The 2008 Cadillac DTS, a full-size luxury sedan, represents the final years of Cadillac's traditional land yacht. Its body style is a classic four-door sedan, offered from 2006 to 2011. Key trims included the base DTS, Luxury I, Luxury II, and Performance. Pricing ranged from around $42,000 to $50,000 when new. It stands out for its spacious interior, smooth ride, and traditional Cadillac styling, appealing to buyers who valued comfort and a classic American luxury experience.
The Good
The 2008 Cadillac DTS offers a comfortable and spacious interior, appealing to those seeking a luxurious ride. Its Northstar V8 engine provides adequate power. From a practical standpoint, it's generally considered reliable with proper maintenance. Emotionally, it provides a classic Cadillac experience with its signature styling and road presence. The large trunk and available features add to the appeal.
The Bad
The 2008 Cadillac DTS has some known weaknesses. Potential issues include oil consumption in the Northstar V8, especially in earlier model years. The electronic systems can be problematic, and the suspension components may require attention over time. Fuel economy is not a strong point, and the handling isn't particularly sporty. Rust can be an issue in colder climates.
2008 Cadillac DTS: Quick Overview
- Engine Options: 4.6L Northstar V8
- Horsepower:
- 275 hp (Base DTS)
- 292 hp (Luxury & Performance models)
- Fuel Economy:
- City: 15-17 MPG
- Highway: 23-25 MPG
- 0-60 Times: Approximately 7.5-8.0 seconds
- Towing Capacity: Not recommended/rated for towing
- Trim-Level Features:
- Base DTS: Leather upholstery, power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, OnStar, CD player.
- Luxury I: Adds heated front seats, memory settings for driver's seat, rear parking sensors, and upgraded audio system.
- Luxury II: Adds heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, power rear sunshade, and navigation system.
- Performance: Includes Magnetic Ride Control, chrome wheels, upgraded interior trim, and performance-tuned engine.
- Other Notable Features (Depending on Trim):
- Adaptive cruise control
- Sunroof
- Premium sound system (Bose)
- Xenon headlights
2008 Cadillac DTS Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2008 |
| Make | Cadillac |
| Model | DTS |
| Trim | - |
| Style | V-8 |
| Type | Sedan |
| Category | Large Car |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | United States |
| Manufacturing City | HAMTRAMCK |
Dimensions
| Doors | 4-Door |
| Curb Weight | 4009 pounds |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | 5347 pounds |
| Overall Height | 57.60 inches |
| Overall Length | 207.60 inches |
| Overall Width | 74.80 inches |
| Wheelbase Length | 115.60 inches |
| Standard Seating | 5 |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | 4.6l V8 |
| Engine Size | 4.6L |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 |
| Transmission | 4-Speed Automatic |
| Transmission Type | Automatic |
| Transmission Speeds | 4-Speed |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | 4-Wheel ABS |
| Steering Type | Rack & Pinion |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | $46,120 |
| Invoice Price | $43,122 |
| Delivery Charges | $870 |
Vehicle History Report
Vehicle
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Specifications
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Past Sale
Listings
Listings
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Market Price
Analysis
Analysis
What Problems Does the 2008 Cadillac DTS Have?
The 2008 Cadillac DTS is known for a few frequently reported problems. Oil consumption, particularly in the Northstar V8, is a significant concern. This can lead to premature engine wear and costly repairs. Another common issue involves the electronic systems, including the navigation system, climate control, and various sensors. These can experience glitches or failures over time. Suspension components, especially the air suspension on some models, can also be problematic, requiring repairs or replacement.
Recalls for the 2008 DTS have included issues with the transmission shift cable and potential problems with the brake system. These recalls should have been addressed by previous owners, but it's essential to verify this before purchasing a used model. Long-term reliability concerns revolve around the longevity of the Northstar engine and the durability of the electronic systems. Regular maintenance, including frequent oil changes and addressing any warning lights promptly, can help mitigate these issues. Some owners have also reported problems with the cooling system and the fuel pump.
Recalls for the 2008 DTS have included issues with the transmission shift cable and potential problems with the brake system. These recalls should have been addressed by previous owners, but it's essential to verify this before purchasing a used model. Long-term reliability concerns revolve around the longevity of the Northstar engine and the durability of the electronic systems. Regular maintenance, including frequent oil changes and addressing any warning lights promptly, can help mitigate these issues. Some owners have also reported problems with the cooling system and the fuel pump.
How long will the 2008 Cadillac DTS last?
With diligent maintenance, a 2008 Cadillac DTS can realistically reach 200,000 miles or more. Many owners report 15+ years of service. However, the lifespan heavily depends on consistent oil changes (critical for the Northstar engine), timely repairs, and addressing issues like coolant leaks or suspension problems. The Northstar V8's long-term durability is a key factor; neglecting maintenance leads to premature wear. Electronic components are another potential weakness that requires attention to ensure long-term reliability. Rust can become an issue in regions with harsh winters. Overall, well-maintained DTS models can provide many years of reliable service.
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
The 2008 Cadillac DTS offered a range of built-in tech and safety features for its time. Standard entertainment included a CD player with an auxiliary input. Higher trims featured a Bose premium sound system and a navigation system. Driver-assistance features included rear parking sensors (standard on higher trims) and available adaptive cruise control.
Safety features comprised standard antilock brakes, traction control, stability control, and front and side airbags. Optional features included xenon headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and a power rear sunshade.
Crash-test ratings from the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) show the 2008 Cadillac DTS generally performed well in frontal and side crash tests, earning four or five stars for various categories. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) also provided ratings, which should be consulted for a comprehensive safety assessment. The OnStar system provided emergency assistance and vehicle diagnostics.
While not cutting-edge by today’s standards, the 2008 DTS had respectable tech and safety features for a luxury sedan of its era. Keep in mind that features varied by trim level.
Safety features comprised standard antilock brakes, traction control, stability control, and front and side airbags. Optional features included xenon headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and a power rear sunshade.
Crash-test ratings from the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) show the 2008 Cadillac DTS generally performed well in frontal and side crash tests, earning four or five stars for various categories. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) also provided ratings, which should be consulted for a comprehensive safety assessment. The OnStar system provided emergency assistance and vehicle diagnostics.
While not cutting-edge by today’s standards, the 2008 DTS had respectable tech and safety features for a luxury sedan of its era. Keep in mind that features varied by trim level.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Black Raven
White Diamond Tricoat
Light Platinum
Dark Cherry Metallic
Gold Mist Metallic
Radiant Bronze Metallic
Silver Diamond Tricoat
Interior Colors
Cashmere
Ebony
Neutral Shale
2008 Cadillac DTS Prices and Market Value
The 2008 Cadillac DTS had a new price ranging from approximately $42,000 to $50,000, depending on the trim level and options. In today's used market, prices typically range from $5,000 to $12,000, depending on condition, mileage, and location. The DTS has experienced significant depreciation due to its age, high production numbers, and some reliability concerns. Factors affecting resale value include the vehicle's condition, mileage, service history, and the presence of desirable options like the navigation system or premium sound system. Well-maintained, low-mileage examples command a premium, but overall, the DTS has a relatively low resale value.
2008 Cadillac DTS Cost of Ownership
Owning a 2008 Cadillac DTS can be moderately costly. Insurance rates are typical for a large sedan. Fuel costs are high due to the V8 engine's fuel consumption. Maintenance can be expensive, especially regarding the Northstar engine and electronic systems. Repairs can also be pricey, and parts might be more difficult to source than for more common vehicles. Long-term ownership requires budgeting for potential engine repairs, suspension work, and electronic system issues. It’s not considered an economical vehicle to own.
2008 Cadillac DTS Fuel Efficiency
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Fuel Capacity
18 gallons
City Mileage
15 miles/gallon
Highway Mileage
23 miles/gallon
2008 Cadillac DTS Safety Rating
NHTSA
IIHS
2008 Cadillac DTS Recalls & Defects
Electrical System
Recall date
2010-06-04
Recall no.
10v240000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
GM IS Recalling Certain Model Year 2006-2009 Buick, Lucerne; Cadillac Dts; Hummer H2; Model Year 2008-2009 Buick Enclave; Cadillac Cts; Model Year 2007-2009 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade Esv, Escalade Ext; Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe; GMC Acadia, Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL; Saturn Outlook; and Model Year 2009 Chevrolet Traverse Vehicles Equipped With A Heated Washer Fluid System (Hwfs). A Recall WAS Implemented IN 2008 TO ADD A Fuse TO THE Control Circuit Harness TO Address THE Potential Consequences OF A Printed Circuit Board (Pcb) Electrical Short. However, There Have Been NEW Reports OF Thermal Incidents ON Hwfs Modules After This Improvement WAS Installed. These Incidents Resulted From A NEW Failure Mode Attributed TO THE Device's Thermal Protection Feature. THE Significance Varies From Minor Distortion TO Considerable Melting OF THE Plastic Around THE Hwfs Fluid Chamber.
Consequence
IT IS Possible FOR THE Heated Washer Module TO Ignite and A Fire MAY Occur.
Remedy
Dealers Will Permanently Disable and Remove THE Heated Washer Fluid Module. AN Updated Page FOR THE Owner Manual Will BE Provided and Inserted IN THE Owner Manual TO Document That THE Feature HAS Been Permanently Disabled and Removed From THE Vehicle. THE Safety Recall Began ON June 11, 2010. Owners MAY Contact Buick AT 1-866-608-8080, Cadillac AT 1-866-982-2339, Chevrolet AT 1-800-630-2438, Saturn AT 1-800-972-8876, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 and Hummer AT 1-800-732-5493 or AT THE Owner Center AT Www.gmownercenter.com.
Notes
Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO <A Href=http://Www.safercar.gov>http://www.safercar.gov</a> .
Electrical System:ignition
Recall date
2014-06-23
Recall no.
14v355000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
This Defect CAN Affect THE Safe Operation OF THE Airbag System. Until This Recall IS Performed, Customers Should Remove All Items From Their KEY Rings, Leaving Only THE Ignition Key. THE KEY FOB (IF Applicable), Should Also BE Removed From THE KEY Ring. General Motors LLC (Gm) IS Recalling Certain Model Year 2005-2009 Buick Lacrosse, 2006-2011 Buick Lucerne, 2000-2005 Cadillac Deville, 2006-2011 Cadillac Dts, 2006-2014 Chevrolet Impala, and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Vehicles. IN THE Affected Vehicles, THE Weight ON THE KEY Ring and Road Conditions or Some Other Jarring Event MAY Cause THE Ignition Switch TO Move OUT OF THE RUN Position, Turning OFF THE Engine.
Consequence
IF THE KEY IS NOT IN THE RUN Position, THE AIR Bags MAY NOT Deploy IF THE Vehicle IS Involved IN A Crash, Increasing THE Risk OF Injury. Additionally, A KEY Knocked OUT OF THE RUN Position Will Cause Loss OF Engine Power, Power Steering, and Power Braking, Increasing THE Risk OF A Vehicle Crash.
Remedy
GM Will Notify Owners, and Dealers Will Install Two KEY Rings and AN Insert IN THE KEY Slot or A Cover Over THE KEY Head ON All Ignition Keys, Free OF Charge. THE Recall Began ON September 23, 2014. Owners MAY Contact General Motors Customer Service AT 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), and 1-800-222-1020 (chevrolet). Gm's Number FOR This Recall IS 14299.
Notes
Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.safercar.gov.
Electrical System
Recall date
2008-08-28
Recall no.
08v441000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
GM IS Recalling 857,735 MY 2006-2008 Buick Lucerne; Cadillac Dts; Hummer H2; MY 2007-2008 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade Esv, Escalade Ext; Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe; GMC Acadia, Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL, Saturn Outlook; and MY 2008 Buick Enclave Vehicles Equipped With A Heated Wiper Washer Fluid System. A Short Circuit ON THE Printed Circuit Board FOR THE Washer Fluid Heater MAY Overheat THE Control-circuit Ground Wire.
Consequence
This MAY Cause Other Electrical Features TO Malfunction, Create AN Odor, or Cause Smoke Increasing THE Risk OF A Fire.
Remedy
Dealers Will Install A Wire Harness With AN In-Line Fuse Free OF Charge. THE Recall Began ON September 12, 2008. Owners MAY Contact Buick AT 1-866-608-8080; Cadillac AT 1-800-982-2339 or Http://Www.cadillac.com; Chevrolet AT 1-800-630-2438; Saturn AT 1-800-972-8876 or Http://www.saturn.com, GMC AT 1-866-996-9436; or Hummer AT 1-800-732-5493; or Through Their Website AT <A Href=http://www.gmownercenter.com>http://www.gmownercenter.com</a> .
Notes
GM Recall NO. 08048. Customers MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO <A Href=http://Www.safercar.gov>http://www.safercar.gov</a> .
2008 Cadillac DTS Warranty
Basic
Original warranty
0 months / No data
Estimated remaining
Expired
Powertrain
Original warranty
0 months / No data
Estimated remaining
Expired
Rust
Original warranty
0 months / No data
Estimated remaining
Expired
2008 Cadillac DTS Insurance
Insurance for a 2008 Cadillac DTS is moderately priced, reflecting its status as a Sedan with strong safety ratings and
reasonable repair costs.
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2008 Cadillac DTS Compare to Other Sedan?
The 2008 Cadillac DTS competed with other full-size luxury sedans like the Lincoln Town Car, Buick Lucerne, Chrysler 300, and Lexus ES. Compared to the Town Car, the DTS offered a more powerful engine and more modern styling, but the Town Car was generally considered more reliable. The Buick Lucerne shared a similar platform but was less luxurious. The Chrysler 300 offered a sportier driving experience and more aggressive styling.
The Lexus ES provided superior reliability and fuel economy, although it lacked the DTS's road presence and V8 power. In terms of features, the DTS was competitive, offering comparable luxury amenities. However, the Lexus ES and some German rivals (like the BMW 5-Series or Mercedes-Benz E-Class, albeit at a higher price point) offered more advanced technology and a more refined driving experience.
Alternatives to the DTS could include a well-maintained Lexus ES for greater reliability, a Chrysler 300 for a sportier feel, or a Buick Lucerne for a similar experience at a potentially lower price point. If budget allows, a slightly newer Lexus or Acura model might provide a better balance of luxury and reliability.
The Lexus ES provided superior reliability and fuel economy, although it lacked the DTS's road presence and V8 power. In terms of features, the DTS was competitive, offering comparable luxury amenities. However, the Lexus ES and some German rivals (like the BMW 5-Series or Mercedes-Benz E-Class, albeit at a higher price point) offered more advanced technology and a more refined driving experience.
Alternatives to the DTS could include a well-maintained Lexus ES for greater reliability, a Chrysler 300 for a sportier feel, or a Buick Lucerne for a similar experience at a potentially lower price point. If budget allows, a slightly newer Lexus or Acura model might provide a better balance of luxury and reliability.
Ranks #1832 Sedan
| 1 | 2023 Toyota Camry | (5.0★) |
| 2 | 2023 Honda Accord | (0.0★) |
| 3 | 2023 Lexus ES | (0.0★) |
| 4 | 2024 Subaru Legacy | (5.0★) |
| 5 | 2022 Mazda MX-30 | (4.0★) |
| 6 | 2024 BMW M3 | (0.0★) |
| 7 | 2023 Ford Mustang | (5.0★) |
| 8 | 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT | (0.0★) |
| 9 | 2023 Audi A3 | (0.0★) |
| 10 | 2023 Chevrolet Camaro | (5.0★) |
| 11 | 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid | (0.0★) |
| 12 | 2023 Nissan Altima | (4.0★) |
| 1832 | 2008 Cadillac DTS | (0.0★) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2008 Cadillac DTS a Good Sedan?
The 2008 Cadillac DTS is ideal for buyers seeking a comfortable, spacious, and traditionally styled American luxury sedan at a budget price. It's best suited for those who prioritize a smooth ride and classic Cadillac aesthetics over sporty handling or cutting-edge technology.
Whether it’s worth buying depends on the individual vehicle's condition and maintenance history. A well-maintained, lower-mileage example can be a good value, particularly if the buyer is prepared for potential maintenance costs. It's generally recommended to avoid neglected models with high mileage. Higher trims like the Luxury II or Performance offer more desirable features, but any potential buyer should have it inspected by a qualified mechanic before purchasing to assess its overall condition.
Whether it’s worth buying depends on the individual vehicle's condition and maintenance history. A well-maintained, lower-mileage example can be a good value, particularly if the buyer is prepared for potential maintenance costs. It's generally recommended to avoid neglected models with high mileage. Higher trims like the Luxury II or Performance offer more desirable features, but any potential buyer should have it inspected by a qualified mechanic before purchasing to assess its overall condition.
Drew B
Drew is a seasoned automotive expert and contributor to VinCheck.info. With nearly 15 years of experience as a former Porsche technician, he brings a wealth of hands-on knowledge to his writing. Born in North Carolina, a region renowned for its deep-rooted NASCAR culture, Drew developed a passion for cars early in life, often building and working on vehicles from a young age. At VINCheck, Drew leverages his extensive technical background to provide in-depth analyses of various vehicles. His articles often focus on engine performance, reliability, and maintenance insights, offering readers practical information grounded in real-world experience. Some of his notable contributions include reviews on the Mazda CX-5's longevity and detailed examinations of engine options for models like the 2011 Toyota Camry and Tacoma