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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  Very Happy - 2008 Cadillac STS
  By richcory - October 28 - 3:38 pm

  Wife and I bought our 08 STS V8 in March of this year and it had 13000 miles on it. We like it so much that we have driven to to Vegas, Denver and Ohio from our home in Oklahoma. Wife drives it every day to work and another 13000 miles later we couldnt be happier with our purchase. On the trip to Vegas and back we averaged 30 MPG with 4 adults and trunk full of luggage. Sound system is the best of any factory system available. Nav is good but could be more user friendly. Interior storage space could be improved upon and the glove box is a joke. Overall a great car with lots of performace and fun to drive. Its performace isnt that far off from my 94 Vette.

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  Beautiful but Unreliable - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By John Bantsolas - October 15 - 7:50 am

  Ive owned the car 6 months (bought it used with 30,000 miles - now have 36,000 miles on it) drives beautifully but have had 3 major repairs (fortunately still under warranty): engine oil lead (had to disassemble and replace gasket), a/c (needed new compressor), and most recently, coolant leak (needed new water pump). These are repairs I would not expect before 100,000 miles.

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  Amazing car! Good job Cadillac!! - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By CStradling24 - September 27 - 10:27 pm

  I am one of the biggest critics about everything. This car is nearly perfect. I am in my early 20s and usually people my age dont have cars like this. It was my dream car and met every expectation. I own the V8, fully loaded with absolute every feature besides AWD. It never gets old driving this car. When I bought it, the car was still under warranty and I had some small issues fixed without a problem. The performance of a car this heavy is nothing less than what you would expect from Cadillac. The interior looks great and very classy. I like how Cadillac did not go crazy with buttons, they kept it nice and simple.

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  STS better than a BMW - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By Gordon Lewis - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Previuosly owned a BMW 528 sedan - Cadillac STS is by far as much if not more automobile for the buck & with just as much bang when it comes to handling, performance & comfort.

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  2005 Cadillac STS - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By frogs - July 16 - 2:36 pm

  The STS is a beautiful auto. It drives like a sedan but performs like a rocket. It is fast, sleek and a blast to drive. =0)

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  Finally GM Got it right...For Now - 2008 Cadillac STS
  By Old Red - June 27 - 12:17 pm

  I purchased two new GM vehicles in 2008, a Cadillac STS AWD and a Silverado 1500 LTZ 4WD. The quality of workmanship was the best Ive ever seen in my 53 years of owning and driving all kinds of cars. 0 defects, good fitment, quality throughout. As good over better than any foreign car or truck Ive ever been exposed to. Thinks I, "Theyve finally got it right".

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  enjoyed the car - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By cindy - June 24 - 6:19 pm

  The only problem with this car was the mirror on drivers side had locating problems.This was fixed.otherwise great experience.Put 20s on and looks great.Rough riding due to the low profiles and all the mechanisms in the seats, but wonderful vehicle experience.

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  I would buy another one - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By MyfirstCaddy - June 15 - 6:39 pm

  I bought my used with 45k on it, I love the way the car drives and handles, I put a set of 22 inch wheels on it,that makes it very unique, I love the way my car looks. I wish it had a bigger trunk and more space in the glove box. I did had some problems with the car making some noise coming from the ac vents, it sounded like someone was passing gas (upps) other than that, I love my car, I wish I had bought the V8 AWD

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  awesome ultra fine classy car - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By ultrastark - May 30 - 2:32 am

  owning and especially driving this beauty are an absolute pleasure, yea there is the odd glitch here and there such as the interior shud be a bit more prestigous. the 320 hp is awesome they shud have made it a 360hp or so but the 320hp is superfine. sound system is beyond prestige. it handles like a sports car born on the track. what a sweet ride u built it right this time caddy, the headlight and light system mated to the front fascia is a designers showpiece.

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  My Last Cadillac - 2007 Cadillac STS
  By Former Caddy Owner - May 22 - 8:50 pm

  This is my 3rd or 4th Cadillac (lost count) but it is surely my last one. This little STS has had one annoying problem after another...and NO MILES ON IT!!! This evening it has shut down completely and doesnt recognize fobs, wont open the trunk or move out of PARK. Road Side Assistance sent a tow truck out to carry the car back to the dealer, but, the tow driver couldnt budge the car out of PARK. Thankfully, we are home and have a second vehicle (Toyota) so we arent stranded. Now, if this was happening at a mall or anywhere on the road, this incident would be more than infuriating. I would not advise anyone to buy a Cadillac.