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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  I will never own another Cadillac after owning 2, a CTS and STS - 2009 Cadillac STS
  By Michael Rose - August 29 - 6:26 pm

  My 84 year old grandmother bought and drove the STS and babied it and had meticulous maintenance done until she died. I took the Cadillac with 60,00 miles and now has 85,00 miles and is the shop every month or two getting major very expensive repairs done. Just a headlignt that needed to be replaced and only available through dealership was $1,800. I had to replace both catalytic converters and dealer wanted $2,400. Manifolds had to be replaced and were extremely expensive. My CTS I got rid of after the computer died three times and is $1,300 each time. I will never buy another chevy or Cadillac EVER!!! My new Ford Mustang GT is just incredible and an awesome vehicle and one I can trust to never breakdown and should get 200 to 300 K easy. Please do your research before buying one of the worst cars made in America, the Cadillac...

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  Beautiful but many costly repairs. - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By Linda Noonan - July 24 - 10:13 pm

  I loved the look and smooth ride. I bought my STS with 7K miles, certified pre-owned with extended warranty. At 18k miles the fuel pump went then 33K miles the water pump went after that it was something BIG each year. Cat converter replaced, intake position sensors, replaced vent solenoid, motor mounts, right & left lower control arms just to list a few. (seriously!) Transmission started clunking especially while driving slow or going from reverse to drive. Always garaged and maintained, I had to stop the $ bleeding at 85,000 miles when the transmission/drive train was about to drop out. The Cadillac dealer said new drive train $3,500 and there would be possible other issues. Im done with Cadillac, this was my third, my beautiful Eldarado had mechanical troubles as well. Too bad, they were such beautiful LOOKING cars. Perhaps it is the aluminum North Star engine? Since my experience I have heard of others having numerous problems with this system.

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  Disappointing STS-V - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By Disapp STS-V - December 30 - 12:35 pm

  I have had 4 major failures repairs to date. Purchased in July 06. 1. Front end rack and pinion failure- two occurences 2. Wheel bearings in both front and back 3. Park gear sensor in transmission replaced-computer does not recognize that car is in park. 4. Im afraid #3 has caused a problem with the transmission as the car does not have any "impulse" power when put in drive. 5. Overall very disappointing automobile so far. I would definitely not recommend purchasing. I certainly will not make this mistake again. BMW and Lexus much better for the money. I have owned both. Tried to go with American car maker this time around. Extremely disappointed. Good Luck.

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  Never again - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By Jeff - June 10 - 9:20 am

  I thought this car would be fun and practical. I have the STS 4, all wheel drive. I have owned it for 7 months and have already made four trips to the dealer and the issues are still not corrected. I have had on-going problems with the all wheel drive and leaks, seals, etc. It has excessive wind noise (which is a a joke for a $60,000 car, my Honda is much quieter). My car has a horrible issue with its acceleration / transmission and the engine nearly seeming to stall out when I want to accelarate on turns and corners. It has a poor HVAC system. It would take a librarian 6 weeks of reading to figure out all the electronics on the car and how to use them. The interior is way too small. Plus there is no back seat space. I am not happy.

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  Not Happy - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By brian burka - November 29 - 2:03 pm

  There are a few important things that I dont like about the 2006 STS. The foot-well is so cramped that if you are like me, 6 feet tall, your right knee will rest against a very uncomfortable sharp hard-padded bolster. The glove compartment is too small for such a large car...once the owners manual is in, there is no room. The trunk acess is poor. The dash design is bland and could be much more luxurious.