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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2009 Cadillac DTS

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2011 Cadillac DTS

Overview

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2009 Cadillac DTS Review

By KBB.com Editors

The 2009 Cadillac DTS (formerly known as the DeVille) continues with relatively few changes. Designed to appease traditional Cadillac buyers who may be turned off by the company's newer products, the DTS maintains a firm foothold in the soft-riding, moderate-handling category. With its long hood, six-passenger seating and huge trunk, the DTS is equally as capable of accommodating a foursome's trip to the golf course as it is a family's weekend retreat. Although priced well into Lexus territory, Cadillac feels the long list of electronic goodies on the DTS, coupled with its famed Northstar V8 engine, should be sufficient to keep brand-loyal customers from jumping ship. Yet, as aging baby-boomers look for more comfortable means of transport, the DTS just may win over an entirely new generation.

You'll Like This Car If...

Drivers of any age who place comfort and luxury over sportiness and performance might be well-satisfied behind the wheel of a DTS, even if they couldn't quite bring themselves to buy one. Mature shoppers are most likely to appreciate the DTS's many available comforts and amenities.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Steer clear if you're embarrassed to be seen in a car that your parents or grandparents might drive, despite its alluring comforts. Although the ride is far better than in Cadillacs of the distant past, it's less direct and more isolated than many of today's motorists would prefer.

What's New for 2009

Some minor exterior and interior upgrades make up the major changes for 2009. The roof-mounted antenna is now body colored, while inside a speed alert warning system joins newly designed switches for the heated and cooling seats. Bluetooth hands-free communication is now part of the OnStar 8.0 package.

Driving the DTS

Driving Impressions Smooth and silken throughout, the 2009 Cadillac DTS suggests motoring from an earlier, more elegant era. Ride quality approaches genteel most of the time, but that translates to a reduced...

feeling of precision and security when the pavement turns rough. Despite an indisputably soft suspension, the DTS is far less floaty than might be expected and body lean in corners is tolerable. The steering, however, delivers a noticeable disconnect between driver and road. Expect utterly smooth response from the standard V8, with near-seamless shifts from the automatic transmission and virtually no delay in passing or merging with traffic. Except for a tiny vibration at idle, the DTS is ultra-quiet.

Favorite Features

Northstar V8 Engine and Hydra-Matic
The Northstar V8 is well known for smooth running and energetic response to the gas pedal, helped by unobtrusive shifts from GM's Hydra-Matic transmission.

Optional Front Split Bench Seat
Even if many shoppers may not particularly want one, it's refreshing to know that a six-passenger sedan still exists on the market.

2009 Cadillac DTS Details

Interior

Dual-firmness seats provide plenty of travel, while the instrument panel is lower and farther forward. Normally seating five passengers, the DTS promises abundant front-seat space that lets occupants stretch out on comfortable, well-cushioned upholstery. Rear-seat space is no less bountiful, but the hard center seatback curtails comfort. The glovebox is a long reach and items fall out easily. Analog gauges are easy to read, augmented by a small digital speedometer. Visibility is good, despite wide rear pillars and a high back shelf. Many controls and buttons are difficult to decipher, so owners must consult the manual.

Exterior

"Cadillac-signature" styling ties the 2009 DTS to the DeVilles of the past, as well as to the company's present and future. Details were developed to fall into line with other current Cadillac models, such as the CTS and STS. Front-end sheetmetal and the egg-crate grille, and the rear quarter and decklid, including the vertically-shaped LED taillamps, are new, and Intellibeam automatic high-beam headlamps are now standard. Cadillac calls the DTS styling "more architectural" and "linear" and, according to the company, body gaps are tighter than ever, within one millimeter between hood and fender and less than two millimeters between taillamps and decklid.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Safety items top the list of standard features, including four-channel anti-lock brakes (ABS) and traction control, roof-rail side-curtain airbags and front-seat side-impact thorax airbags. A factory-installed Adaptive Remote Start system includes a personalization provision. The 17-inch tires are mounted to machined aluminum wheels, and leather upholstery, automatic dual-zone climate control, folding power mirrors, a CD player with MP3 capability and GM's OnStar assistance system are standard.

Optional Equipment

Although the 2009 Cadillac DTS is offered in a single trim level, option groups can add extra features. The Performance Package includes the 292-horsepower high-output V8 engine, performance algorithm shifting, Magnetic Ride Control and 18-inch tires on machined aluminum wheels. Option Package Luxury I includes front and rear parking assist sensors, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, heated windshield-washer nozzles, brake assist and four-channel StabiliTrak stability control. Radar-based adaptive speed control provides audible and visual alerts. Additional options include a moonroof, DVD navigation system, power rear sunshade and color-keyed grille.

Under the Hood

In standard form, the Northstar LD8 4.6-liter dual-overhead-cam V8 develops 275 horsepower and is matched with a Hydra-Matic four-speed transmission. A higher-output, higher-revving Northstar L37 V8 is available with the Performance Package – rated at nearly 300 horsepower but yielding less torque than the LD8.

4.6-liter V8
275 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
295 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/23

4.6-liter V8 High Output
292 horsepower @ 6300 rpm
288 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/22

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Cadillac DTS vehicles for sale near you.

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2009 Cadillac DTS Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.8

Out of 10

Based on 152 Ratings for the 2006 - 2011 models.

Review this car

Value

9.0/10

Quality

9.0/10
Reliability

9.1/10

Performance

9.2/10
Comfort

9.3/10

Styling

9.2/10

Best darn Cadillac I've ever owned.

By My DTS (NE) on Thursday, July 25, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 65,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Fantastic car"

Cons: "GM shut off the heated washer fluid."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have 64000 miles on this car. bought it new. Fantastic car wish they still made them. I'm 6'5" and 225 lbs.,have plenty of room. Ordered the bench seat. Great mileage on the high way. And so comfortable. Very little repair just regular maintenance .I'll drive this DTS till it drops dead. Drove a new xts platinum and no room in the front seat area, and very little room in the back seat area. You can't get a bench seat any more."

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Great over the road vehicle

By Scooter (MN) on Tuesday, July 16, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 150,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Just completed road trip of 2500 miles, including central plains and rocky mountains. Four adults with full trunk of luggage traveled very comfortably. Car now has over 150,000 miles and going strong."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Excellent

By Carlos (FL) on Saturday, July 06, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 41,500

10 1.0

overall rating 1 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 1/10
Value: 5/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 5/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Fun drive, confortable, very reliable"

Cons: "Electronics poor, expect more from Cadillac"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 5

"I purchased car used with 19,900 miles. Had to replace windshield, renew GPS software and it caused problems with the original software and still unable to update correctly. Cadillac dealership and Cadillac have taken no action to correct. Extremely poor mileage, have taken to dealership to check, repair or replace, however, remains the same. 13.5 to 15mpg. On the road 16 to max 17mpg (sometimes). Various part had to be replaced because of worn or fell of the exterior. Battery had to be replaced. This being top of the line vehicle I expected more from Cadillac. I have the car taken well care of and maintained according to maintenance procedures."

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Best road trip vehicle

By catcandles (WA) on Monday, July 01, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 62,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "dependable & a breeze to drive"

Cons: "could turn sharper"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"dependability, mileage and Luxury! On star a must & worth it! Room for all that matters, comfort, air, heated seats, cruse, tilt Parking assist! We need to tell the manufacture to continue making this size vehicle."

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This is Cadillacs best auto ever Mfg

By Maury (PA) on Saturday, May 18, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 51,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Over the road this is your car at 28MPG or more"

Cons: "City, your heavy foot will pay gas"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have been driving Cadillacs since 1972 getting new ones evry third year. I went through some very bad years with Cadillac until 2001. It was a good vehicle but not as well as my 2006. The comfort, the space and the performance of the auto is outstanding. When on the road 28 MPG is the norm, in the city its not too good. Does not burn oil and has been changed every 3000/4000 miles. New tires and brakes. Gargage kept looks brand new."

1 person out of 2 found this review helpful

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Great Value For Full Size Luxury Car

By CJ (FL) on Tuesday, May 14, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 32,500

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Roomy interior and trunk.Comfortable.Power"

Cons: "Fuel around town in teens.Old school design"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Great car for $15000!If you like old school this is the car for you.Northstar is good for performance and will still get in the upper 20s on the highway.A little expensive to get repaired but check on the internet for Cadillac Forums and you can get a lot of helpful tips on working on these yourself.I had a 91 Deville and traded for a 2000 and now traded for an 06.For the buck I think this is a great buy for a full size luxury car.I travel from Florida to NY frequently and can do it in one shot and am not in pain at the end of a 19 hour day behind the wheel."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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See all 152 reviews