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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  Wow - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By Brown3345 - January 20 - 10:00 am

  This is the most awesome car I have ever driven!

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  MY STS - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By SMILE 827 - January 20 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE THIS CAR. DRIVES LIKE A VETTE, FEELS LIKE AN ADULT LUXURY CAR! SMALL PROBLEMS WITH THE COMPUTER - FORGETS SOME OF THE PERSONALIZED COMMANDS

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  #1 Car Today - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By Mary Lou - January 20 - 10:00 am

  This is absolutely the best car that I have driven. I could drive this car across the USA in style and comfort. The body style is aero dynamically designed to fit the road in all conditions. Ive driven numerous Cadillacs, the STS I rate #1.

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  Owners Manual gibberish - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By Ron Lessley - April 11 - 6:03 am

  The Owners Manual is not user friendly. It took two Tech reps two hours to program the features, so how does GM expect the buyer to utilize the gibberish that passes for a manual. Just to use the CD, reading the manual is useless -you have to sit in the car and press buttons at random to get this feature going. Where is the user guides (photos, VHS) that came with the old STS? When thats all done, the glove compartment is too small to hold any- thing more than a pair of gloves and all the other compartments are too skimpy to be of any use. The time display (clock) is too small unless you like squinting to read the numerals. Apart from poor GM design on important utilities?

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  NOT THE BEST - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By Layn - March 21 - 10:00 am

  The looks of the car are very stylish. It is definately a great looking car, but the interior has something left to be desired. The leather is hard and not too comfortable. It is a lot like the leather in the CTS. STIFF AND RIGID. Not too sure about reliability yet. Cadillac has not been known for excellence in reliability as of late, so we will have to see. Another disappointment was the dealership we went to. The sales staff was not as knowledgeable as they should have been. There was much left to be desired with the dealership as well.

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  elated! - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By lufta - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Finally I thought I would step into the "import arena", but I was wrong! I stopped at the Cadillac dealership "just to see" the new STS. I am glad I did. I love the ride, handleing, and looks. I applaud G.M. on their efforts.

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  The Standard Of the World - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By Grant STS - February 25 - 3:30 pm

  Just took delivery of a beautiful Blue Chip STS 4 and I can only say that it is the most awesome car on the market. Handling is light and nimble yet the ride is very solid. Magna ride control really eats up the NYC potholes. Fit and finish are world class and the interior will make even the strongest critics smile. Outstanding power, cool features and a kick a@# Bose sound system.

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  outstanding - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By aaron s - December 25 - 10:00 am

  Recently turned in my E55 MB, feel the fit and finish of my new STS is outstanding. Bought the STS on the whim after test driving, never thought Id be back buying a non german auto......

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  Cadillac Got it Right! - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By Cadillac STS - August 30 - 4:06 am

  With a powerful V8 engine and a suspension and body to handle all that power the STS is a drivers dream. The acceleration has to be experinced to be believed either from a dead stop or from 80 on up it is really fast. The styling is cutting edge for Cadillac with a look that is appealing for young and old with a bold athletic stance that says it is ready to move and move fast. If you are looking for a sedan that looks great inside and out and handles like a sports car a test drive in this beauty is highly recommended.

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  good - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By schick - July 2 - 10:00 am

  good car all around