- 2010
2009 Cadillac DTS
- Used Cadillac DTS
Cadillac DTS - What the Auto Press Says
The 2009 Cadillac DTS is the largest sedan General Motors makes today, it's an unabashedly huge, front-wheel-drive luxury car that provides a gentle, smooth ride in a luxurious cabin. If that's what you're looking for, this is your best choice. But keep in mind, it also has the worst fuel economy in the large car class, lacks some modern safety options and can cost more than some vehicles that offer a better driving experience.
The DTS, like the big caddies of old, has virtues. It's extremely comfortable, as roomy in the rear seats as it is in the front, and has every modern luxury amenity. It's easy to drive, as long as you aren't looking to drive it hard. And its trunk space is almost unmatched in the automotive world.
Still, 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 DTS is available in Base, Luxury, Premium Luxury and Performance trims, with only available equipment distinguishing them. For 2009, Cadillac has tweaked interior features slightly, adding Bluetooth compatibility and real-time XM NavTraffic. The company has also addressed one owner complaint, using more rust-resistant brakes
- "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 DTS is tuned for comfortable cruising, not nimble cornering or drag racing. Kelley Blue Book says "the DTS maintains a firm foothold in the soft-riding, moderate-handling category." There is, however, a Performance trim level, which adds an advanced magnetic suspension system to improve the big car's handling. It won't outperform rear-wheel-drive cars in its price range, but it's not difficult to operate. Read More
DTS Exterior - 8.2 (Very Good)
The look of the DTS is about heritage -- this car borrows the prestige of generations of big Cadillacs, emphasized with a huge chrome grille and an oversized Cadillac crest. See it in our Cadillac DTS Photo Gallery, or read our full Exterior Review for commentary. Read More
DTS Interior - 8.7 (Very Good)
The 2009 DTS is huge inside, and aims for elegance. "DTS is among the roomiest, most comfortable big sedans," says Consumer Guide. See the cabin in detail in our Cadillac DTS Photo Gallery, or read our full Interior Review for reviewer opinion on the seats and electronics. Read More
DTS Safety - 8.9 (Very Good)
Heft only goes so far in auto safety. The DTS earns respectable scores in government crash tests, but trails most of the large luxury class. Continue with our full Safety Review for details on available safety equipment. Read More
DTS Reliability - 9.0 (Excellent)
The 2009 Cadillac DTS reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Cadillac offers a four-year/50,000-mile warranty on the DTS. Continue with our full Reliability Review for coverage details. Read More
