2006 Cadillac DTS Review
2006 Cadillac DTS Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Spacious and comfortable cabin, admirable handling for a sedan of its size, easy-to-use DVD navigation system.
Cons
- Lacks the upscale image of its competition, interior materials should be better for the price.
What’s new
The DeVille receives a significant batch of updates for 2006, and Cadillac has renamed it the "DTS." Highlights include new front and rear sheet metal and fascias, a new interior, improved chassis components and a strengthened structure.
Edmunds says
A traditional Cadillac car for the traditional Cadillac buyer, the 2006 Cadillac DTS offers a plush ride, plenty of room and surprisingly adept road manners, not to mention all the latest high-tech features.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2006 Cadillac DTS Luxury I 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 $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$235/mo for DTS Luxury I
DTS Luxury I
vs
$219/mo
Avg. Large Car
Vehicle overview
For more than 50 years, the DeVille has been one of the most popular models sold by Cadillac. Last redesigned in 2000, the DeVille benefits from a major refresh and name change for 2006. The outgoing DeVille has accounted for nearly half of all Cadillac's sales for the past two decades, so its successor, the DTS, has a set of big tire tracks to fill.
With its egg-crate grille, vertical bi-xenon headlamps and sharply creased sheet metal, the DTS embodies all of Cadillac's 21st-century styling cues. A lower dash and a new analog clock combine with low-gloss interior surfaces to update the cabin. Taller folks will appreciate the additional inch of seat travel, and dual-density seat padding promises comfort and proper support. Safety is improved via an industry-first dual-depth front-passenger airbag that varies its inflated volume based on the severity of the crash and the occupant's seating position. Mounting the DTS' engine is a separate cradle that should reduce the already low levels of noise, vibration and harshness reaching the cabin.
By most accounts, the Cadillac DTS is a sophisticated American luxury car that remains true to Cadillac's heritage. Between its powerful engine, cavernous interior and multitude of high-tech vehicle systems, the DTS offers a little bit of everything. There's more than enough room for four adults and the trunk can swallow a weekend's worth of baggage with room to spare. Compared to other cars in its price range, the interior could use some higher-quality materials, but overall it's a clean design with simple controls. If you like your luxury cars big, comfortable and quintessentially American, the 2006 Cadillac DTS will serve well.
Performance & mpg
Even with its relatively slim and trim shape, the Cadillac DTS is still a sizable sedan, so the 4.6-liter V8 engine is a welcome sight under the hood. The standard engine is a 275-horsepower version, while an upgraded version boasting 291 hp is optional. A four-speed automatic is the only transmission choice.
Safety
On hand to maintain optimum vehicle control is StabiliTrak, GM's advanced stability and traction control system. A vast array of onboard sensors can detect if the vehicle is deviating from the driver's intended path and selectively apply individual brakes to restore control. All Cadillac DTS models include standard front side-impact airbags, as well as front and rear side curtain airbags. Should you need assistance in an emergency (or just need tickets to the basketball game), GM's OnStar communications system comes standard. Parking sensors are also available.
Driving
Despite its considerable size and softly tuned suspension, the 2006 Cadillac DTS carries itself well. There's plenty of power on hand for quick passes, while the suspension manages to offer a compliant ride and solid handling. Road and wind noise is barely noticeable and the sheer volume of room in the cabin makes it a terrific highway cruiser.
Interior
Interior room in the DTS is outstanding, with both five- and six-passenger models available. Front-seat passengers are coddled in sumptuous leather seats. Rear passengers are given just as much legroom as front passengers, and the trunk can hold several suitcases without a problem. The overall interior design and materials aren't up to the standards of the European or Japanese competition, but the majority of the controls are easy to decipher, and build quality is generally good.
2006 Cadillac DTS models
The Cadillac DTS is available in one model for 2006. Standard amenities include tri-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, OnStar, bi-xenon headlamps, power front seats and one-touch windows. In terms of luxury options, you find adaptive cruise control, heated and cooled front seats, seat memory for the driver, a heated rear bench, a power rear sunshade, rain-sensing wipers and a Bose sound system. Also available on this Cadillac car is a Magnetic Ride Control suspension that monitors and adjusts individual shock damping according to road surface changes for maximum comfort and performance.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2006 Cadillac DTS.
5 star(75%)
4 star(19%)
3 star(4%)
2 star(1%)
1 star(1%)
91 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3 out of 5 stars
40000 miles not good
chris tillett, 10/13/2015
2006 Cadillac DTS Luxury II 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
1st off, what a beautiful car, comfy, decent mpg! But, this car was always serviced at a Cadillac dealership, at 38000 miles breaking system complete rebuild, not as good as new ! Then both valve cover gaskets, front seat electronics. At 39000, all seals in lower engine replaced at 40000 mile service! Big expense ! Very nice car, but, are you telling me a Lexus , Mercedes or competitive … luxury car would need this?? I no longer trust this car as reliable, but, is pretty. My 4th Cadillac , shame that Cadillac doesn't have reliability for price. Prestige not worth it
4.75 out of 5 stars
DTS Luxury III, Total Comfort at reasonable price
bsdtwd, 06/19/2011
2006 Cadillac DTS Luxury III 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
Bought mine gently used with 23,000 miles. Just off lease. Has everything but distronic style cruise. My wife loves the cooled seats and massage. Just had heated windshield fluid option disabled due to recall. Worked well. Got $100 back from GM. I replaced the third brake light on trunk lid. LED's were going out and I discovered issue as I replaced it. The first screw, of seven, was over … torqued during manufacture and let water into the led housing. You must replace entire unit. About $125.00. I see lots of DTS's with same issue. New one works well. Only other repair was front wheel hub/bearing. Rough winter/potholes in Ohio. A great car, fantastic ride and the last of the big ones.
4.75 out of 5 stars
2006 DTS Review
JimM, 10/18/2006
2006 Cadillac DTS Luxury III 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
I truly love my DTS. Its exterior design is great for me. Its interior comfort / design are also very nice. My wife loves the seats and interior layout. I had to take into the dealer two times, once for air noise in the sunroof and once when the windshield washer didn't work. Both were easy fixes, but a car that is less than one year old, shouldnt have problems. ITs gas milage is just … OK, I average 22.8 mpg in mixed hwy/city driving. The engine does rock when needed and the ride is smooth and comfortable.
5 out of 5 stars
A CLASSIC - Beautifully designed & well engineered
Ted K, 03/08/2020
2006 Cadillac DTS Luxury I 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
The 2000-2011 Devilles and DTS cars were probably the last Cadillacs that were thoughtfully engineered with intuitive ergonomics. The windows are deep and there's plenty of headroom - even in the back seat. The visibility in all directions is excellent. Everything is logically designed - You do NOT need a 200 page user manual to figure out every function and feature the car offers. … The big V8 engine is powerful and throaty and will still deliver about 28MPG on the highway at 65mph. The seats are comfortable and well shaped - front and back. The HID headlights and fog lights are the best. There are even cornering lights to show you what you are turning into at night. The ride is smooth but firm. Handling is quick and responsive.
I have been trying out newer Cadillac CTS and CT6 models lately and the only thing they are better at is reduced road noise. That's it. Bad driver visibility on the new Caddys is compromised in all directions with narrow windows. The interior space in the rear is not as good - especially the headroom. The rear view mirrors on the new cars are too small and very oddly shaped. The new ones are also very gaudy with those flowing teardrop headlights and oversized bright chrome "pimpmobile" wheels.
At 14 years old, my DTS still looks great and drives like new. Big, comfortable and easy to drive. The car has been a pleasure to own and I had planned on turning it over to our 18 year old son but he simply doesn't have the maturity or interest to become a responsible driver so I will be selling to someone else to have and enjoy.
UPDATE:
I sold the car 5 months ago in October 2020. I miss everything about it.
2006 DTS Highlights
Luxury I
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $41,195 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $235/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:
- 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 RestraintPoor
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