.
Out back, the huge trunk offers close to 19 cubic feet of cargo room. A pass-through opening in the middle of the rear seat makes it possible to carry long narrow items like skis with the trunk lid closed.
In general terms, the cabin offers conservative yet stylish good looks and straightforward, intuitive controls. But while most materials are much better than those used in previous generations, they still aren't quite up to par with the best interiors in the category.
2010 Cadillac DTS models
The 2010 Cadillac DTS full-size sedan is available in one well-equipped base model and three increasingly upscale trim levels dubbed Luxury, Premium and Platinum.
The standard equipment list for the entry-level DTS includes 17-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, front foglights, remote engine start, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, power front seats, Bluetooth, OnStar and an eight-speaker CD stereo.
Step up to the Luxury model and you get 17-inch chromed wheels, a sunroof, front and rear parking assist and an auto-dimming driver-side mirror. Interior upgrades include a three-zone climate control system, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, driver seat memory settings and an eight-speaker Bose audio system with a six-disc CD changer.
The Premium trim level adds a body-color grille, front seats with power lumbar adjustment and massage, a power tilt-telescoping steering column, genuine burled walnut interior accents, a heated leather- and wood-trimmed steering wheel and a DVD-based navigation system with real-time traffic updates.
Top-of-the-line Platinum models add several of the best mechanical bits from last year's Performance trim level, including a more powerful version of the base 4.6-liter V8 engine, electronic Magnetic Ride Control suspension and 18-inch wheels. Inside you'll also get a leather-trimmed dash and a classy suedelike Alcantara headliner, plus lane-departure and blind-spot warning systems.
Some of the additional features on the upper trims can be added to the lower ones as options. Other notable options include adaptive cruise control and a 40/20/40-split front bench that gives the DTS seating for six.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average
#18 out of 48 among Luxury Fullsize Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Cadillac DTS from 2008-2022.$519/yr
vs. $729/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.31x/yr
vs. 1.74x/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).18.7%
vs. 14.7%
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2010 Cadillac DTS.
5 star(59%)
4 star(24%)
3 star(9%)
2 star(2%)
1 star(6%)
54 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Outstanding!
idaspaceman, 12/23/2010
2010 Cadillac DTS Luxury 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
I test drove the Lincoln MKS, Buick Lacrosse, Lucerne, and the Lexus E350.
Hands down the DTS was a superior engine and ride., and luxury items to either be on par or superior.
Everyone will have pro's and con's...but at the end of the day it was an easy decision for me.
I know there will be some who will say it's a Grandpa vehicle...call me old, but there is nothing like the ride and … luxury of a Caddy.
4.75 out of 5 stars
What a Cadillac is supposed to be!
Southern, 11/30/2008
2008 Cadillac DTS Luxury III 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
Big, strong and comfortable. Quiet. Economical - using regular gas, long oil intervals and all this with a torquey V8. Really well thought out. No "Idrive" or other difficult to understand user interfaces like the competition offers. Has all the toots and whistles including power lumbar with massage! Side radar that warns if something is in the blind zone. Rear and front parking aids. … And a bunch more. Needless to say it is very comparable to more expensive foreign cars, but does some things better. This car just makes you feel good when you drive it.
5 out of 5 stars
Batmobile... All Grown-up
miguelski, 05/24/2011
2008 Cadillac DTS Luxury II 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
In considering a replacement for my 2004 black Supercharged SS Monte Carlo (Batmobile) I looked for an American made "grown-up" 4 door car. My internet research led me to the Certified 2008 black-on-black Cadillac DTS which I purchased. I am very pleased with my purchase.
4.75 out of 5 stars
9th Cadillac
caddyclassic, 02/18/2009
2008 Cadillac DTS Luxury III 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
My 9th Cadillac is the best one I've owned. I'm old, but I still want the luxury with performance, the Northstar still amazes me, even after three of them. Wind noise of past cars has been minimized. If you are a long time buyer, this could be the cheapest car to own.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2010 Cadillac DTS, so we've included reviews for other years of the DTS since its last redesign.
2010 DTS Highlights
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $46,280 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $308/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 18.8 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the DTS include:
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Lane Departure Warning
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintMarginal
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