DriveTech

2006 Cadillac DTS Performance Sedan

This isn't your father's Cadillac "Rides Like A Cadillac" has been Cadillac's slogan for years and it's not planning on giving it up soon. The all-new 2006 Cadillac DTS Performance Sedan is a fine example of that commitment.

I picked up this four-door luxury cruiser from my good friends at Young Buick-Pontiac-Cadillac in the Escondido Auto Mall. This DTS exemplifies style, beauty and performance, thanks to a little tweaking of the engine,
transmission and suspension. Don't panic - this isn't a hot rod, but it does get to freeway speeds quicker than most and the steering may take a while to get used to. It's nimble and very responsive for a four-door sedan this size. The optional18-inch alloy wheels keep it glued to the corners and help it stop on a dime (and give back change).

The exterior design is subtle. The light cashmere-colored exterior and shale interior really has luxury written all over it. But there's a downside to this color combination. The letters and numbers on all of the controls, lighting and window controls are in what looks like white, making them very difficult to read during the day. It takes some getting used to. Yet if the lettering were darkened, it would take away from the Cadillac's luxurious look.

There are a lot of comfort features in this DTS. For example, the very comfortable front seats can be heated, cooled and adjusted. They also have lumbar support and with the push of a button on the driver's side of the seat, the lumbar will undulate to the point where you don't want to get to your destination. Rear seat passengers get power lumbar and heat as well.

The dash area is nothing fancy, just pretty simple and to the point. There's an information center to keep you aware of what's going on under the hood and at all four corners, including a very efficient tire inflation system.
The radio is unique in that it has six pages to memorize all your favorite stations (I think Cadillac has more room for more stations than there are stations in San Diego!). Then there's XM Radio, which is my favorite satellite station because it has the comedy station.

The center console, which runs between the driver and front passenger, has a beautiful wood shift knob as well as storage for drinks and other small items. It also has a center armrest with two compartments for more stuff. Another feature worth mentioning is the wooden steering wheel that not only has audio and cruise controls integrated into the wheel, it also heats up in cold weather and tilts and moves forwards and backwards for that special position you need to get comfy.

The back seats recline, have a center armrest for storage, two cup holders as well as a pass through for small items that are too long to fit in the trunk. The trunk is big enough for a trip to the warehouse store. Another feature that every automotive manufacturer should consider is folding outside mirrors. How many times have you run into someone else mirrors while walking through a parking lot? It hurts! Fold-back mirrors save some pain and possibly damage to these very expensive heated mirrors with integrated red arrows that illuminate when turning left or right.

I love GM's sound system. This one has Bose with eight speakers nestled in and around the interior with an in-dash six-CD changer to complete the package.

Other innovative features include rain-sensing wipers and Intellibeam auto high beam controls for safe nighttime driving. Safety features include driver and front passenger dual-depth front air bags, seat mounted and head curtain side impact bags, and my favorite - OnStar, which is a must for family safety.

So if you're ready for a Cadillac - just remember this is not your father's Cadillac. Its ride will suit just about every driver.