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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  BMW who? - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By Sir Drive Alot - November 3 - 10:00 am

  This is a fantastic ride. Great power, interior sound, and build quality. It accelerates like a rocket. the Bose sound system is the best. The nav system is easy to use, well alot easier than BMWs I-drive. I did not buy the active suspension because I could not tell the difference with my driving. I tried the V-6 but no way, not enough uumf.

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  Cadillac STS 2005 - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By jack B - September 12 - 10:53 am

  The Car with its electronics is difficult to comprehend. the navigation system is a joke. No one can understand it and I wouldnt recommend that option. The Bose radio gives the best performance only if you buy 5.1 digital cds. The Sat radio quality is not as good as my GMC, Denali. The Blue tooth phone system with the hands free option is hard for people to understand what the driver is saying. The performance is great the handling is great. Outside of the electronics the car is great!

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  This is My 6TH Cadillac STS and its the Best Yet - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By Hyman Arbesfeld - June 15 - 2:10 am

  The exterior of the Cadillac STS is unmatched by any vehicle being sold by Lexus, Mercedes-Benz or BMW, all of which are too bland for my taste. This really is a car that you can enjoy looking at. Not having to use a key for all that a key is normally used I have found very interesting. I have to educate others about this when i leave the car with parking attendants.

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  Great Car - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By fshoefind - February 14 - 10:00 am

  Cadillac has finally built a great car eqyal to Mercedes and BMW. It has great features and a great ride.

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  First Cadillac Owner and I Love It!!!!!! - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By NameBrand Media - May 4 - 8:30 pm

  Well this is the first Caddy I have owned. I never drove one until the day that I went to my local Cadillac Dealer. I was looking at the CTS but was disappointed by its economy looking interior. I saw the STS and I fell in love with the car. It has style and appeal I was looking for. Along with the value.

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  TOP DOG!!! - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By rizzo26 - January 20 - 10:00 am

  GREAT VEHICLE... caddy does it again

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  woooow - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By William G. Jonison - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Best car I have ever owned by any method of comparision. This is a real sports car, very high proformance package, very solid, only possible add would be a six speed stick. (maybe next year)

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  Staci - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By Stazi - January 20 - 10:00 am

  I just love it

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  The Kat Rides - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By yolan carter - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Sporty exterior and great funky army green color. Great pickup. This is my 5th Cadi and first not a Deville model. Takes some getting used to because it is smaller than the full size Deville. Burns regular gas which is why I switched models. Engine is made in France but it appears to be splendid so Ill forgive them for that. I miss the huge trunck of the Deville but the back seats fold down so I have a huge trunck provided there are no passengers in the rear. I like the smaller size because it is easier to handle, parking is a breeze. The only drawback I can find is one does not get the soft ride of the large Deville. This is a "sport" ride

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  Wow what a car - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By buzzzzz - January 20 - 10:00 am

  I drive Mercedes and BMW and can tell yot that this car is up to this standard and maybe better build quality than the Mercedes