2010 Cadillac DTS
- 2009 Cadillac DTS
- Used Cadillac DTS
Based on analysis of 53 DTS reviews and test drives.
Cadillac DTS - What the Auto Press Says
The 2010 Cadillac DTS ranks 7 out of 12 Luxury Large Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 53 published reviews and test drives of the Cadillac DTS, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
GM's largest sedan, the 2010 Cadillac DTS, drives like something out of an earlier time. Its gentle, floating ride and cavernous back seat are luxuries to some buyers, and represent the last chance to own the classic Cadillac experience. But those virtues also make it feel dated - many similarly-priced cars offer more modern driving experiences.
A huge, front-wheel-drive sedan, the DTS has little in common with most large luxury cars. Its spacious cabin and huge trunk, plush seating and rear-seat climate and entertainment controls set it apart from the performance-oriented, rear-wheel-drive cars most foreign manufacturers sell at this price. Diehard Cadillac fans might want to consider the STS -- this car's rear-wheel-drive cousin. It is only slightly smaller than the DTS but still a large Cadillac sedan -- and it's a lot more fun to drive.
The 2010 DTS may be available, however, at a considerable discount. The 2009 DTS was one of the slowest-selling passenger cars in America, and so far there is little reason to believe the 2010 model will fare any better.
General Motors contemplated cancelling the car for 2010, but instead, has recently announced plans to replace it for the 2011 model year with a rear-wheel-drive large sedan, to be called the XTS, that will be more performance-oriented and likely a bit smaller. That news, however, is more pressure on buyers who are looking for an old-school, front-wheel-drive, comfort-oriented American sedan. They are an endangered species, and this may be the last survivor.
The 2010 DTS is identical to the 2009 model - Cadillac offers two new exterior colors, but has made no other changes. The DTS is available in Base, Luxury, Premium Luxury and Performance trims, with only available equipment distinguishing them.
- "Large V8-powered American luxury sedans don't get any better than the 2009 Cadillac DTS, but many other luxury sedans do...Unfortunately, with a base price north of $45,000, the DTS is up against some very stiff competition." -- Edmunds
- "This is a rational luxury car, easy to operate in addition to being large and luxurious. We like that." -- New Car Test Drive
- "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." -- Consumer Guide
- "You feel like you are in command of the world and riding in style."-- Forbes
- "The Cadillac DTS offers a smooth ride and well-appointed retro interior, with high-tech but easy to use controls and gizmos." -- BusinessWeek
DTS Performance - 8.0 (Very Good)
The 2010 Cadillac DTS is a comfortable highway cruiser, never meant for performance driving. Kelley Blue Book says "the DTS maintains a firm foothold in the soft-riding, moderate-handling category." For those who worry that the big car will handle ponderously, Cadillac does offer a performance trim level, with a magnetic suspension system to improve the big car's handling. It won't make the DTS nimble, but it will make it much easier to drive. Read More
DTS Exterior - 8.2 (Very Good)
The 2010 Cadillac DTS is a throwback. The huge Cadillac crest on its oversized, bright chrome grille is far from subtle - this car was built to remind buyers of the prestige of generations of big Cadillacs. It's a look that some reviewers love, and others find dated. Read More
DTS Interior - 8.8 (Very Good)
The 2010 Cadillac DTS was designed with comfort in mind, as its spacious interior shows. Consumer Guide says the "DTS is among the roomiest, most comfortable big sedans." The huge back seat, with separate climate and entertainment controls, is a highlight. Read More
DTS Safety - 8.7 (Very Good)
The old idea that a huge car is a safe car doesn't prove entirely true today. The DTS gets decent government crash test scores, but some in the large care class do better. Read More
DTS Reliability - NA
Cadillac protects DTS buyers with a four-year/50,000-mile warranty. Read More
