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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Test Drive this Car! - 2006 Cadillac STS
By Clarence. E. Schutt - January 20 - 5:54 pmMy 2006 Cadillac STS V8 car replaces my 1997 STS, which I was reluctant to part with, even after 100,000 miles. I am stunned by the improvement in high performance drivability, such as shifting on curves, and high speed maneuverability in traffic. The music system is superb, and satellite radio is a plus. I dont see why so many Americans buy a Lexus or BMW without putting this car to the test.
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STS - Ride is VERY FIRM - 2006 Cadillac STS
By johnnocalif - January 15 - 1:29 amIf you are looking for a soft, luxurious Cadillac-style ride, you wont find it in the STS. Its bucket seats are pure Mercedes stiff. I have moved from a 2004 Jaguar S-Type with the Sport Package to a 2006 STS V6 with the Performance Luxury Package. I love the STS and all the technology. The STS feels more luxurious and larger. It has great ride, is quiet, and has no road vibration - but the seats are so firm that it ruins the ride. The lumbar support is too hard and does not fit a 62" body. The Jag S-Type rides softer on the freeway and tighter winding roads. I love many things about the STS, but a 1-2 hour drive is all that I can stand.
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Combination of Luxury and Performance - 2005 Cadillac STS
By pres - January 9 - 7:02 pmThe 2005 Cadillac STS is an excellent blend of comfort and performance. It has good power, road manners, a good feel for the road, and handling. Its adroit yet comfortable. The appearance of this car is sharp, but with a rich look.
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V8 STS - 2006 Cadillac STS
By David Anderson - January 8 - 6:44 pmThe 2006 Cadillac STS V8 is truly a Cadillac and a sports car. It handles like a dream and gives great gas mileage too boot.
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After One Year - 2005 Cadillac STS
By pb - January 5 - 1:06 amI have driven my 2005 Cadillac STS for 12 months and find that it meets most of my expectations. Coming from a 2002 BMW M3 (and a BMW 540 prior to that), I was looking for more room and creature comforts. Wishing to buy American, I chose the STS V8. I have had only one signifcant problem, the steering column came loose after two months apparently from a manufacturing defect. Cadillac replaced it promtly and I had no further problem. Overall, this car is a great combination of power and a smooth ride, with useful technology (navigation, remote start, and terrific sound system-you must listen to 5.1 channel musice CDs in this vehicle). All this and its American!
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STS is a Honey - 2006 Cadillac STS
By Swago Ben - January 3 - 4:05 pmOur 2006 Cadillac STS is as much fun to drive as my 2000 Corvette. The V6 engine is plenty peppy and responsive, I am not sorry that I did not opt for the V8.
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Love my STS - 2006 Cadillac STS
By malro - December 23 - 10:51 pmAfter driving Lexus, BMW and Lincoln, I drove my new Cadillac STS and fell in love immediately. The value and the fact that it is American made made my choice for me. The American public in general does not care about driving road courses they care more about driving in traffic and are more used to American roads, not european hills and curves. So who cares about most of the things car magazines care about. Unfortunately some people believe all they read and dont take the time to test drive the competition. I believe if you blindfolded people they couldnt tell the difference between a Cadillac and a Lexus.
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The greatest disappointment of Cadillac - 2006 Cadillac STS
By lcacsllc - December 20 - 6:34 pmI have been driving Cadillacs for the past 16 years. I have had DeVilles and SLSs. Always I could rely on Cadillac to provide superior ride and service. My 2006 STS V6 was a huge disappointment. We have 8,000 miles on the car and have felt every crack in the road from here to Florida and back. We cancelled a Christmas driving trip and chose to fly. The ride is intolerable. Never before have we had to test drive the car before ordering. We find that the only smooth ride offered by Cadillac is the DTS. We like the sporty styling but its a tin-lizzy dressed in sports attire. Second, the glove box is not sufficient to even house the cars instruction manual. What a useless piece of space.
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What a Car! - 2005 Cadillac STS
By Paul Myer - December 10 - 4:50 pmThe 2005 Cadillac STS is a great car that is packed with a lot of useful technology. Its fit and finish were best of any GM car that I have purchased. I drove it off dealer lot about 2,000 miles ago have not been back since. I have never purchased a car before where I could not find something wrong with that needed to go back to the dealer to have fixed. XM radio with the 15 Bose speakers is awesome.
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Not Happy - 2006 Cadillac STS
By brian burka - November 29 - 2:03 pmThere are a few important things that I dont like about the 2006 STS. The foot-well is so cramped that if you are like me, 6 feet tall, your right knee will rest against a very uncomfortable sharp hard-padded bolster. The glove compartment is too small for such a large car...once the owners manual is in, there is no room. The trunk acess is poor. The dash design is bland and could be much more luxurious.
