2011 Cadillac DTS Premium (LCAR) Review/Ride Report
Notable standard features:
4.6-Liter (275-hp), Northstar V8 Engine, 4-speed Automatic
15 / 23 MPG (City/Highway)
Leather, heated and ventilated, power seats with memory
HID headlamps
Navigation & Bose audio
Front and rear parking assist (park sensors)
Power-folding mirrors with turn-signal indicators
Pros:
Ample room for 5 adults and luggage
Lots of bling -- HIDs, LED tails (including reverse lamps), and chrome wheels
Well-equipped with navigation and ventilated seats
Cons:
Quality of interior materials from "old GM"
Drives exactly like it looks -- a very large, heavy luxury sedan
No backup camera
Low-resolution graphics on navigation/audio unit
I thought I misheard the National counter rep at the Waikiki, Hawaii (
HNLC01) location when she offered me a
Cadillac DTS. Discontinued in 2011, it was once a staple of the LCAR rental designation (with the other being the Lincoln Town Car). I had already driven the other options offered (Durango, Fusion Hybrid), so I figured I'd take my last chance to drive a DTS.
Sure enough, I was handed a key-fob and traditional key and sent on my way in a 2011 DTS Premium (1SD) in Gray Flannel Metallic with the Titanium leather interior. The Cadillac website with info is long gone, but it appears this DTS had an MSRP of $55,745 including destination.
With over 2.5 years and 28K miles, the light-colored leather looked well-worn, but probably nothing that couldn't be rejuvenated with some cleaner and elbow grease. The photo looks worse than it appeared in person.
I'm guessing that National kept a DTS in the Honolulu fleet to satisfy those looking for a "traditional" luxury vehicle with a huge trunk. I haven't seen many XTSs in the National fleet, though Avis seems to have a few. At least locally, National seems to have double-downed on the 300 as the go-to "large" sedan -- they are abundant in the ES as well as Premium sections.
The key-tag indicated that this was a 1SD trim -- which translates to the Premium trim level, two above the base. The Premium trim comes very well equipped, with heated and ventilated seats, navigation, and a Bose audio system standard.
The display (looked like a 6-inch screen) was adequate for audio functions, but the navigation graphics were several generations behind what you'd find in modern systems, such as Toyota's entry-level (cheap) navigation system from the Camry.
No backup camera, which was surprising given how useful it would be due to the car's length, but it had parking sensors in both front and rear with both audible and visual warning indicators.
Cadillac's Northstar V8 provided ample power, but I wasn't really overwhelmed with the V8. Fuel economy wasn't great, but I wasn't expecting it to be.
I enjoyed my "blast to the past." When you see what used to be the $50K flagships of Detroit less than 3-5 years ago and compare them to what a modern $30K Fusion Titanium offers, it's simply amazing.
It's a good thing too, as I'll probably lose my Executive status next year, so it'll be back to the Emerald Aisle for me. It's a bit bitter sweet, as I was able to avoid the old Fusion/Malibu/Impala blahs on the EA, but with how far the auto makers have come in a short amount of time, even a '14 Fusion or Malibu can be more than satisfactory rides.