The 2011 Cadillac DTS is a full-size sedan that offers the comfort and luxury you expect from this automaker. It manages to combine a comfortable ride with tremendous amounts of cargo capacity in the trunk, although it isn’t without its flaws. This also marked the final year of production for the DTS.
Key Features
One of the best features of the 2011 Cadillac DTS is the complete seclusion from road noise. It’s almost pin-drop quiet inside the cabin. The enormous trunk space is another important feature, and one of the best selling points, although the spacious interior certainly doesn’t hurt.
Changes for This Model Year
No substantial changes were made to the DTS for the 2011 model year.
What We Like
What we like about the 2011 DTS can be summed up in just a few words – quiet, roomy spaciousness. That’s really what this car is all about. It takes you back in time to a day when cars were more than just a way to get from point A to point B.
What Concerns Us
While the DTS is quiet and composed, there are some significant concerns here. The handling is almost completely numb, and it’s difficult to steer with any degree of accuracy. The car is also enormous, making getting into and out of tight spots a real chore. The engine isn’t powerful enough for the car’s weight, and the fuel economy isn’t particularly good, either.
Available Models
There are four trim levels available for the 2011 DTS. These are the base model, the Luxury trim, the Premium trim and the Platinum trim. All trim levels have the same 4.6-liter V8 engine, although it’s tweaked for different performance:
- Base, Luxury and Premium: 275 hp with 295 lb-ft of torque (15/23 mpg)
- Platinum: 292 hp and 288 lb-ft of torque (15/22 mpg)
Major Recalls
There have been two major recalls on the 2011 Cadillac DTS. One centered on the vehicle’s ignition switch, which could cause it to turn from on to off while driving, making a crash almost inevitable. A second was due to a power steering leak that could seriously reduce steering capability, or even start a fire if the fluid leaked onto engine components.
Common Issues
The most common complaint about the 2011 Cadillac DTS is the fact that even with the most powerful V8 engine, the car still lacks real power. The fuel economy doesn’t impress, and the disconnected handling is a sore spot for most drivers.
