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2008 Cadillac DTS Performance Review

July 22, 2008

PERFORMANCE | 6 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

a noticeable disconnect between driver and road
Kelley Blue Book

punchy takeoffs
ConsumerGuide Auto

The eight-cylinder, front-wheel-drive 2008 Cadillac DTS delivers sufficient horsepower to move its considerable bulk around with extreme comfort and ease.

The 2008 Cadillac DTS is equipped with one of two 4.6-liter Northstar V-8 engine options. The base and luxury Cadillac DTS models are powered by a 275-horsepower engine that Kelley Blue Book describes as having an "utterly smooth response." By way of comparison, the Performance model engine has a whopping 292 horsepower. Many reviewers, including those at MyRide.com, note that given the "identical displacement" of this 2008 Cadillac, they find "negligible differences in [real world] power ratings." Car and Driver calls the power “adequate.” Edmunds reports, “Either way, the lone transmission is a four-speed automatic, which is calibrated for quicker response in the Performance model.” With the latter, “we've timed a DTS Performance to 60 mph in 7 seconds flat.” Motor Trend calls the transmission “effective, but somewhat old news in this world of five, six, and even seven-speeders.”

Fuel economy is rated by the EPA at 15/23 mpg for the standard version, and 15/22 mpg for the Performance model.

Kelley Blue Book notices that with an "indisputably soft suspension, the DTS is far less floaty than might be expected." That smooth ride is the hallmark of any Cadillac. The DTS does not satisfy everyone, though. Reviewers at MyRide.com describe the 2008 Cadillac DTS as having a "cushiony ride without much wallow." ConsumerGuide Auto details all 2008 Cadillac DTS Trims as handling "competently," though noting that the luxury sedan "is compromised by its size and heft." They add it "comfortably smothers most bumps," though it "allows some float and wander over large pavement humps."
Car and Driver is also less than impressed with the handling. They chide the Cadillac DTS for a "vague steering feel."

Conclusion

The 2008 Cadillac DTS delivers adequate power with the cushioned ride that most longtime fans have come to expect.

PERFORMANCE | 6 out of 10Expert Quotes:a noticeable disconnect between driver and roadKelley Blue Bookpunchy takeoffsConsumerGuide Auto The eight-cylinder, front-wheel-drive 2008 Cadillac DTS delivers sufficient horsepower to move its considerable bulk around with extreme comfort and ease. The 2008 Cadillac DTS is equipped with one of two 4.6-liter Northstar V-8 engine options. The base and luxury Cadillac DTS models are powered by a 275-horsepower engine that Kelley Blue Book describes as having an "utterly smooth response." By way of comparison, the Performance model engine has a whopping 292 horsepower. Many reviewers, including those at MyRide.com, note that given the "identical displacement" of this 2008 Cadillac, they find "negligible differences in [real world] power ratings." Car and Driver calls the power “adequate.” Edmunds reports, “Either way, the lone transmission is a four-speed automatic, which is calibrated for quicker response in the Performance model.” With the latter, “we've timed a DTS Performance to 60 mph in 7 seconds flat.” Motor Trend calls the transmission “effective, but somewhat old news in this world of five, six, and even seven-speeders.” Fuel economy is rated by the EPA at 15/23 mpg for the standard version, and 15/22 mpg for the Performance model. Kelley Blue Book notices that with an "indisputably soft suspension, the DTS is far less floaty than might be expected." That smooth ride is the hallmark of any Cadillac. The DTS does not satisfy everyone, though. Reviewers at MyRide.com describe the 2008 Cadillac DTS as having a "cushiony ride without much wallow." ConsumerGuide Auto details all 2008 Cadillac DTS Trims as handling "competently," though noting that the luxury sedan "is compromised by its size and heft." They add it "comfortably smothers most bumps," though it "allows some float and wander over large pavement humps." Car and Driver is also less than impressed with the handling. They chide the Cadillac DTS for a "vague steering feel." ConclusionThe 2008 Cadillac DTS delivers adequate power with the cushioned ride that most longtime fans have come to expect.  2008 CADILLAC DTS STYLING | [7 out of 10] Edmunds: "The interior is perhaps the CTS' greatest improvement" Automobile: "acknowledges tradition, yet remains fresh and modern" ConsumerGuide Auto: "among the roomiest, most comfortable big sedans " The 2008 Cadillac DTS is a ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

In this class of cars, the competition is far from fierce. Lincoln's Town Car is the old man on the totem pole, and Ford likely will cancel the model in the near future--it's mostly sold as a fleet car, anyway. The Buick Lucerne shares its underbody and running gear with the Cadillac DTS, but you may prefer its styling. 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.

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See the Cadillac DTS in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006

Comments (1 total)

  1. By L. Tong #1, Posted: 12/2/2008

    Retiree

    We may have bought that ODD DTS. Ours appear to be noiser than the 2002 Deville we had; the catch for the rear seat beats are too short for the passenger to easily attach; between 25-30 mps transmission noise is distinctly heard; passenger light behind driver not operating...

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