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:

• 

  STS Power! - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By Anthony Cronin - March 26 - 7:59 pm

  I have had this car for almost a year now. Every option has come into play by now and the ride is comfortable and very aggressive. The Tiptronic transmission isnt very good at all though. It has no control nor has any power behind it. I drive the STS about 400-550 miles a week and I love it. It is great on long trips and very economic in your daily drive around neighborhood. It has had a few computer problems, or re-calls. But I think that the wear is partial to that. I love the car, I definitely want another STS in the near future.

• 

  AWD Alternative to Lexus 430/460 - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By sanjeevp - March 17 - 6:10 am

  One of the best vehicles to come out of Detroit. Nice balance between the performance and handling of BMW & Mercedes and comfort of Lexus 430. Performance, handling and ride are excellent user interface and voice recognition are poorly executed reliability for 1st year is good according to CR. Good (and less expensive) AWD alternative to Lexus 430/460 in Northern snow areas in my opinion superior to BMW and Mercedes. But you can still get better value for money with the Infiniti M45.

• 

  A True Drivers Car: This is The One! - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By G-man - March 11 - 1:49 am

  "Number One" for me is performance. My STS V8 4 Wheel Drive with Luxury Performance Package is a true drivers dream. With 320 horses and great low-end torque its a rocket ship on wheels. The all wheel drive "rides on rails" with the smoothest hard accelleration on the planet, and effortlessly climbs my steep driveway in the snow. Great turning radius, big disc breaks stop smooth as silk, holds the sharpest of turns under power, and magnetic ride control gives sportscar feel, but smooths the road when needed. And it makes your drive a dream with a cabin to die for, an astonishing sound system, bluetooth phone hookup, nav system and every gizmo you could possibly need. Love this car!

• 

  CADDY HAS FINALLY GOT IT RIGHT! - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By Ira d - March 4 - 7:43 am

  I HAVE JUST PURCHASED MY STS WITH THE G PACKAGE AND I HAVE THE CAR FOR A TOTAL OF 700 SO FAR. I HAVE TO SAY THAT THIS CAR IS EVERYTHING YOU COULD ASK FOR IN A LUXURY CAR. I LOVE THE ALL AROUND PERFORMANCE AND IT DISTINCTIVE APPEARANCE. THE "G" HAS TO BE ORDERED, BUT IT IS WELL WORTH THE WAIT. THE CAR LOOKS MUCH BETTER WITH THE 18 INCH WHEELS. ALL I CAN SAY IS THAT IT IS A CREDIBLE RIVAL FOR BMW AND MERCEDES, AND SHOULD BE ON EVERYONES LIST. THE GAS MILEAGE COULD BE BETTER, HOWEVER, BUT OVERALL, "WOW" IS THE BEST ADJECTIVE TO USE!!

• 

  First Cadillac Ever - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By Jay Holloway - February 19 - 3:49 pm

  I bought my Cadillac STS V6 around Christmas time, trading in a Mercedes-Bena. Previously, I have had two Lexus GS 300s. The STS is very quiet and comfy. The DVD audio is SLOW to respond to orders though and the voice recognition does not work. Its Bluetooth is reliable. The navigation system is fine, but wont let you use it while driving even if your passenger is trying to use it. Bluetooth functionality is limited while driving as well. The backseat is tight for leg room. OnStar costs a fortune. The trunk is smaller than expected. Having said this, my ownership experience has been excellent despite the flaws. The stereo using DVD audio discs has OUTSTANDING sound quality and will make you really want it. The video image and functionalty of the navigation screen is large but average resolution. The interior ambience with DVD audio is great.

• 

  Cadillac STS - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By jhutchinson1 - January 31 - 4:13 pm

  I love the look and feel of this car, however the engine and steering column have already been replaced before it hit 6,000 miles. The parts were not in stock, resulting in 37 days repair time the first time and 39 the second. I am in the process of a buyback now!

• 

  Cadillac Sport Sedan - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By andy - January 29 - 5:43 pm

  I believe that the STS is a great value. The only option I got was the AWD, since before purchased I heard from many people "Cadillacs are bad in the snow". With OnStar, 6 airbags, traction control, a Lojack style tracking disabling device, I feel safe taking it on the road. I like this car a lot. It is not too big, and it has the big car feels

• 

  My Early Opinion - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By joe casazza - January 29 - 12:33 pm

  I just got my 2006 Cadillac STS V8. While its styling is appealing, the rear seat comfort is very tight. Also, its quality is not as good as I had expected. The instructions for the electronics is very confusing. Even dealer personnel have difficulty due to the use of different systems in different models. The keytless start feature is OK, but not great. the stereo is fantastic!

• 

  Get the AWD - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By Not A Fossil - January 23 - 3:00 pm

  The 2WD Cadillac STS has trouble going when the forecast even calls for snow. My 2% driveway grade is too much for it with just a dusting. That being said, the ride and quality is better than my previous Lexus. Its fun to drive. I had to replace the front control arm after 6,000 milies though. This is a common problem with STS and CTS according to the service manager.

• 

  Awesome Car - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By Barbemm - January 22 - 5:13 pm

  Having had five previous Cadillac DeVilles, and one DTS, this STS all wheel drive is by far the most fun to drive. It handles and corners with unbelieveable control. I love driving this car. It is so quiet, I open the window to listen to hear if the engine is running. It is air tight, you dont hear a sound. The stereo is awesome. It still feels weird not using a key, but I am sure I will get used to it. The only three things I can compain about are the glove box is too small (I cant even fit the owners manual), the trunk space is not only limited but hard to get things in an out of, and the voice activation function is a joke. It doesnt understand perfect English, I say "windows down" and it says, "pardon, defrost on?"