2007 Cadillac DTS Review: A Classic “Grandpa Car” With all the Good and Bad That Entails

Gilbert Smith
May 18, 2023

The 2007 Cadillac DTS is one of those classic American-made land yacht luxury cars. Spacious, smooth, and powerful. With pricing starting at under $5,000 it’s one of the more affordable used luxury cars on the market today.

Front angle medium view.
likeFilled The Good
Comfortable, stylish, and powerful, it’s everything you want from a Cadillac.
dislikeFilled The Bad
The turning radius is pretty wide, and it might be more car than you really need if you’re not looking for a family sedan.

Is the 2007 Cadillac DTS a Good Used Car?

  • Overall Rating 8/10 – Essentially a modernized version of the enormous cars our grandparents drove in the heyday of the American highway.
  • Interior, Comfort & Cargo 9/10 – Even by luxury car standards the DTS outperforms expectations with wide seating and buttery-smooth suspension.
  • Reliability 8/10 – You probably won’t see any major repairs before 200,000 miles, and it’s cheaper to maintain than most luxury cars.
  • Safety 7/10 – Crash test ratings range from good to middling, but anti-lock brakes and traction control come standard.
  • Gas Mileage 7/10 – 17/25 miles to the gallon isn’t terrible for a full-size sedan, but it will have you wondering if you really need to be driving a full-size sedan.
  • Value 8/10 – An Acura RL might last a bit longer than a DTS, but it’s hard to complain about the sticker prices, starting at under $5,000 in the Blue Book.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Scott H
Ride
This car has a great ride. I have been driving a 2012 ss camaro for years and I love it but the DTS rides and drives so easy. Gas mileage is fair for the size of this car. It has the standard radio non Bose and it sounds better than the premium radio offered in the camaro. Brakes could be bigger but all in all this is a great ride.
accountCircle ann E
The remote start is the best thing I love about my car
Love my dts Cadillac it drives like I am floating on air it has star motor. It has power windows and heated seats, remote start I love that in the winter can stay warm and still start my car from inside my house its an automatic transmission, has where u can call for help if u need to. I bought floor mats for front and back they have wolves on them. I get 21 miles to gallon on highway, not sure about in town .
accountCircle Stephanie H
Cadillac is expensive but worth it.
Leaking oil pan, very comfortable, heated seats and steering wheel, very expensive and high maintenance.
accountCircle Malachi M
Massage seats. Heated and cool seats. Leather. Moonroof. Power seats.
This car is great really great. At 100, 000 miles, I heard it gets oil leaks from the engine though. The v8 in the engine is bad-a*s. I have the 2007 luxury model with all the bells and whistles. It is now 2018 and the car still runs very good. Do not like that I am paying 405. 00 for my car note. But I am glad about my ride. The rims on the car makes the tires brand new or not have leaks. You just need to get the rims shaved down a bit. Great car I love my lac.
accountCircle Bee H
Beautiful pearl white paint, all leather, luxury ride!
It is a luxury ride. Heated and cooled seat. Heated steering wheel, navigation, sun shade. What can I say, it is loaded and floats down the road. It is a v8, so it is not great on fuel, but it is easy to sacrifice that with all of the options. Cadillac's are one of my favorite vehicles.
accountCircle Anna B
It rides great. Looks great, easy to drive.
This is a very nice looking car and I enjoy driving. It is very easy maintain. It is a pleasure to drive.
accountCircle Elmer K
It has been good maintenance car.
I like the luxury of this car. Also, it's trunk is large enough to hold bot a wheelchair and a walker which my wife needs to continue go almost a
accountCircle Tim B
Smooth and powerful ride.
Car ran like a dream. Very smooth. Great performance and holds up very well in a minor accidents. The heating and cooling system is top notch and the stereo system as well. Seats are automatic and the comfort level can be changed. There have been no major problems as of yet but I only have 70k miles on it.

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Ashley B
The car is really rad and everyone should know. It's spectacular.
The car is red and lined with a black stripe. It has four doors total. The windows are very shiny and I'm pleased.
accountCircle James Carrington
Constant repair nightmare
You name it, it's happened to this car. CONSTANT, MAJOR issues with the front suspension; wheel bearings and brakes, over and over; power steering unit, cooling system, transmission slipping....it constantly leaks EVERY fluid possible. You fix one leak, there's another one to take its place. Would I buy this car again? HELL NO! My Lincolns gave me EXCELLENT service by comparison. I HATE THIS CAR.
accountCircle Josh B
Good vehicle Cadillac dts.
My car is a good car never really had any major problems with the car but it is a 2007 with over 140, 000 miles on it for that reason there is problems with it overheating. The vehicle is very comforting, it has leather seats they heat up it has an worn steering wheel it seems like it wore down fairly easy. Oil leak in the oil pan is something u would have to look out for. Breaks need to be replaced but all of that is because of how old it is other than those few flaws the car is amazing gas mile good and runs great.
accountCircle Shonda L
It will serve you well as long as you take good care of it.
Its old. . . I want a new car. The vehicle drives well and looks good. I enjoy the ride but it is expensive to maintain if you have no money.
accountCircle Victor M
It is Deceptively fast. It is very quick for the type of vehicle it is.
I like the speed the luxury the name. I do not like the fact that it gets bad gas mileage and is very expensive to repair even the brakes.
accountCircle Brody G
It gets bad gas mileage and gets very hot on the inside during summer.
It rides well and runs everyday. It is kind of small for my lifestyle.
accountCircle Krystle C
Luxury Car with sunroof with one owner and currently has 94,000 miles
Check engine lights is on. While driving the traction control comes on and the car jerks when you take off. Gray in color

What Do Critics Say About the 2007 Cadillac DTS?

Consumer Reports liked the big back seat and the soft quiet ride in the 2007 Cadillac DTS. They weren’t so impressed by the clumsy turning, and long braking distance, and they felt that, overall, the car was one of the less stylish and less sporty Caddies on the market in 2007.

Kelley Blue Books theorized that the DTS would likely be a hit with older drivers. It’s certainly a bit of a “grandpa car,” that is, it appeals to people who are happy to take their time getting where they’re going, as long as they get there in style and comfort.

Edmunds found the DTS to be spacious and comfortable with a smooth, quiet ride, and they liked the car’s intuitive DVD-based nav system. They note that the interior trim quality is more mid-range than first-class, ranking the car on the lower end of the luxury spectrum.

What Common Problems Does the 2007 Cadillac DTS Have?

The 2007 Cadillac DTS has proven to be pretty reliable, generating just 97 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Of these, 28 are for electrical issues, making up nearly one third of the total with drivers reporting malfunctioning warning icons in the dash.

There are 14 exterior lighting complaints on file, with drivers reporting sudden headlight failure before they’ve reached 100,000 miles. Drivers are also reporting their turn signal bulbs burning out early.

A handful of drivers have reported oil leaking from the manifold shortly after passing 100,000 miles. Rate of incidence is rare, but exhaust manifold repairs can be very expensive.

The 2007 Cadillac DTS has been recalled just three times, all of which being for electrical issues.

How Long Will the 2007 Cadillac DTS Last?

Drivers typically report Cadillacs lasting a minimum of 200,000 miles. The DTS generally appeals to older drivers who tend to be more fastidious about regular car maintenance, so your chances of reaching 250,000 miles in the car aren’t bad. But, bet on 200,000 when deciding whether it’s worth the purchase price.

Repairpal estimate an annual maintenance cost of around $454, which is pretty low for a mid-size sedan from this model year. New rack and pinion systems and anti-lock brake control modules list among the most expensive common repairs, starting at around $1,076 and $1,023, respectively.

accountCircle Tracy E

Yes it’s very reliable, it has no problems I would say it requires close attention to gauges especially the abs signs

How Is the Technology?

Entertainment technology in the 2007 Cadillac DTS is pretty generous for the model year. You’ve got a CD/MP3 player with 8 speakers in the base model, and upgrades include DVD-based navigation and 6-disc CD changers.

Safety technology is good, if hardly cutting edge. Anti-lock brakes and traction control come standard, just don’t hold your breath for rearview cameras and lane keep assist.

Is the 2007 Cadillac DTS a Good Value?

The 2007 Cadillac DTS is a pretty good deal at current Kelley Blue Book values. The fair market range goes from around $4,506 to $6,389, with the car typically listing at around $5,923.

These prices are for models with under 130,000 miles on the odometer. At the low end you can expect to reach 200,000 miles before the first major repair, so even if you don’t reach that quarter million mile mark, you’re still getting plenty of mileage out of the purchase.

What are the Different Models of the 2007 Cadillac DTS?

The 2007 Cadillac DTS is offered in just one trim level, which includes:

  • 8-way power-adjust driver seat
  • Leather seating
  • Cruise control
  • Remote keyless entry and remote start
  • Wood trim CD/MP3 player with 8 speakers
  • Anti-lock brakes and traction control
car
car
Luxury I
275 HP 21-21 MPG
car
Luxury II
275 HP 21-21 MPG
car
Performance
292 HP 21-21 MPG

What Engines Come In the 2007 Cadillac DTS?

  • The 2007 Cadillac DTS is powered by a powerful Northstar 4.6L V8 engine delivering 275 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 4-speed automatic transmission in front wheel drive, it averages 17/25 miles to the gallon, city/highway, and it hits zero to sixty in about 7 seconds.

What Colors Does the 2007 Cadillac DTS Come In?

How Comfortable Is the 2007 Cadillac DTS?

The 2007 Cadillac DTS is one of the more comfortable cars in its class. It’s a four-door, full-size luxury sedan like the ones many of us grew up in. Basically a bedroom on wheels with buttery-smooth suspension and 56 inches of rear hip room. It’s the kind of car you don’t mind napping in on long road trips.

How Much Storage Space Does the 2007 Cadillac DTS Have?

The DTS offers an impressive 19 cubic feet of cargo space. This is huge, even for a full-size sedan, packing six or seven medium sized suitcases without even having to stuff anything in there.

You won’t find fold-down seats or anything, so that’s a firm 19 cubic feet. But still, that’s more space than you’re likely to need. With a couple bungee cords you could even strap a love seat or a recliner in there.

Centered wide dash shot

What Are the Differences Between Years?

The Cadillac DTS was introduced for the 2006 model year as a replacement for the Deville. The nameplate’s single generation ran until 2011 when it was retired for the XTS, and then the CT6.

2006: The 2006 model DTS launched with a 275 horsepower 4.6L Northstar V8 engine and a slightly modernized appearance compared to the Deville.

2007: Changes for 2007 were minor, with the addition of new wheel center caps and a redesigned key fob.

2008: 2008 saw the addition of the high-end Platinum trim level, essentially a base model with all the premium packages, like DVD navigation, added in.

2009: There were no major changes for 2009, but the rear-view mirror turn signal LEDs are a bit brighter.

2010: Optional DVD entertainment systems were new for 2010.

2011: There were no major changes for the final model year.

How Does the 2007 Cadillac DTS Compare to the Competition?

The 2007 Acura RL delivers comparable performance to the Cadillac DTS at a comparable fuel economy. The biggest differences are that a Cadillac is a bit cheaper, by a margin of around $500 to $1,000, but an Acura is essentially a Honda, meaning it might outlast the DTS by a good 25,000 miles.

A 2007 Lexus LS is even more powerful, at around 380 horsepower, without sacrificing much in the way of fuel economy. And it starts out at around ten thousand bucks, twice the cost of a DTS.

If you’re looking for a good full-size luxury sedan at a fair price, the differences between a 2007 Cadillac DTS and an Acura RL are marginal. Ultimately, you’ll like the Caddy better if you prefer an American-made land yacht, and you’ll prefer the Acura if you’re after a more elegant approach.

Ranks #5 Luxury Large Cars by Owners

1
car
4.64
2
car
4.54
5
car
4.1

Do Owners Recommend the 2007 Cadillac DTS?

accountCircle Liz C

Yes it’s very dependable and gas sufficient it drives smooth parts are reasonable. It’s a high demand vehicle online

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Bonnie O on March 14, 2021
It is a very safe car, I think. It is nice looking and has not needed a brake job at all. They say the brake pads are only half gone.
I am very pleased with this car. It has had to have very little repairs done on it. It is almost 13 years old. No complaints
accountCircle Jo B on March 12, 2021
Comfortable ride, heated seats.
It is a great car, drives smooth. It is just getting too many miles on it. It is got great features for an older car.
accountCircle Frank W on February 1, 2021
Nice car but you have to get used to the blind spots in the cheap plastic pieces.
I like the remote start, love the heated and cooled seats, love the ride, love the look. Trouble free for the last 8 years. I do not have any complaints at all.
accountCircle Josh B on November 13, 2020
Good vehicle Cadillac dts.
My car is a good car never really had any major problems with the car but it is a 2007 with over 140, 000 miles on it for that reason there is problems with it overheating. The vehicle is very comforting, it has leather seats they heat up it has an worn steering wheel it seems like it wore down fairly easy. Oil leak in the oil pan is something u would have to look out for. Breaks need to be replaced but all of that is because of how old it is other than those few flaws the car is amazing gas mile good and runs great.
accountCircle ann E on November 7, 2020
The remote start is the best thing I love about my car
Love my dts Cadillac it drives like I am floating on air it has star motor. It has power windows and heated seats, remote start I love that in the winter can stay warm and still start my car from inside my house its an automatic transmission, has where u can call for help if u need to. I bought floor mats for front and back they have wolves on them. I get 21 miles to gallon on highway, not sure about in town .
accountCircle James Carrington on October 23, 2020
Constant repair nightmare
You name it, it's happened to this car. CONSTANT, MAJOR issues with the front suspension; wheel bearings and brakes, over and over; power steering unit, cooling system, transmission slipping....it constantly leaks EVERY fluid possible. You fix one leak, there's another one to take its place. Would I buy this car again? HELL NO! My Lincolns gave me EXCELLENT service by comparison. I HATE THIS CAR.
accountCircle Shonda L on October 18, 2020
It will serve you well as long as you take good care of it.
Its old. . . I want a new car. The vehicle drives well and looks good. I enjoy the ride but it is expensive to maintain if you have no money.
accountCircle john kennedy on October 12, 2020
Comfort and style
5 TH CADILLAC I owned, love it, still have 1996 Cadillac Deville , I have for 5 years, normal maintains just like any other car, love it, buy another one no problem
accountCircle Elmer K on September 24, 2020
It has been good maintenance car.
I like the luxury of this car. Also, it's trunk is large enough to hold bot a wheelchair and a walker which my wife needs to continue go almost a
accountCircle Ron R on September 13, 2020
Dependable. 'minor' overheat, idled it, cooled down. No other challenges.
Purchased about three years ago. Still having challenges with how to operate some items. Maybe I should read the book. Overall I am happy with the dts and may keep it for a few more years. It is at 99, n500 miles and still going great. Only reason I'd give it up is to lease one that has more sophisticated features to help navigate. Yet, the kids do not want me to drive out of state to visit them in Virginia. Am pleased with the dts. Had it detailed about two years ago - I won the detailing. Normally, I drive a vehicle till it is ten years old or goes beyond 100, 000. Yet, I do not drive as much, even locally, some of the younger volunteers pick me up.
accountCircle Amanda W on June 20, 2020
It drives like a dream. I get a lot of compliments on it.
It has a northstar engine that most places wont work on. Parts are more expensive. It's a great car to have overall though.
accountCircle Gerald B on June 5, 2020
Nothing else to report. Car runs good.
Ride And Room. Dislike problems with seal leaks
accountCircle Tim B on May 24, 2020
Smooth and powerful ride.
Car ran like a dream. Very smooth. Great performance and holds up very well in a minor accidents. The heating and cooling system is top notch and the stereo system as well. Seats are automatic and the comfort level can be changed. There have been no major problems as of yet but I only have 70k miles on it.
accountCircle Abby H on April 19, 2020
Cadillac's are great vehicles.
I really love my Cadillac CTS. It is almost like riding on air as you drive down the road. I never thought I would own a Cadillac but I am so glad that I do now! I would definitely recommend this car for anyone looking for a luxury type vehicle. The performance of this vehicles are absolutely amazing!
accountCircle Holly O on April 6, 2020
It was within our budget, but still is a high end vehicle.
I dislike bucket seats with console in between. The car is great. Super comfortable, lots of bells and whistles. When you step on the accelerator, you really go.
accountCircle Bee H on April 6, 2020
Beautiful pearl white paint, all leather, luxury ride!
It is a luxury ride. Heated and cooled seat. Heated steering wheel, navigation, sun shade. What can I say, it is loaded and floats down the road. It is a v8, so it is not great on fuel, but it is easy to sacrifice that with all of the options. Cadillac's are one of my favorite vehicles.
accountCircle Brody G on February 25, 2020
It gets bad gas mileage and gets very hot on the inside during summer.
It rides well and runs everyday. It is kind of small for my lifestyle.
accountCircle Scott H on February 10, 2020
Ride
This car has a great ride. I have been driving a 2012 ss camaro for years and I love it but the DTS rides and drives so easy. Gas mileage is fair for the size of this car. It has the standard radio non Bose and it sounds better than the premium radio offered in the camaro. Brakes could be bigger but all in all this is a great ride.
accountCircle Malachi M on January 23, 2020
Massage seats. Heated and cool seats. Leather. Moonroof. Power seats.
This car is great really great. At 100, 000 miles, I heard it gets oil leaks from the engine though. The v8 in the engine is bad-a*s. I have the 2007 luxury model with all the bells and whistles. It is now 2018 and the car still runs very good. Do not like that I am paying 405. 00 for my car note. But I am glad about my ride. The rims on the car makes the tires brand new or not have leaks. You just need to get the rims shaved down a bit. Great car I love my lac.
accountCircle Carla H on December 25, 2019
My car has always been very dependable; hot and cold weather alike.
My real estate clients love the space; they have sufficient leg space. I really do not have any complaints. The color is silvery beige and does not really show soil.
accountCircle Krystle C on November 19, 2019
Luxury Car with sunroof with one owner and currently has 94,000 miles
Check engine lights is on. While driving the traction control comes on and the car jerks when you take off. Gray in color
accountCircle Abby H on November 12, 2019
Most comfortable car I have ever owned.
No problems out of my car. Very comfortable seats with all of the seats in the car heated. Ac stays freezing in august. Lots of trunk space. Rides smoothly especially down our bumpy interstate. Back and forth 30 miles to school every day with no problems. Very reliable.
accountCircle Anna B on August 30, 2019
It rides great. Looks great, easy to drive.
This is a very nice looking car and I enjoy driving. It is very easy maintain. It is a pleasure to drive.
accountCircle Victor M on June 9, 2019
It is Deceptively fast. It is very quick for the type of vehicle it is.
I like the speed the luxury the name. I do not like the fact that it gets bad gas mileage and is very expensive to repair even the brakes.
accountCircle Nadia S on April 24, 2019
Cadillacs are the best luxury car.
This car is very reliable than any other vehicle. Gas depends on the daily use. It's a beautiful fancy, and luxury car. It's very comfortable, huge, it has most of the features, seat, and back massage. Hot and cold. Seats are automatically adjustable and it has a memory of your seat adjustment.
accountCircle LARRY J on February 9, 2019
It is a Cadillac that emits luxury at each turn of the wheel.
No problems... Regular maintenance every quarter. At high speeds car tends to fishtail. Poor gas economy. Good trunk room. Seats five adults comfortably. Good music system with modern amenities. Air and heat controls add to cabin comfort. Handles well on highway at moderate speeds. Easy to park. Adjustable heated seats for driver and passenger.
accountCircle Ashley B on January 14, 2019
The car is really rad and everyone should know. It's spectacular.
The car is red and lined with a black stripe. It has four doors total. The windows are very shiny and I'm pleased.
accountCircle Stephanie H on January 6, 2019
Cadillac is expensive but worth it.
Leaking oil pan, very comfortable, heated seats and steering wheel, very expensive and high maintenance.
accountCircle Judy G on November 20, 2018
Good running family car. It will last a long time if taken care of.
I have no problems with my car other than regular oil change, etc. The gas mileage is good for the size of the car. It is very comfortable. It has more features than I use.
accountCircle Jess W on November 1, 2018
It is very safe and comfortable to drive.
Its older and has front end issues and some electrical issues. I need a newer vehicle but cannot afford a lease payment.
avatar Gilbert Smith
Gilbert Smith is a New Mexico-based automotive journalist who enjoys writing about cars, trucks, and SUVs. He is a longtime contributor to Vehicle History and a member of the site's original content team when it launched.