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2009 Cadillac DTS Performance Review

February 22, 2009

PERFORMANCE | 6 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

vague steering feel
Car and Driver

a noticeable disconnect between driver and road
Kelley Blue Book

The V-8 engine powering the 2009 Cadillac DTS easily transports its occupants to their destination in comfort.

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." The Performance model engine produces a whopping 292 horsepower. Many reviewers, including those at MyRide.com, note that given the "identical displacement" of the 2009 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.”

The EPA rates the 2009 Cadillac DTS at 15 mpg city, 23 highway for the standard version, with 15/22 ratings for the Performance model.

Most reviewers are not so pleased with the way the Cadillac DTS handles. Consumer Guide details all 2009 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

V-8 power remains one of the Cadillac DTS's most commendable traits, but its boat-like handling won’t find fans.  

PERFORMANCE | 6 out of 10Expert Quotes:vague steering feelCar and Drivera noticeable disconnect between driver and roadKelley Blue Book The V-8 engine powering the 2009 Cadillac DTS easily transports its occupants to their destination in comfort. 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." The Performance model engine produces a whopping 292 horsepower. Many reviewers, including those at MyRide.com, note that given the "identical displacement" of the 2009 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.” The EPA rates the 2009 Cadillac DTS at 15 mpg city, 23 highway for the standard version, with 15/22 ratings for the Performance model. Most reviewers are not so pleased with the way the Cadillac DTS handles. Consumer Guide details all 2009 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." ConclusionV-8 power remains one of the Cadillac DTS's most commendable traits, but its boat-like handling won’t find fans.    2009 CADILLAC DTS STYLING | [7 out of 10] Automobile: "acknowledges tradition, yet remains fresh and modern" Edmunds: "more-refined exterior styling" Consumer Guide: "among the roomiest, most comfortable big sedans " The 2009 Cadillac DTS is the most traditional model in the ...

Read More of this Review:

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

Other Choices:

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.

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See the Cadillac DTS in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006

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