2009 Cadillac DTS Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$46,280 to $54,230

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.5

avg user rating

(11 reviews)
2009 Cadillac DTS Preview summaryImage

As Cadillac's largest sedan, the 2009 DTS can't be missed on the road, offering class-leading room and comfort at a lower pricetag than its somewhat more refined and modern Mercedes and Lexus competitors. Staying its course, it receives some minor tinkering this year, adding standard OnStar 8.0 with optional Bluetooth on all trims, a speeding alert system on the trip computer, and redesigned 17-inch wheels. The optional navigation system gets updated with real-time traffic information.

Definitely pointed toward an older crowd preferring comfort over performance, the 2009 DTS seats up to six adults (with the optional front bench seat) and offers 132 cubic feet of interior volume. The large 18-cubic-foot trunk easily holds four golf bags, although the rear seats do not split-fold to extend that space. Legroom averages around 42 inches in both front and back, with nearly 40 inches of headroom.

With such large dimensions, this front-wheel-drive full-size sedan requires and gets plenty of power, thanks to its 4.6-liter Northstar V8 engine. Luxury I, II, and III trims feature a 275-hp version, while the Performance trim tweaks the engine's mechanics to boost that number to 292 hp, with 0-60 times around 7 seconds. The standard four-speed HydraMatic automatic transmission feels somewhat overwhelmed by the engine, however, unable to take full advantage of its muscle.

Luxury trims are aptly named, decked out with leather upholstery, 8-way power front seats, and wheel-mounted audio controls. As you move up through the numbers, tri-zone climate control, massaging front seats, a heated steering wheel, power lumbar in the rear seats, and a Bose sound system become standard.

Performance trims ride on a sport-tuned suspension, which despite the firmer ride easily and comfortably absorbs road bumps. Its standard Magnetic Ride Control provides increased stability and roll control over the Luxury trims. Other Performance improvements include larger 18-inch wheels, memory settings for the driver, a blind zone alert system, and the seat massaging feature for both front and rear passengers. ABS brakes, dual front-side and side curtain airbags, traction and stability control, foglights, and xenon headlights come standard on all trims.

As expected from the Cadillac name, the 2009 DTS offers luxury, spaciousness, and easy driveability for consumers not particularly interested in the more direct driving experience found in the sportier STS. An extremely quiet ride and extensive features list wrap passengers in upscale comfort, though some reviewers find the interior less luxurious than more-expensive models from Mercedes, Lexus, and Lincoln. And despite its large size, the 2009 DTS exhibits impressive off-the-line acceleration, with controls and steering wheel oriented toward optimal driver comfort. Its dimensions hamper maneuverability, and the lack of interior storage space, floaty handling, and poor 15/23 mpg can be a drawback for some.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published May 31, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2009 Cadillac DTS

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User rating:
by eric l
Dec 15, 2023
Great Car Last of the great V8S Drives like a dreamDec 15, 2023
by Timothy H
May 17, 2023
I think its a great car and a very good buy.May 17, 2023
by Gary J
Mar 18, 2022
Amazing 2 Alright 3 Nothing 4 Bentley Mar 18, 2022

2009 Cadillac DTS Pricing

Original MSRP
$46,280 to $54,230
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
N/A
YoY price change
N/A

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Bose premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.7 · Front brake width: 1.18 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.5 · Rear brake width: 0.47 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Center console trim: simulated wood · Dash trim: simulated wood · Door trim: simulated wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: climate control · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.11

Engine

Alternator: 150 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Rear bumper color: body-color

Headrests

Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Lights

Headlights: HID · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Sunroof: one-touch

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.2 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.2

Suspension

Air Suspension: rear · Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 29 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 18 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear shock type: monotube

Telematics

Navigation system: DVD navigation system w/voice activation · Satellite communications: OnStar

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: chrome aluminum

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 9

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic front side

Air Conditioning

Climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Single rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Bose premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.7 · Front brake width: 1.18 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.5 · Rear brake width: 0.47 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Center console trim: simulated wood · Dash trim: simulated wood · Door trim: simulated wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: audio system · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.11

Engine

Alternator: 150 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Rear bumper color: body-color

Headrests

Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Sunroof: sliding sunshade

Safety

Parking sensors: rear

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.2 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.2

Suspension

Air Suspension: rear · Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 29 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 18 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear shock type: monotube

Telematics

Navigation system: DVD navigation system w/voice activation · Satellite communications: OnStar

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: chrome aluminum

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 9

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic front side

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Single rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Bose premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.7 · Front brake width: 1.18 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.5 · Rear brake width: 0.47 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Center console trim: simulated wood · Dash trim: simulated wood · Door trim: simulated wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: audio system · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.11

Engine

Alternator: 150 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color

Headrests

Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual folding

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Sunroof: tilt/slide

Safety

Parking sensors: rear

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.2 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.2

Suspension

Air Suspension: rear · Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 29 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 18 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear shock type: monotube

Telematics

Navigation system: DVD navigation system w/voice activation · Satellite communications: OnStar

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: aluminum with painted accents

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 9

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Single rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · Bose premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.7 · Front brake width: 1.18 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.5 · Rear brake width: 0.47 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: front center · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power steering wheel · Memorized settings: audio system · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: door pockets · Sunshade: power rear window · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.11

Engine

Alternator: 150 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Rear bumper color: body-color

Headrests

Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: wiper activated · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Lumbar Support: power adjustments · Power adjustments: 4 · Type: bench

Roof

Sunroof: one-touch

Safety

Parking sensors: rear

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: 4-way power lumbar · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.2 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.2

Suspension

Air Suspension: rear · Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 29 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 18 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear shock type: monotube

Telematics

Navigation system: DVD navigation system w/voice activation · Satellite communications: OnStar

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: chrome

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 9

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic front side

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Single rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · Bose premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.7 · Front brake width: 1.18 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.5 · Rear brake width: 0.47 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: wood

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power steering wheel · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: cargo net · Sunshade: power rear window · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.71

Engine

Alternator: 150 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Rear bumper color: body-color

Headrests

Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Lights

Headlights: HID · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Lumbar Support: power adjustments · Power adjustments: 4 · Type: bench

Roof

Sunroof: one-touch

Safety

Parking sensors: front

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.2 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.1

Suspension

Air Suspension: rear · Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 29 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 18 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear shock type: monotube · Suspension control: magnetic

Telematics

Navigation system: DVD navigation system · Satellite communications: OnStar

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: chrome

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 9 · Width: 7.5

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic front side

See all trims (5)