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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  2005 STS - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By mstewart - November 21 - 4:10 pm

  I have had nothing but trouble with my 2006 Cadillac STS V8 since I took delivery of it. First, the delivery was delayed at the dealership because the entire radio had to be replaced. After the first 1,000 miles, a loud noise like crunching tin cans developed in the front-end. The dealership has attempted to fix it several times without success. I have been waiting on another part for over a week which they hope will remedy the problem. Meanwhile a coil in the engine went out causing it to operate on less than all 8 cylinders. I have communicated with Cadillac customer relations but have gotten absolutly no relief. Buyers beware.

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  V6 STS Review - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By JoeonLI - November 13 - 10:47 pm

  This is my first Cadillac. Ive owned several GM cars, and this one is the best. I leased it, and would get another one without hesitation. The tranny is so seamless, its hard to notice it shift while cranking out music over the 15 speaker system. Cadillac hit a home run here.

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  Fun, but not up to the Quality of Lexus - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By tom fuller - November 12 - 11:04 am

  My wife and I each have a 2006 Cadillac STS V6 because I feel strongly that I prefer to buy an American car. Unfortunately, my car has been into the shop four times to have trim pieces put back on, and there is a distracting amount of wind noise which cannot be resolved and apparently is just the way the car is. My wifes previous car, a Lexus, was whisper quiet, so were not used to this. If GM wants owners of BMW and Lexus to go to Cadillac, they will have to do some major work on the entire way they build cars and treat their customers. I also own a BMW Z4, and having had this plus the Lexus, going down to a Cadillac has been a shock. So Im not saying I wont get another one, but the jurys still out.

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  Cadillac STS - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By chris - November 9 - 5:48 pm

  My 2006 Cadillac STS V8 is an excellent and fun car to drive. The electronics are the easiest to use of the premier luxury sedans I have been in and it handles beautifully. I really wanted a fun and reliable car and this car has more than delivered!

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  2006 Cadillac STS - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By Peter Heimann - October 18 - 5:28 pm

  This is by far the best built vehicle I have ever purchased. With this vehicle General Motors has done an oustanding job of competing with European and Japanese products.

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  Bobs review - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By Bob - October 18 - 4:48 pm

  The design and quality of the 2006 Cadillac STS are outstanding. The reason I like the design, the car is distinctive and does not look like every other car on the road.

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  Fourth One - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By Frank Maiese - October 4 - 10:13 am

  This is my fourth Cadillac. The only thing I miss is the floatly driving of the big Cadillacs, other then that it is a great car. I like the way it handles going around curves. If you go a little too fast it brakes itself and slows down to a safer speed.

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  I drove them all! - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By Dsc - September 21 - 7:32 pm

  I test drove the BMW 530, Mercedes-Benz E class, Lexus ES 330 and Audi A6. I had decided on the 5-Series but drove the Cadillac STS at the last minute and LOVED IT! It is a great car, feels sporty, but is large enough to comfortably accomodate rear passengers. It has so many bells and whistles I havent had time to figure them all out yet. Incredible car!

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  Front End Problems - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By jclarkeusa - September 17 - 5:55 pm

  My 2005 Cadillac STS is a nice car but the front end rattles excessively at speeds of 35 MPH or under. To date, Cadillac has been unable to fix the problem. So far, they have replaced a control arm but that still has not fixed the problem. If I had it to do over again I would have purchased the Infinit M35 or BMW 530i. This will be the last time I buy an American luxury car!

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  The Batmobile - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By Batman - September 4 - 12:09 pm

  Fantastic car with tons of cool gizmos and gadgets that are so fun to play with. Great power with the V8, and handling with the magnetic suspension is the best that I have driven. I really like the remote start, cools it down inside. If only it would come pick me up. The black exterior and the chrome lines make it my little Batmoblie.