Cadillac DTS Review

2008 Cadillac DTS Performance Sedan Shown

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The old-school branding has been replaced by "DTS," carrying on the heritage of the previous "DeVille Touring Sedan" in accordance with the company's more contemporary three-letter nomenclature. The Cadillac DTS continues to offer the qualities that have always attracted folks to America's premier luxury brand, and the recent updates infused the DTS with all of Cadillac's current styling cues -- the stacked headlights, simple egg-crate grille and crisp character lines. The voluminous cabin is more modern, too, as buyers can opt for bucket seats and a console up front instead of the traditional three-across bench. Advanced technology is evidenced by a navigation system, adaptive cruise control and heated, cooled and massaging seats.

In the final analysis, the 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 offers a superior package: Equipped with the Northstar V8, it has advantages in performance, spaciousness and cabin ambience. For buyers desiring a traditional big American luxury car, the DTS is a solid candidate.

Current Cadillac DTS

The Cadillac DTS luxury sedan is available in four trim levels covering three basic flavors: Base, Luxury I/II and Performance. The base version is fully equipped with expected amenities like dual-zone automatic climate control, leather, OnStar, bi-xenon headlamps and CD/MP3 audio with satellite radio. Luxury I adds heated/cooled seats, a heated steering wheel and rear park assist, while Luxury II piles on the premiums like triple-zone climate control, a six-disc CD changer, power lumbar adjustments, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a power rear sunshade. If you can swing its near-$50K price tag, the high-line DTS Performance is your best bet. In addition to its more powerful V8, it's equipped with 18-inch wheels and a firmer suspension with Magnetic Ride Control dampers, which noticeably improve the big sedan's handling capabilities. A sunroof and DVD navigation system are available as options.

A 4.6-liter V8 powers the Cadillac DTS. It makes 275 horsepower in base and Luxury models and 292 hp on the Performance trim level. All DTS sedans come with a four-speed automatic transmission that sends engine power to the front wheels. The Performance trim 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 and solid handling as long as you're being reasonable. The Performance 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.

The sheer volume of room in the cabin and trunk makes the DTS exceptionally accommodating on long trips. It's possible some might even find the DTS an acceptable alternative once they've grown weary of even larger, thirstier and less manageable luxury sport-utility vehicles.

Past 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. Consumers interested in a used DTS will want to check out our review of the car's predecessor, the DeVille.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.