2011 Cadillac DTS Review

About this Vehicle

Trim: 2011 Cadillac DTS 4.6L V8

MSRP: $46,680 Engine: 4.6L V8 Transmission: Automatic

Drivetrain: FWD Fuel Type: Gas Curb Weight: 4,009 lbs.

Review

Not much has changed in Cadillac’s new 2011 DTS sedan. Cadillac has tried to modernize their line of full size sedans over the years. However, the line has pretty much stayed the same for the past few years.
This vehicle offers modern comforts commonly associated with this price range. It has a fantastically plush ride, and an extremely quiet cabin. We must also say, even though the sedan hasn’t changed much, it still offers very clean and luxurious styling. The passenger cabin is also extremely roomy, despite looking fairly small on the outside. The car even carries a big V8 standard with a four-speed automatic transmission.
This car is a solid contender for people wanting a full-size luxury car born out of American soil. However, there are some things to consider before purchasing it.
The car comes with four trim levels. These are Basic, Luxury, Premium, and Platinum. The standard model comes from the factory with 17-inch wheels, front foglights, sepearte climate control for passenger and driver, Bluetooth, an eight-speaker stereo system, OnStar free for 12 months, remote engine start, and xenon headlights.
If you move up to the Luxury model, you receive chrome wheels, parking assist, three separate climate control zones, heated and ventilated driver and passenger seats, driver’s seat memory settings, and an auto-dimming mirror on the driver’s side.
If you decide to go for the Premium model, you get to indulge in a new style grille, power front seats with massagers built in, burled walnut accents in the interior, a wood-trimmed steering wheel, a built-in navigation system, and telescopic steering.
The Platinum model yields the driver a more powerful engine, Magnetic Ride Control, 18-inch wheels, and a leather accented dash, and a faux-suede headliner, blind spot warning systems, and lane-departure systems.
As for the underhood specifications, the DTS comes equipped with two possible 4.6 liter V8 engine options. The standard engine, which comes in every trim package except the Platinum edition, puts out around 275 horsepower and 295 ft-lbs of torque. However, the Platinum model offer an engine packed full of power at almost 300 horsepower and 288 ft-lbs of torque.
Shifting is handled by a tried-and-true four-speed automatic transmission. The transmission is tweaked for higher performance in the Platinum model. Front-wheel drive is the method in which the transmission transfers power in all models. The acceleration of the DTS is not great, but not terrible. It reaches 60 mph in a standard seven seconds.
The 2011 DTS comes standard with electronic stability control, side-impact front airbags, and side curtain airbags for both rows of seats. The DTS is adequately equipped with enough safety features to keep you and your passengers safe during the long drives that you are sure to take.
The DTS is slightly shorter than some of the older Caddy models that it takes after. However, the interior still feels incredibly large and spacious. The available front bench seat makes this car one of the only luxury sedans that seats six. You will find more than enough room in the interior of this car, no matter which trim level you decide to buy. The Caddy has a huge 19 cubic feet of storage space in the trunk. You can even put the middle seat down and put long items like fishing poles inside of it. All-in-all, the cabin is common and stylish at the same time.
The ride quality in the 2011 DTS is up to par with any luxury sedan ever driven. The plush ride is soft enough to make even the longest trips feel like a mere jog around the block. However, performance is not the highest on Cadillac’s list for this vehicle.
All-in-all, the 2011 Cadillac DTS is a great move for someone looking for American luxury at a price most modern families can afford. At $46,280, you may have to save up your money, but not for too long.