Overview & Reviews
Though it evolved into an entirely different species, the luxury performance DNA of the Cadillac STS can be traced all the way back to the special range-topping Seville hardtop coupe of the 1950s. At that time one of the fastest, flashiest and most luxurious cars on the road, it evolved into various different forms over the course of several decades until emerging as the buttoned-down STS luxury sedan.
If you're in the market for a used luxury sedan with competitive amounts of power, roominess, comfort and value, a STS could be a good idea. However, it was largely eclipsed in terms of performance and luxury by competing Japanese and European sedans in its later years. Even its smaller CTS sibling offered better performance and handling, a much nicer interior and class-competitive interior space.
Most Recent Cadillac STS
The Cadillac STS was a rear-wheel-drive luxury sedan that was produced from 2005 through 2011. A midcycle refresh took place for '08, bringing revised styling, a more luxuriously trimmed interior and a new base engine. We suggest focusing your search on cars from these later model years.
Originally, the STS came standard with a 255-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 and a five-speed automatic. This was replaced by a 302-hp V6 and six-speed auto for 2008. With the exception of the STS's final model year in 2011, buyers could opt for a 320-hp 4.6-liter V8 coupled to a six-speed auto. Originally, each engine represented a different trim level, as the V8 came standard with the V6's optional heated front and rear seats, memory functions, heated steering wheel and automatic wipers. Key options to look for included a magnetically controlled adaptive suspension, adaptive cruise control, a navigation system and ventilated front seats.
For 2010 and 2011, however, trim levels were introduced. The V6 came in Luxury Sport, Luxury and Premium trims, while the V8 was available in Luxury and Performance. The actual equipment that was available didn't really change. Many of the previous options were simply redistributed into the upper trims, though it should be noted that all but the V6 Luxury trims got upgraded braking, steering and cooling systems.
In reviews and road tests, our editors found the strengths of the Cadillac STS to include surprising agility, respectable performance and a high-quality audio system. Downsides include a somewhat old-fashioned feel compared to its rivals, a small trunk and hit-or-miss interior quality. Overall, it's hard to fully endorse this full-size luxury sedan when Cadillac's own smaller CTS from the time offered a more involving drive while only giving up a bit of interior space to its big brother.
Previous Cadillac STS Models
Used shoppers may come across an older STS. Technically a trim level (there was also an SLS), this is actually the front-wheel-drive, fifth-generation Seville produced from 1998-2003. The STS was the "performance-oriented version" of that car and featured a more powerful V8 engine along with more luxury features. The 1992-'97 Seville also featured a similar STS edition.
User Reviews:
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2008 STS 6 cylinder is a dream! - 2008 Cadillac STS
By John Lerner - August 18 - 7:01 pm2008 STS Just delivered and drove from East Hampton Long Island to Myrtle Beach South Carolina. Wife and kids love the ride on this car, more than our former BMW 5 series. MPG combined on the cars computer stunned us with 21.6 combined, and 27 mpg all day long on the highway, running 87 octane!
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I Love the 2005 Cadillac STS - 2005 Cadillac STS
By janis1 - August 12 - 4:33 amI just came out of a Cadillac CTS, which I really, really liked. However, my fully loaded 2005 Cadillac STS V6, is in another class.
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08 STS is hot - 2008 Cadillac STS
By Cosmo - August 11 - 9:28 am302-horsepower engine with direct injection V6. A bolder look on the outside and inside will attract younger buyers. I am 41. I wanted a 4 wheel drive car that can accommodate 3 car seats in the back. I looked at the BMW 535xi, Lexus GS350 AWD Infiniti M35 (currently drive Infiniti M45) at Audi A6. For the money the 2008 I stress the 2008 STS was the best value. The increased performance and the side air extractors, incorporated into the front fenders of STS. New chrome-plated door handles and lower rocker moldings are added for more presence and refinement.
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Cadillac Man! - 2006 Cadillac STS
By Mark Anthony - July 27 - 1:45 pmThis is my 5th new Cadillac and so far the best. People are in awe when I tell them the features. Windows down by voice, push button start, keyless access, just walk up to the car and the car door opens automatically. 15 speaker Bose stereo and navigation screen, it even plays DVDs and MP3s! The automatic transmission shifts without the clutch. I just love this car. I clean it everyday!
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Car is great - 2007 Cadillac STS
By brian - July 10 - 1:49 pmCar is an automotive winner. She blows the doors off the Mercedes Benz E class, the Infinity M35, or the 535 series BMW. in both performance and and good looks. Full featured for far less.
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STS Purchase - 2006 Cadillac STS
By JT - April 29 - 7:01 pmI traded in my CTS from an 2006 STS last year and have been very pleased with the purchase to date. Ive had no issues with this vehicle. It has been extremely reliable. I compared with a BMW 5-series before purchasing my STS, and in my opinion the Cadillac offers much more value for the money. The touchscreen interface is very intuitive and easy to use, and in my opinion far superior to the German systems.
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The Cadillac - 2006 Cadillac STS
By roger - April 25 - 3:10 pmDealership did not know about the slap stick shifter. I worked in Chicago for 4 months commuting and the car got great mileage. I live 90 miles from Chicago. The mileage in the city was terrible. I was getting 14.0 to 15.3! I thought I was getting a wood grain steering wheel. I guess it was not in the 1sb package. V6 never again. The transmission stays in the current gear when you stomp the gas. GM blew that. Turning radius is not tight enough. That button you hold for 7 second is OK but the transmisson is better when you dont use the computers.
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Imports Beware! - 2006 Cadillac STS
By Queen - April 23 - 3:51 pmDriving this car is like a dream. I never imagined owning a Cadillac and when I bought this one, I was actually looking at the Mercedes E350. After driving this car, you cant even compare them. The Cadillac won hands down. I recommend anyone looking in the luxury class to seriously think about taking a test drive in the STS before making a decision. It will change the way you think and look at American made cars. The manager at the dealer told me if I just drove the STS, I may never drive anything else. I think he may be right!
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Standard of the World: 2005 STS V8 1SG - 2005 Cadillac STS
By BenjaminSimon - April 3 - 2:28 pmI may only be 24 but this Caddy is one of the finest cars I have even been in. Sure a 7 series or S class is better, but I cannot afford those. I like how heads turn when I drive by. I have every factory option and I would have it no other way. I live in the south, so AWD is something that I did not want. AWD hurts both performance and gas mileage. Instead I got performance handling package. (It was a either/or option with AWD) The gas mileage is very average, but I did not buy this car to save money on gas. The MSRP was $63K+ and I would suggest buying used. I got mine 10 months old with 15K and saved huge money. Only been in the shop for software updates. Best value on the road for under $65K
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Fails to Meet Expecations - 2006 Cadillac STS
By Former Caddy Man - March 17 - 11:33 pmThis car has lots of promise, but fails to deliver. The quality of the car itself as well as the dealer service has been very poor in my experience. I have experienced a number of breakdowns requiring tows. It has had repeated problems and the dealer has not been able to resolve them. This should not occur with a car like this. The transmission is rough and uncertain at low speeds and the electronics either dont work as billed or dont work as designed.
