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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  The Cadillac - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By roger - April 25 - 3:10 pm

  Dealership did not know about the slap stick shifter. I worked in Chicago for 4 months commuting and the car got great mileage. I live 90 miles from Chicago. The mileage in the city was terrible. I was getting 14.0 to 15.3! I thought I was getting a wood grain steering wheel. I guess it was not in the 1sb package. V6 never again. The transmission stays in the current gear when you stomp the gas. GM blew that. Turning radius is not tight enough. That button you hold for 7 second is OK but the transmisson is better when you dont use the computers.

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  Fails to Meet Expecations - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By Former Caddy Man - March 17 - 11:33 pm

  This car has lots of promise, but fails to deliver. The quality of the car itself as well as the dealer service has been very poor in my experience. I have experienced a number of breakdowns requiring tows. It has had repeated problems and the dealer has not been able to resolve them. This should not occur with a car like this. The transmission is rough and uncertain at low speeds and the electronics either dont work as billed or dont work as designed.

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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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  Overall opinion - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By dippers - April 4 - 5:16 pm

  I am quite disappointed with the overall performance. I find the ride to be very uncomfortable. Also, there is excessive road (tire) noise at highway speeds. The front end feels sloppy going over small (speed) bumps. The front struts were replaced approximately two weeks after purchase. I wasnt aware of the diffence in tire size between front and rear which negates tire rotation. I also average about 14 mpg city driving not 17. This will definitely not be my car choice in the future.

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  Sorry... I lose!!! - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By Jac122 - April 2 - 7:32 pm

  This is my second Caddy. I owned a 2003 Seville SLS, what a perfect car. I looked forward to all the "goodies" in the 2006 model....WHAT A MISTAKE! The car is so sluggish it remains in 5th gear most of the time. Press the accelerator and HOPE, then pray it responds usually wont. Bluetooth has no teeth. Frequently does not recognize phone, and does not work while driving. The voice recognition does not recognize ANYONE! Its gas mileage is only about 15 mpg. GM knows of the sluggishness and says "it’s up to specs" “Your loss buddy.” Just give me my 2003 SLS and well call it even. If you are considering a 06 STS V6 AWD, beware and test drive extensively first.

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  Cadillac STS - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By jhutchinson1 - January 31 - 4:13 pm

  I love the look and feel of this car, however the engine and steering column have already been replaced before it hit 6,000 miles. The parts were not in stock, resulting in 37 days repair time the first time and 39 the second. I am in the process of a buyback now!

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  The greatest disappointment of Cadillac - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By lcacsllc - December 20 - 6:34 pm

  I have been driving Cadillacs for the past 16 years. I have had DeVilles and SLSs. Always I could rely on Cadillac to provide superior ride and service. My 2006 STS V6 was a huge disappointment. We have 8,000 miles on the car and have felt every crack in the road from here to Florida and back. We cancelled a Christmas driving trip and chose to fly. The ride is intolerable. Never before have we had to test drive the car before ordering. We find that the only smooth ride offered by Cadillac is the DTS. We like the sporty styling but its a tin-lizzy dressed in sports attire. Second, the glove box is not sufficient to even house the cars instruction manual. What a useless piece of space.

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  2005 STS - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By mstewart - November 21 - 4:10 pm

  I have had nothing but trouble with my 2006 Cadillac STS V8 since I took delivery of it. First, the delivery was delayed at the dealership because the entire radio had to be replaced. After the first 1,000 miles, a loud noise like crunching tin cans developed in the front-end. The dealership has attempted to fix it several times without success. I have been waiting on another part for over a week which they hope will remedy the problem. Meanwhile a coil in the engine went out causing it to operate on less than all 8 cylinders. I have communicated with Cadillac customer relations but have gotten absolutly no relief. Buyers beware.

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  Fun, but not up to the Quality of Lexus - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By tom fuller - November 12 - 11:04 am

  My wife and I each have a 2006 Cadillac STS V6 because I feel strongly that I prefer to buy an American car. Unfortunately, my car has been into the shop four times to have trim pieces put back on, and there is a distracting amount of wind noise which cannot be resolved and apparently is just the way the car is. My wifes previous car, a Lexus, was whisper quiet, so were not used to this. If GM wants owners of BMW and Lexus to go to Cadillac, they will have to do some major work on the entire way they build cars and treat their customers. I also own a BMW Z4, and having had this plus the Lexus, going down to a Cadillac has been a shock. So Im not saying I wont get another one, but the jurys still out.

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  Front End Problems - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By jclarkeusa - September 17 - 5:55 pm

  My 2005 Cadillac STS is a nice car but the front end rattles excessively at speeds of 35 MPH or under. To date, Cadillac has been unable to fix the problem. So far, they have replaced a control arm but that still has not fixed the problem. If I had it to do over again I would have purchased the Infinit M35 or BMW 530i. This will be the last time I buy an American luxury car!