Teresa’s View
Fire Chief Packer sighed as he slid into the buttery smooth leather seats of the Cadillac DTS. He spoke of his longtime love of Cadillacs with an almost patriotic fervor. Despite his obvious affection for all things Caddy, the chief said he won’t be buying one soon. His wife thinks it’s an “old person’s car.”
Therein lies the rub for the venerable car company. Cadillac has so much going for it — lengthy history, top-of-the-line comfort, innovative gadgetry, a well-deserved reputation for high-performance engines and an undeniable status as America’s homegrown symbol of wealth — but it’s saddled with a reputation as a company that creates big boats, piloted primarily by someone who voted for FDR.
Yes, it’s true that the same year the DeVille — predecessor to the newly introduced DTS — rolled off the assembly line, Dragnet premiered on the radio. However, the car company is not as creaky as its image might suggest.
The 2006 DTS is a fresh, innovative luxury sedan that pays homage to the Deville, embodying the spirit of its forerunner’s bodacious style, celebrated luxury and sophisticated technology. The DTS remains a tribute to the American-made sedan. No one will mistake this car for anything but a Cadillac.
What better way to test this ultimate road car than with a road trip? I found the DTS the perfect companion. With the exception of a few narrow streets and crowded parking lots — this is a large car — the DTS was an enthusiastic driving partner and a comfortable, quiet conveyance. The only disappointment was the fuel economy — 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.
What Is It?: The DTS is a full-size, four-door, five- (front bucket seats) or six-passenger (front bench seat) large luxury sedan with front-wheel drive. While the DTS is offered in a single trim, buyers get a choice of two versions of the same fabulous Northstar 4.6-liter V-8 engine. Prices start at $42K — a $5K savings over the base, 2005 DeVille.
Gadget Rating: 9 out of 10. Premium gadgets are available, including radar-based adaptive cruise control; Adaptive Remote Start; and front and rear ultrasonic park assist. Safety features include six standard air bags, including an industry-first dual- depth front passenger bag. Either a small or large air bag is deployed, depending upon crash severity, seat-belt usage and seat position.
Favorite Optional Feature: Now this is a heated seat! It got hot and stayed that way. Plus, the heat can be directed to your back, backside or both. And, the steering wheel is heated That’s so hot. In the summer, the seats can be cooled.
Least Favorite Feature: The function of the exterior door handles was faulty. I don’t know if they aren’t deep enough or what, but my hand kept slipping from under the handle. If I were a long-fingernail-kinda-gal, I’d be very upset.
Cheat Sheet: Cadillac is a longtime member of the General Motors family.
So, Where Are Ya From?: The Caddy is assembled in Detroit.