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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  An Underrated (V8) car that well miss - 2009 Cadillac STS
  By cadillacmike - December 29 - 12:35 am

  While the CTS is the darling sport sedan from Cadillac, the STS was a more refined car with more room, and power (with the NorthStar V8) and better egronomics with regard to the memory seat and wheel recall functions. We have both a CTS (2008 premium ed) and an STS (2009 Platinum ed), so can compare them both. We also had a 2005 CTS and two (still have 1) LT1 Fleetwood Broughams, so weve had a few Cadillacs in recent years Handling and performance are equal to or superior to the CTS, particularly with NorthStar & the wide 255mm 18" rear tires (CTS has 235mm front & rear) Interior room is better and the single glass sunroof is quieter. 15 speaker Bose system is very powerful and clear.

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  Bose Stereo Issue Debugged - 2008 Cadillac STS
  By cfazzari - June 4 - 2:02 am

  In an earlier review I wrote the Bose system was basically terrible. The lows had no THUMP the Mids were Watery and the highs were muted. Apparently There are five different listener settings: Centerpoint, Driver, Talk, Normal and Rear. Centerpoint is the setting to use. The other four settings make the system sound awful at high volumes. Centerpoint wakes up the entire system and is easily comparable to the Boston Acoustic sytem I just came out of from my SRT8 Charger.

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  Fast Luxurious car, bad on car though - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By remyb - April 9 - 4:51 am

  75,000 miles and no problems yet, steering wheel is cracked though, lots of plastic inside but it looks ok

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  Reliable Beauty - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By Ed - November 28 - 2:00 am

  In 2005 I leased my 5th (and final) one. I love the car. Comfortable, powerful and classy. But sad to say, Cadillac decided to discontinue the model. I have been driving these cars (SLS and STS)for over 15 years and never had any major problems. Except for normal wear of consumables. My 2005 has never had to be tuned, and continues to run like a dream. Thats reliability.

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  2009 STS - 2009 Cadillac STS
  By Joe Torrontegui - November 14 - 2:00 am

  Car excellent driving Does not ride like my DeVille it has a hard ride compared .

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  Do not buy a Cadillac - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By jct - November 6 - 2:00 am

  We bought the car with 16,000 miles on it and right away we found out the car needed new tires and the wheels were way out of alignment and shortly after had a problem where it wouldnt start after filling it up with gas and had to get that fixed. at around 50,000 miles trans started to go out and finally went out at 77,000 miles and got that fixed. The same day we got the trans fixed the ac compressor froze up and it started spitting antifreeze out all over.

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  Why I Like To Go Out In Style - 2011 Cadillac STS
  By johnpaulgetty - October 7 - 2:00 am

  The Caddy, STS, is such a remarkable driving machine that I had to lease me one because I like to go out in style! It not only is an eye catcher it is also eye candy to me! I always wished to own a Caddy but the lease option works for me. These cars are performance driven and I like the 6 cylinder engine. The white diamond paint is to die for!

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  Outstanding Car - 2010 Cadillac STS
  By Jim - September 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought a Diamond White Platinum Series STS. It is an outstanding car: exceedingly comfortable quick response OUTSTANDING fuel economy (city 21 -highway 25+ at 80MPH!). Superb seating and sound system. Overly complicated navigation system as I do not find it to be intuitive – I liked Chrysler’s system much better. Voice Recognition software is problematic - but Im learning to deal with it - ticks me off though. The “CTS” navigation software is used in the STS, which results in technical glitches. So far Cadillac has not fixed this issue. Styling is strikingly stunning – it gets a LOT of looks. Road handling is outstanding. I feel very safe driving I’m very happy to drive this car.

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  No regrets - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By eracism - September 15 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the vehicle with 56,000 miles on it. I drive around 3,000 miles a month. I am 66" tall. The car is comfortable and rides great. It is a V6 and has enough power. I am partial to caddys. My first car was a 1970 sedan deville. I should have purchased the all wheel drive for I live up north and the car is terrible in the snow. I currently have 114,000 miles on it with no problems. i change the oil every 3,000 miles. I am looking forward to reaching 200,000 miles.

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  Well Made Car - 2007 Cadillac STS
  By cadfanatic - September 3 - 10:13 pm

  This car is a dream. It performs well and looks great. I have had no problems with it. Unless you get a 535i or higher, they do not compare. BMWs are mechanical pieces of junk. You best not keep one after the warranty runs out. This caddy is super, handles extremely well. I also own a 2001 STS. It has 180,000 miles on it, still runs like new. To all the haters, you can put a dead key fob in the center console pocket and the car will work fine. Read the manual. If you want cavernous rear seat room, get the DTS.