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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Outstanding Vehicle - 2005 Cadillac STS
By Ed Durante - July 30 - 7:09 pmI have only 2,500 miles on this car, but they have been very enjoyable miles. The car is solid, and extremely quiet, except when I have the 15 speaker Bose DVD system cranked up. The power is awsome, and the handling smooth and responsive. This is my fourth consecutive Cadillac in the Seville line. The past vehicles were SLSs and I loved them. I was having mixed emotions turning in my last car which was a 2002 SLS. It only took one test drive of the new STS and I never got into the old car again, and didnt look back. The controls are state of the art and user friendly. From programming the features to using the GPS navigation system. The car is an absolute dream to drive and own.
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The best so far - 2006 Cadillac STS
By cinemel - July 30 - 2:42 pmThis is my favorite STS so far. Its the third one Ive owned. It handles responsively with a European tight suspension, not as mushy as the DeVille.
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Look at the V6! - 2005 Cadillac STS
By FrmrBMWguy - July 30 - 11:05 amI formerly have driven BMWs for the past decade. The price on the new 7-Series has gotten a little pricey, so I looked at alternatives. For the money, I could not have found a better drive. I tested the V8 for a week then the V6. There is truly NO noticable difference in the performance, and since the majority of my driving is in the city, I would highly recommend the STS V6. Fully optioned it is priced closely to the base V8.
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Great Car to Own - 2005 Cadillac STS
By Joe - July 27 - 1:06 pmThis is my first Cadillac and is the best car I ever purchased. It is fun to drive and is loaded with technology. The white diamond paint with cashmere interior draws attention. Kudos to GMs Cadillac Division.
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Best Cadillac I Ever Owned - 2005 Cadillac STS
By nick moscato - July 27 - 12:51 pmI have owned Cadillacs from 1980 till now, my 92 was the best looking coupe but this car is the best handling car in any weather, its easy to drive more than enough power with the V6 takes regular gas. This car is fun to drive. The nav system is great, I cannot find anything wrong with this car, look fit comfort are great. Thanks Cadillac for creating a beautiful and stealhty looking vehicle.
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Best Built Luxury Vehicle that Ive Owned - 2005 Cadillac STS
By P SII - July 27 - 12:26 pmIve had the Audi A8 and the Mercedes E-Class and by far I must say that the new STS is by far the best to drive and it handles on a dime. I was merely impressed to see that GM has gotten a vechicle to play with those that others claim to be the best in this class.
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Consumer Rating for Cadillac STS - 2005 Cadillac STS
By Dianne Adams - July 11 - 8:48 pmThis vehicle is in one word awesome. You have to drive one to believe the over all performance, comfort and whatever you would ever dream of having in a car. I have owned a few Cadillacs, they were all wonderful cars but nothing like this one. Competitors cant touch this one. I love my STS.
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The Lean Machine - 2006 Cadillac STS
By kinlease - July 10 - 11:22 amI am not embarrassed to be behind the wheel of this powerful, technolgically advanced Cadillac. I personally have a Jaguar and Mercedes, and only went foreign in 1996, as I tried to give my business to the American manufacturer. This car is fabulous! The features are great. They could have made the exterior different than the CTS. I think of it as a larger CTS, which is a mistake, and a bit masculine.
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The Lean Machine - 2006 Cadillac STS
By kinlease - July 10 - 11:21 amI am not embarrassed to be behind the wheel of this powerful, technolgically advanced Cadillac. I personally have a Jaguar and Mercedes, and only went foreign in 1996, as I tried to give my business to the American manufacturer. This car is fabulous! The features are great. They could have made the exterior different than the CTS. I think of it as a larger CTS, which is a mistake, and a bit masculine.
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Bobs STS - 2005 Cadillac STS
By Bob - July 9 - 3:01 pmThis is the most fun car I have ever owned. The quality is exceptional and it has so many gizmos on it, it is hard to use them all.
