2011 Cadillac DTS Review

About this Vehicle

Trim: 2011 Cadillac DTS 4.6L V8

MSRP: $46,680 Engine: 4.6L V8 Transmission: Automatic

Drivetrain: FWD Fuel Type: Gas Curb Weight: 4,009 lbs.

Review

Not much has changed in Cadillac’s new 2011 DTS sedan. Cadillac has tried to modernize their line of full size sedans over the years. However, the line has pretty much stayed the same for the past few years.
This vehicle offers modern comforts commonly associated with this price range. It has a fantastically plush ride, and an extremely quiet cabin. We must also say, even though the sedan hasn’t changed much, it still offers very clean and luxurious styling. The passenger cabin is also extremely roomy, despite looking fairly small on the outside. The car even carries a big V8 standard with a four-speed automatic transmission.
This car is a solid contender for people wanting a full-size luxury car born out of American soil. However, there are some things to consider before purchasing it.
The car comes with four trim levels. These are Basic, Luxury, Premium, and Platinum. The standard model comes from the factory with 17-inch wheels, front foglights, sepearte climate control for passenger and driver, Bluetooth, an eight-speaker stereo system, OnStar free for 12 months, remote engine start, and xenon headlights.
If you move up to the Luxury model, you receive chrome wheels, parking assist, three separate climate control zones, heated and ventilated driver and passenger seats, driver’s seat memory settings, and an auto-dimming mirror on the driver’s side.
If you decide to go for the Premium model, you get to indulge in a new style grille, power front seats with massagers built in, burled walnut accents in the interior, a wood-trimmed steering wheel, a built-in navigation system, and telescopic steering.
The Platinum model yields the driver a more powerful engine, Magnetic Ride Control, 18-inch wheels, and a leather accented dash, and a faux-suede headliner, blind spot warning systems, and lane-departure systems.
As for the underhood specifications, the DTS comes equipped with two possible 4.6 liter V8 engine options. The standard engine, which comes in every trim package except the Platinum edition, puts out around 275 horsepower and 295 ft-lbs of torque. However, the Platinum model offer an engine packed full of power at almost 300 horsepower and 288 ft-lbs of torque.
Shifting is handled by a tried-and-true four-speed automatic transmission. The transmission is tweaked for higher performance in the Platinum model. Front-wheel drive is the method in which the transmission transfers power in all models. The acceleration of the DTS is not great, but not terrible. It reaches 60 mph in a standard seven seconds.
The 2011 DTS comes standard with electronic stability control, side-impact front airbags, and side curtain airbags for both rows of seats. The DTS is adequately equipped with enough safety features to keep you and your passengers safe during the long drives that you are sure to take.
The DTS is slightly shorter than some of the older Caddy models that it takes after. However, the interior still feels incredibly large and spacious. The available front bench seat makes this car one of the only luxury sedans that seats six. You will find more than enough room in the interior of this car, no matter which trim level you decide to buy. The Caddy has a huge 19 cubic feet of storage space in the trunk. You can even put the middle seat down and put long items like fishing poles inside of it. All-in-all, the cabin is common and stylish at the same time.
The ride quality in the 2011 DTS is up to par with any luxury sedan ever driven. The plush ride is soft enough to make even the longest trips feel like a mere jog around the block. However, performance is not the highest on Cadillac’s list for this vehicle.
All-in-all, the 2011 Cadillac DTS is a great move for someone looking for American luxury at a price most modern families can afford. At $46,280, you may have to save up your money, but not for too long.

2010 Suzuki SX4 Review

About this Vehicle

Trim: 2010 Suzuki SX4 Base

MSRP: $13,359 Engine: 2L I4 Transmission: Manual

Drivetrain: FWD Fuel Type: Gas Curb Weight: 2,723 lbs.

Just 3-years old in 2010, the Suzuki SX4 is a hatchback/sedan option which targets the economy driver who is interested in the all-wheel drive option for a vehicle so small. A large and spacious cabin is filled with plenty of features and amenities and, unfortunately, a rather uncomfortable set of front seats.

Performance

There is a new sheriff in town this year with the Suzuki SX4 when it comes to the engine. All trims get a new 2.0 liter that generates seven more horsepower than last year’s model at 150. Better that the extra horses are the new transmission options available on the SX4 – a six-speed manual or a CVT which serve as more than excellent replacements for the five-speed manual and four-speed auto transmissions on previous year’s model.
No sports car by any stretch of the imagination, the new engine in the Suzuki SX4 is stronger than most of its competitors, but it has to be to make up for all that extra roomy interior and the car’s heavier curb weight. Acceleration is decent and the ride is smooth on most surfaces, giving minimal body roll around the corners.

Exterior Features

Available as either a sedan or hatchback, the 2010 Suzuki SX4 offers a standard or Sport in the sedan body and the hatchback offers a “Crossover” and “Sportback” trim. Those looking for the all-wheel drive option available on the SX4 will want to stay away from both of the sedan models and look to the Crossover, which is the only one of the four which offers it.
The exterior styling of the SX4 belies the fact that it is a Suzuki, though the Sportback model styling is apt to remind one strongly of the Toyota Matrix with its roof spoiler and large rear end with a body frame that arches toward the back and ends abruptly.

Interior Features

An 8-spekaer AM/FM CD audio system with 6-disc changer is standard on the higher-end Sportback GTS model, all others will have to pay for the privilege. Where the SX4 does better than the competition, is in packing in a few extra features that you don’t usually find on economy cars: even the base model includes full power windows and doors, a height-adjustable driver seat, and tilt steering wheel. Stepping up just a bit to the next model adds a navigation system, and the next step gives foglights and a rear spoiler to the exterior.
With an interior that is clean and well-designed, almost showing off in the photos, the spacious cabin of the Suzuki SX4 is one of its greatest assets. Plenty of headroom is great in the front and back, but the legroom can be a bit tight for those rear passengers, especially if they are adults. The hatchback offers 60/40-split rear seats which can fold forward and make available a startling 54 cubic feet of cargo space.

Safety & Specifications

All 2010 Suzuki SX4s come equipped with antilock disc brakes, side curtain airbags, and front-seat side airbags. The Sport GTS sedan, Sportback and Crossover also include traction and stability control.
For car safety, the government crash tests on the SX4 rated a mixture of four or five star ratings for front and side impacts for both the driver, front passenger and rear passengers. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rated the Suzuki SX4 as “Good”, the highest rating available.

Upgrade Options

Bluetooth technology is optional in the SX4 as well as the upgraded audio system and the navigation system which may seem small and out of place, but still has its uses. Also optional are the keyless ignition/entry system and automatic climate control. 16-inch or 17-inch wheels can be purchased depending on the trim model.

Improvements from the 2009 Suzuki SX4

Some of the navigation features are new for the 2010 SX4 as well as the height-adjustable driver seat, the restyled fascia, continuously variable transmission (SVT) or six-speed manual options, a new instrument cluster and a firmer suspension . Not a complete overhaul, but certainly enough to give last year’s browsers reason enough to take a second look at the SX4 for 2010.

How the Suzuki SX4 Compares to Other Affordable Small Cars

The Kia Forte tops the list of competitors for the SX4 this year, also offering a wide array of standard features, better gas mileage and more comfortable seats for just a few hundred dollars more than the SX4. The Nissan Versa, costing $3,000 less than the SX4 doesn’t have as many standard features, but does give better gas mileage and more comfortable seats in the ear. Honda’s Fit costs about $1,000 less, has much more versatile cargo space and offers better fuel economy as well.

Conclusion: Is the 2010 Suzuki SX4 a Good Buy?

A great all-whether vehicle for those who need one but don’t have a lot to spend on an SUV, a fully-laden 2010 SX4 can provide many of the features of an entry-level SUV for about the same price. The IntelliChoice 5-Year Cost of Ownership is not yet available for the Suzuki and there are significant enough changes from the 2009 model so that comparing car safety, car insurance and other specs wouldn’t exactly be fair.
Suzuki’s limited warranty for new vehicles is a pale and unimpressive 36 month/36,000 mile variety but the extended powertrain warranty is impressive, showing their full-faith and confidence in their engine designs. The competition for the 2010 Suzuki SX4 is – well – the competition, and does not either completely outdo the SX4 or is outdone by it.