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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Peppy STS Beats the Old Seville - 2005 Cadillac STS
By Ron Lessley - July 1 - 1:19 amTrying to program the memory features was a real chore. It took 2 dealer techs 2 hours to get the job done. The old Seville came with VHS instructional tape and a handy card. This new STS is not user friendly in that respect. The glove compartment is next to useless, being so shallow and the return of standard cigarette lighters and ash trays is not a welcome addition. The buyer gets more "toys" than he can keep track of, so eventually forgets all but the most used features. The tires and brakes could be a little more high-performance but are only adequate as they come from the factory. The coffee cup holders have only one purpose: to hold coffee cups.
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Traded a Town Car - 2005 Cadillac STS
By J.Stiles - June 29 - 3:25 pmFun Car! The seats a little hard. Two faults: trunk very limited and glove box stinks. Missing some things that we were used to: auto trunk close hidden accesory plug for radar detect or phone that closes down with ignition. Overload on computorized settings. (my wife is still scared to touch )
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Great American Car!!! - 2005 Cadillac STS
By Cary L - June 27 - 5:13 pmOriginally went to purchase a CTS Luxury Sport but the salesman also showed us a V6 STS Luxury pkg. For a few dollars more my wife and I got exactly what we were both looking for. I have been looking at both Japanese and European cars for the past 3 months and the STS V6 beats them all! The V6 is the perfect engine at 255 HP, coupled with a 5 speed auto trans that has sport mode as well as a manual shift option, this car not only looks great its a blast to drive. Center stack with optional Premium upgrade gets wood trim, which makes this interior gorgeous! If thats not enough, it runs on regular gas, something all the imports cant do. Also remember it is rear wheel drive, so no torque steer.
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Cadillac STS - 2005 Cadillac STS
By Fernando - June 25 - 12:37 amI really like this car, is fun to drive, the style is nice. Delivers performance when needed. The gadgets are amazing, the keyless entry is my favorite, but I also like the Onstar equipped phone and the transmission switch. Is a nice car.
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My first Cadillac - 2005 Cadillac STS
By dracula - June 20 - 4:47 pmI have always bought Buicks but this year I decided to upgrade to Cadillac. The STS ads got my attention and since I only buy American cars, I was sold. So far so good. I looked at the Lucerne but I did not like the name nor the improvements since I bought my 2000 LeSabre Limited.
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New STS Rocks - 2005 Cadillac STS
By bds - June 2 - 2:33 pmI recently bought a new STS V8 AWD. Compared to the competition (Mercedes, Lexus) it was equal in performance, finish and fit. It exceeds the Lexus LS 430 in that its handling sports car like. It would cost $10,000-$15,000 more for similiarly equipped Lexus or Mercedes. I like everything about it except that the gas fill is on the passenger side. Fast, quiet, responsive and luxurious. Bottom line: it is the best value you can get in a luxury vehicle and it is definitely not your daddys Caddy.
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Standard of the World - 2005 Cadillac STS
By Aboody - June 2 - 1:55 amCadillac is definetly back in the game with this new STS. From the great looks to the great interior, to superior technology. I have had the car for two months and its great. No problem at all. This is the third Cadillac to be part of our family, and every year they keep on getting better. They have all been great, and no problems at all. Cadillac has really silenced the streotypes. If your looking for a car make sure to test this one out. It blows away all the other midsize cars, whether it be BMW, Mercedes, Lexus, Infiniti, or Jaguar. Excellent Car, worth every penny, as were all the other Cadillacs we have. Why settle for anything but the standard of the World?
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Great car - 2005 Cadillac STS
By FLYONS - May 22 - 2:12 amGreat car, love to drive it. Best car Ive ever driven. Quiet, great ride. I like the handling on back roads. Fuel mileage is good, not great. Love the Bose sound system. The V6 has plenty of power.
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STS AWD - 2005 Cadillac STS
By shawnbi - May 21 - 9:34 amI love this car. What a amazing ride. Outstanding technology inside the vehicle for a great experience. Better then BMW and Audi hands down. I still cant believe how awesome this car is. Cadillac has its own unique feel which I applaud them for!
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Great American Car - 2005 Cadillac STS
By BaltoMan - May 15 - 8:07 pmI looked at all the competitors - BMW 5 series, MB 300s, Lexus 300s, Acura TL and RL, Audi, and Infiniti M35/45. The Cadillac has edgier styling, better or as good as interior than all but Audi (BMW was pitiful). It also has better build and reliability than the European cars, more fun and masculine than Lexus or Acura. Only the Infiniti was close. It has more toys for the money and the option packages made more sense. But the STS is stylish, roomy, confortable and a great drive. Best of all, its made in America.
