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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  My Thoughts - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By Brian - October 21 - 9:09 am

  First two weeks with the STS have been great. I have come from driving imports for many years and felt like I was taking a chance. So far, only time will tell, I love the car. Feature for feature and in the price dependent the luxury imports cant compare. I have the V6 AWD and look forward to the winter snow. This car is super quiet and so far rock solid. It is almost freakish how many features that have been packed into the car and the first time that I have actually had to read an owners manual more than once to get a handle on all of the technology features and how to use everything.

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  STS much better than 2006 S Class Benz - 2007 Cadillac STS
  By Jeremy Trynor - October 13 - 9:03 pm

  This car is 30 grand cheaper than Mercedes and absolutely runs better. You dont have a service engine light come on everyday like the German vehicles. The 6 cylinder is nailing 19.7 mpg combined hard driving, and is extremely quick off the line and very quiet. We truly cannot believe how much we enjoy this car. Seats, performance, Bose Audio and Wood grain are above expectations.

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  Love My STS...Best Car Ive Owned! - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By Preston - October 8 - 10:16 pm

  I traded in my 2003 CTS for my current 2006 STS, and LOVE IT! There is no comparison between the two cars. It is the best car Ive ever owned. Im always learning something new about the STS. I dont know how they can make this car any better. I advise everyone to take a test drive in the new STS, youll fall in love with it.

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  Definitly Top Five - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By GRSMITH - October 7 - 11:32 am

  The Cadillac STS is possibly one of the top five sport sedans competing in this market. Its handling is superb and its ride comfort is first rate. Ive had many compliments on its styling. Cadillac has built a winner.

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  2006 STS - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By Aurora5000 - October 5 - 11:18 am

  This is a great full-size car at a midsize price. It has a nimble road feel and a powerful V8 engine. I like its clean lines on the outside and lots of leather and wood trim in the inside. It gives others an impression of quality and luxury. Attention was given to reducing road noise. Its ride is somewhere between the CTS (stiff) and DeVille (soft).

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  My 05 STS V-8 with 1sg package - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By Robert - September 18 - 5:13 pm

  The performance of the vehicle is outstanding and transmission shifts so smooth you do not feel it shifting. Exterior and interior fit and finish is is up to par if not better than all other autombiles.

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  STS - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By Gene - September 17 - 9:24 pm

  This is a very nice car that is fun to drive. I love the keyless entry and navigation system. Thanks GM, Cadillac is BACK.

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  The Best - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By Dave - September 16 - 7:48 am

  The 2006 Cadillac STS is the best. It provides great performance, is fun to drive, and has had absolutly no problems.

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  One of the Best - 2007 Cadillac STS
  By Rodney Knight - September 1 - 3:16 am

  The 2007 Cadillac STS is a wonderful car. I see lots of reviews. Until retirement I was a damage appraiser. I know whats underneath and this car is just head and shoulders above the imports.

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  2005 STS - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By sports sedan - August 27 - 10:43 am

  I bought this car new 7/26/06 with 355 miles on it. Within two weeks, I made a trip to WA state. I never averaged below 25.5 MPG. For the most part, I averaged near 28 MPG. The acceleration was great. The dip stick showed little or no use of oil. I thoroughly enjoyed all the amenities (OnStar, XM radio, dual a/c, and driver memory settings). The STS was quiet and practically drove itsself, even on poorly maintained roads.