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:

• 

  Solid player - 2008 Cadillac STS
  By jeff sunshine - November 10 - 1:39 pm

  I purchased mine at the end of August when there were only V6 AWD models. I traded my V8 STS and thought I would be taking a step down. With V6 DI engine, I really do not miss the V8. So far this car is solid in all respects handles well,comfortable, reliable, good mileage and is fast enough. In my opinion, this car favorably competes with BMW, MB and the other usual suspects but after you negotiate your final price, there really is no comparison becuse you pay a lot less. The status of a label is unimportant to me (although a Caddy still has some clout left) and as car enthusiast, I look to the raw driving experience. STS is right there and if the V8 G8 had AWD, I would be driving that.

• 

  Superior exterior design - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By infinitetanner - November 6 - 2:57 pm

  This car has a stunning exterior design, and a nice cockpit layout. Its 4.6L 320 HP is responsive, however the transmission in the AWD has a delay- frustrating. Handles fantastic! Wont peel out though due to AWD system. I have the 1SG luxury edition, that offers: HID xenon head lamps, OnStar, XM, navigation with DVD player built in, 6cd changer, heated and a/c cooled front seats, heated rear seats, 18 rims, bluetooth hands free calling, one touch adjustable performance and touring suspention (formula 1 inspired), spoiler and much more! Despite being a tank, this car is small inside for rear passengers & front passenger. Glove box is a joke, trunk is decent-needs sunglassas holder badly!

• 

  Good traveling vehicle - 2011 Cadillac STS
  By Chuk - October 22 - 8:51 pm

• 

  Simply the Best - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By c77ward - September 26 - 3:31 pm

  Bought a Cadillac STS after trying all car makers, BMW, Mercedes, Acura and Went back home to the General. I am a car enthusiast and have owned over 20 cars in a 25 year time span. Cadillac has matched or beat the competition with the new sigma platform & V8 VVTI Northstar. For too many years, Auto magazines have prejudiced Car Buyers from buying American Luxury, I dare anyone serious about buying a top end luxury car with tons of bells and whistles and high end power to test drive this car. It can rival or beat any E or 5 series German Made Car with no match. 5.9 0-60 on my 2wd STS is comparable to the german made,and the Spec V is faster. The ride far surpasses anything they can muster.

• 

  Why German - 2008 Cadillac STS
  By OKCowboy - August 17 - 6:33 pm

  My first Caddy. I have owned many Lincolns, several Mercedes, a terrific Jag and some unmentionables over my almost 40 years of "business" driving. This car has great styling, exceptional sound system and many, many options. It is very responsive, quite and comfortable to drive. I drove all the "others" before I chose the caddy and price was not a concern. Im glad to be driving an American sport sedan. It looks good and drive great. Time will tell but so far its a winner.

• 

  Stick with a luxury import - 2008 Cadillac STS
  By GM Never Again - August 4 - 10:36 am

  The car is fun to drive and is great when its not in the repair shop. I have had my STS in service 2 times in the last three months (BRAND NEW) for different problems. GM and Cadillac treat you like you bought a Chevy.You pay a high end price and get low end service. To sum it up, they suck and I will never buy a GM product again. High end imports are more reliable and give much better customer service.

• 

  From 2 BMW to Cadillac... - 2008 Cadillac STS
  By Eric - July 29 - 11:48 pm

  After 2 BMW,I just bought my first caddy at 36 yrs old.I was just tired seeing BMW,G35,NEW C-class even the new CTS every corner. So I found a great STS. Its very comfy very luxurious and the space inside. The nav with the 15 speakers from Bose? Oh la la. Its the best oem sound system Ive ever heard, by the way I am a musician. Of course the mileage is so so I bought the v8. Funny that the hid light are not std for that car. Overall its a good value when reduce cause I wouldnt buy at full retail. I love everything about the car but its not BMW handling and driving experience. When you think about it who care were not formula 1 driver, right? Cadillac: the ultimate luxury experience? I guess

• 

  Stay away - 2007 Cadillac STS
  By locdoc - July 26 - 7:54 pm

  I leased this car, and within the first year, the car was in the shop for over 30 days! It was first a recall, then rattles in the trunk that took three tries to fix, then a blown speaker, then Homelink failures. Unbelievable! I was never offered anything for my troubles by the dealer or GM. Bottom line, I traded for a 2008 335i BMW sedan and could not be happier. BMW offers so much more for the money. Imagine that, a BMW more affordable and a better value than a Cadillac!! The original list on the Caddy was $65,000, and it wholesaled after I traded it in for $25000, and only after 13 months!!

• 

  The best value for your money! - 2008 Cadillac STS
  By Tony - July 20 - 10:33 pm

  I had S-class Mercedes and BMW 7 several times before. I changed my S500 and Im glad I did. Those fancy Germans are just not worth the money when it comes to compare.

• 

  Great STS - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By The Maj - July 14 - 3:37 pm

  I have owned Lincolns, Pontiacs, and Buicks, but this STS is the best vehicle I have ever owned, from styling to the ride comfort, this car is the best and if you like bells and whistles, no car out there can match it. But I would definitely get a warranty, too many things could go wrong. I see why Cadillac owners are always Cadillac owners