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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  From BMW to Cadillac - 2007 Cadillac STS
  By beamerman - March 16 - 4:13 pm

  I am 60 years old and a car nut. I have owned 5 BMW cars and a friend said to drive the STS. I have not owned or leased an American car for 40 years. I drove this car and fell in love with it. I received an abundance of rebates and leased this car for 36 months with only paying taxes for 420.00/month. GM sent me a 2000.00 off certificate as well. The car handles smoothly, I can feel the road. The V6 is plenty powerful and I didnt lease based on the $46,000 MSRP. The car is tight, beautifully equipped and rides like a dream. I have OnStar, my own voice activated phone etc. If GM could get people to drive this car they would buy it. Kudos to General Motors for getting their act together.

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  STS Brakes and Front End - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By gojo2 - March 15 - 5:13 pm

  Our 2005 Cadillac STS is not as reliable as the Lexus weve owned. Weve had problems with the brakes and the front end. The dealer and Cadillac are not as friendly to customers as they claim.

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  Satisfied Customer - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By J Scott - March 9 - 12:13 pm

  Ive only had my STS for two months. I read the reviews here before buying it and I am very pleased with my decision to buy the 2006 STS. It is more of a sports car than I expected. The V6 engine has plenty of power for the car. I got it loaded and I am enjoying it very much. I think any complaints you may read here are overblown. You will be glad you bought this car. I just cant comment about the long term reliability because I have only owned it for two months. Its fuel economy has been 23 mpg highway / 14 mpg city.

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  Rons Cadillac - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By rons cad - March 3 - 10:25 pm

  This is my first Cadillac. It is a great handling automobile. I chose the black color. It is very good looking, better than a BMW or Mercedes, in my opinion. The brake performance is excellent, but has a squeal problem. Dealer service has been wonderful so far. I will buy one again.

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  Rons Stealth Gray/Cashmere STS - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By Ron - February 12 - 6:50 pm

  This is a good car with great incentives to buy or lease. The ride is firm and quiet. If you want the cushy ride of yesteryear move on. Its quiet and feels good at highway speeds. The V6 is quite impressive, smooth and fast off the line or for passing. It is quieter than the noisy Northstar V8. Its gas mileage is fair, but its regular gas so deal with it! I have the cashmere interior with lighter wood trim and steering wheel...awesome look. The electronics are a challenge, but good. The voice recognition needs improvement. Im not disappointed at all.

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  Best Car I Have Owned - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By mack - February 3 - 8:17 am

  The 2005 Cadillac STS is by far the best car I have ever owned. I traded a 2003 CTS in for this one. The CTS is sort of a "Starter Cadillac." The STS bells and whistles seem to never end. I keep finding new ones. Its ride is awesome.

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  Northstar Gas Mileage on "6" is Good - 2007 Cadillac STS
  By Brandon Young - January 10 - 12:55 pm

  The STS has won us over. For the price, looks, convenience, build quality, gas mileage, we are extremely pleased with this machine.

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  My STS rocks! - 2007 Cadillac STS
  By Sylvia - January 4 - 5:13 pm

  Ive enjoyed owning my Cadillac STS - I can sum up my experience like this: reliable, luxury, solid, head-turning, quiet, smooth, f-a-s-t!, beautiful, graceful, turns on a dime, great stability and best of all, my 66" husband fits comfortably....

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  Cadillac is Back - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By Richard - January 4 - 12:10 pm

  After two decades of owning Mercedes, BMW, and Infiniti, I decided to test the Cadillac STS. I selected the STS over the Mercedes E350 and Infiniti M35. Its ride is firm but smooth. The electronic features are fantastic. Remote start with heated seats and steering wheel make cold mornings easier. The 15 speaker Bose stereo with XM radio is FANTASTIC. I get about 20 MPG on my commute and on a recent road trip I averaged 23 MPG at 80 MPH.

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  Awesome STS - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By "S" Man - December 30 - 7:58 pm

  I bought this car in November and so far it is great! I love just about everything this car has to offer. The ride is very quiet and the 6-cylinder engine offers a lot of pep - there really is no need for the V8 and the additional cost that goes with it! The interior is top notch and it has all the features you could ask for. I have received a lot of positive comments on this car!