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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  One Smart Choice for Luxury - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By Simon Li - August 18 - 10:56 am

  This car has a very comfortable ride and a feel of luxury from outside to inside. The style is not just for the 40+ age group any more and the GMAC Smart-Buy program made my decision easier to make. I got the V6 model, it is not as sporty as V8. Overall, it makes my drive to work a lot more enjoyable, even Monday morning.

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  The Most Car for the Money - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By Mark Moran - August 10 - 8:01 am

  The car rides somewhere between a Lexus and a BMW. It is firm and responsive, especially in sport driving mode (or manual shifting) with the performance transmission setting. It really zips along.

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  Disapointment - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By rick simon - July 29 - 5:13 pm

  I am really disapointed that a $60,000 car is so poorly built. Whats worse is that Cadillac customer care was rude and told me that there is nothing they are willing to do to fix it. The Bluetooth connection is a joke, the people on the other end say you sound like you are in a cave and are hard to hear. The car has a wind leak in the passenger door. We even traced the location and told the dealer where it was located. Twice and they still cant fix it. The tires are low profile Michelins. One tire has a thump in it which is noticible at low speeds. Guess what, no problem found! I have always been an American auto owner, but this car is screaming "trade me for a Beemer!"

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  Great Car - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By Mark McNulty - July 27 - 1:40 pm

  This car is fun to drive and has all the latest technology. Keyless entry, push button start, and voice controls - for windows, radio, AC. It has virtual advisor, which gives me current weather condtions, stock reports and traffic accidents and construction sites to avoid. I really love this car! I had a 2005 Cadillac STS with a V6 engine, but traded this in for a 2006 STS V8 with navigation an all the toys.

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  Love it but Cramped - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By ADMIN - July 20 - 3:11 pm

  I just bought my first ever Cadillac. It looks great, drives so smoothly but lacks backseat leg room and has very little storage room. It is very difficult to get out of, but overall it is luxury through and through.

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  Transmission! - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By Chris - July 13 - 1:54 pm

  My STS transmission is awful! When downshifting, it has trouble finding a gear, especially when you want to re-accelerate. It makes for a very rough ride. At speed, its okay. Also, its voice recognition is poor. The electronics are too complicated, too. The learning curve is fairly steep. I also dont like the adaptive cruise control. Bluetooth is a joke as well.

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  Its Really Here - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By Mister Anderson - July 1 - 12:01 pm

  The mid size luxury sedan that you are looking for is right here in America! Like everyone, I drove the usual suspects Audi, BMW, and Infiniti. The technology that Cadillac has invested in the STS is amazing. 5.1 surround sound, navigation, a true keyless remote, gracious styling and the quietest ride in its class. I sold an 03 Infiniti Coupe and an 05 Infiniti Sedan for the STS. Both are nice cars but the coupe was too loud inside. I have never looked back. Its can cruise at any speed.

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  Switched - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By Arturo - June 26 - 10:38 pm

  I had to have the the fuel tank in my 05 STS replaced, the fuel gauage repaired, and replaced the main module that controls the memory. I was informed after purchase that the DRL will not function if you opt to engage the auto rain sensing wipers even if the manual indicates that you can.

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  Why doesnt Cadillac Listen! - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By Bobb - June 26 - 10:24 pm

  My new STS is a well built alternative to the off shore crowd. I find it to be a quiet car with enough power to give it that "fun"factor." All in all, I am satisfied with the vehicle. That said, there are many shortcommings with the car that Cadillac never should have allowed to pass. The storage inside the car is just pitiful. The glove box is not large enough to fit my gloves in! The center console is tiny and there is no back seat storage to speak of. But it is the electronics that really sour my opinion of the car. Voice recognition? Not my voice. Want to use your Bluetooth phone? Not while you are moving. Change your destination on the Nav? Have to stop the car! This is simply a stupid design.

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  Vadillac STS - Better than a new BMW or MErcedes - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By JARED LENNTER - June 17 - 11:31 pm

  This car rides and handles better than our 2 year old BMW 7-Series. Its seats, braking, steering, and power "or a 6-cyl. are unreal. We could not be happier with a car. I am thankful America is producing strong quality for a reasonable price, $44,000 loaded.