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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  A Cady lives up to its name - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By HWW - March 3 - 4:13 pm

  Accelerate like a Porsche. Ride like a Mercedes. Turn like a Miata. Own all the cars mentioned here. Dont be fooled by made in USA

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  Standard of the world, again - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By lance elliott - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Excellent auto, Cadillac is 100% back to world class.

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  Worth the wait - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By Illini76 - July 24 - 8:16 pm

  This is my third Cadillac and second STS. I could not wait to get this car and its worth the wait. Great design, exterior and interior. A real head turner, I have gotten more compliments on this car in the first 30 days. It is sleek, nimble and fast just like you want. The only disappointment so far is the voice control seems to be a little wacky. There are so many new neat features it takes a while to learn them all. I love the air- conditioned front seats. But most of all it is the Power and Ride.

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  Wow! Exceeds my expectations! Intuitive - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By ddailyhou - July 19 - 10:00 am

  2005 STS V6 Pkg. 1SC This is absolutely the finest vehicle Ive ever owned. From the DVD audio with Bose 5.1 surround sound to the keyless EVERYTHING! (Im still trying to figure out what to do with my keys!) Bluetooth phone, DVD, all features exceptional. They obviously took cues from import luxury cars but "tweeked" the options to be more user friendly. Handling, ride, suspension - all incredible. I feel as though this car was designed specifically for me! Gas mileage is not-so-great as a barrel of oil hits 55.00 but its not like a surprise with a 255 HP V-6. Get down to your Cadillac dealer! You gotta drive this car!

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  Cadillas STS 2005 - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By Elaine Gold - July 19 - 10:00 am

  the seats are very uncomfortable,,,the cd that explains how this car works is 2 hours long and ridiculous to sit and listen to since you cannot have the motor on and then you have to start on and off...i did not listen to the whole thing...we still dont understand how you handle valet parking...what do you give the driver??the keyless portion is great...i think that gm should offer a house visit after you have the car for a few weeks...we will probably visit the dealer and go over some of the items again....gm should definitly have made the seats with more comfort in mind-the book is not clear either

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  STS - MORE CAR THAN YOU CAN IMAGINE - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By STS Car guy - March 13 - 10:00 am

  Forget the negative comments. This car has all the great features you will ever want in an automobile. Its fast enough, rides comfortably, and comes with all the bells and whistles. The 1SF I drive makes the 03 Infinity Q45 I traded seem like just another car. With only 300 miles its hard to find any faults. All the technology becomes overwhelming when you are trying to learn it all at one time, but the fun is discovering new things this car will do everyday. Going back to a car without keyless entry, 5.1 surround sound, advanced navigation, intelligent headlights, rainsence wipers, heads up display, in a perfectly designed cockpit will be impossible.