2006 Cadillac DTS Road Test

Performance Sedan

Cadillac has fired a shot across the collective bows of the European and Asian luxury sedan builders with a revamped and much improved DTS Performance Sedan. Priced at US$50,500 with the high output Northstar V8

2006 Cadillac DTS (Photo: General Motors)

and packed with oodles of standard equipment befitting a luxury automobile, the Cadillac straddles the oomph of the BMW, the ride of the Mercedes, the interior of the Lexus, and the handling of the Jaguar.

Add to this mix the best interior lighting ever, great headlights, good visibility, a capable 292 horsepower engine and throw in a sharper image exterior and you have the best domestic made luxury car available. Still, there are a few shortcomings such as an automatic transmission that isn't always sure which gear to select when passing, a dismal fuel mileage rating, and brakes that feel wooden and made us wonder if it just wasn't our particular test vehicle. If you want room for five, or perhaps six, a huge trunk, an isolated ride, good acceleration, a handsome interior and quality sound system the DTS needs to be driven.

Mom's view: This is a big car and it takes a big space to park and the front wheel drive means your turning radius is large. Cadillac knows this and provides a sonar type parking warning system with dash top readouts to warn you of your proximity to objects. The bigness is also responsible for a softer ride and a relaxed fit type of atmosphere in the passenger cabin. There is ample room for four golf club sets in the trunk, a

2006 Cadillac DTS (Photo: General Motors)

variety of useful cabin storage bins, and terrific interior lighting. The light leather adorned interior is very nice and the seats are comfortable, but not all that supportive. On the other hand they are heated, cooled, and even offer a massage.

Safety wise you get pretty much everything. There are six standard air bars, ABS, and a variety of other electronic aids as well as one year of OnStar, a tire pressure monitor, and even remote starting for those cold mornings. The heater worked very well, but the heated seats weren't as quick. Cadillac also offers what they call dual-depth front-passenger airbag that varies its inflated volume based on the severity of the crash and the passenger's seating position.

Driving the DTS is simple enough given its potent engine and good visibility, but the brake feel wasn't to my liking, as it required too much leg pressure. I also prefer cars with a bit more bit to them and so the lush ride didn't light my fire. I would definitely go with an optional suspension-tuning package. However, those who are used to American luxury vehicles are going to be at home in the DTS. If you want more handling and performance look to the STS and smaller Cadillacs. This is a car for those who like to cruise and enjoy life. Even the rain sensing windshield wipers can take the drudgery out of having to worry about wet weather and the sound system was terrific. With General Motors offering great deals you can probably buy a DTS for tens of thousands less than a comparable European or Asian competitor and you with the optional 4.6 liter V8 and its 292 horsepower they aren't going to be pushing you into the slow lane.