TheCarConnection.com's editors drove the 2009 Cadillac DTS in order to give you an expert opinion. TheCarConnection.com's car enthusiasts researched available road tests on the new Cadillac DTS to produce this conclusive review and to help you find the truth where other car reviews might differ.
Likes
Smooth freeway cruising
Seats six comfortably
Bulletproof edition for VIPs
Dislikes
Mediocre fuel economy
Boat-like handling
Cumbersome size/maneuverability
The 2009 Cadillac DTS is Cadillac's most traditional model serving a variety of purposes from common civilian transportation to bulletproof versions shuttling personalities such as the President of the United Sates.
Depending on the seating configuration, the front-wheel-drive Cadillac DTS can seat five or six full-size adults comfortably, with plenty of head- and legroom to spare. The DTS offers buyers a choice of either a 275-horsepower, 4.6-liter V-8 or a 300-horsepower version of the same engine. Both come mated to a four-speed automatic gearbox, which doesn't help the DTS get more than 23 mpg on the highway.
The 2009 Cadillac DTS, in keeping with its rather conservative look and feel inside and out, appeals to buyers who want a large and powerful (yet cushy) sedan. The exterior shape of the DTS is creased and angular like the current generation of Cadillacs, and in darker colors, it's reasonably handsome. The interior is well executed, though the large seats in leather are slippery and unsupportive. Large gauges and a tall center stack on the dashboard with a touch-screen video display are the hallmarks of the dash, along with lots of wood veneer.
Six airbags and a long list of amenities are standard, but the Cadillac DTS gets only four-star crash ratings in its standard form for front and side impacts and for rollover. Stability control with brake assist helps keep handling safe even when weather threatens, and Magnetic Ride Control help refine the car's ride and handling characteristics, providing reasonably good handling despite a very smooth, soft ride. With either engine, the DTS has good throttle response and straight-line acceleration, though the transmission has lumpy shift quality, can hesitant to downshift, and has two fewer gears than most of its rivals.
For 2009 the DTS remains largely unchanged except for a host of luxury and technical upgrades, including a new nine-spoke wheel design with Cadillac's wreath and crest logo displayed in the center, "Razor" turn signal LEDs, and clearer Side Blind Zone Alert icons in the rearview mirrors. Popular options on the DTS are grouped into large packages and include heated and cooled front seats, XM NavTraffic, a Bose Centerpoint sound system, a sunroof, and rear sunshades. A Platinum Edition gets a "handcrafted" interior and special badging.
The Bottom Line: The 2009 Cadillac DTS is in need of a better, more modern transmission, but the full-size sedan remains a luxurious front-runner in its market.
Other Choices
If you like the 2009 Cadillac DTS, also consider:
- Buick Lucerne
- Chrysler 300 LWB
- Lincoln Town Car
Reason Why:
There isn't much competition in this categoryThe Buick Lucerne shares its underbody and running gear with the Cadillac DTS, along with its spacious interior. Chrysler sells a long-wheelbase version of its 300 sedan that sports more rear legroom, but it's still primarily a five-seater, and its interior isn't as nicely finished as the Cadillac. Lincoln's Town Car is the old man on the totem pole, with a ride that tends to be oddly firm yet bouncy, especially on extended versions. It's now bought mostly for fleets, and Ford likely will cancel the model in the near future.
Buying Tip
The 2009 Cadillac DTS is available with a choice of two powertrains, and there's no reason to avoid the 300-horsepower V-8 since its only penalty is a small fuel economy disadvantage. Locating and negotiating a good deal on a Cadillac DTS should be relatively easy for the foreseeable future.
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Review was originally published at TheCarConnection.com
© 2009 TheCarConnection.com