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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  Comfortable ride, good performance, clean styling - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By SLG - September 23 - 11:22 pm

  My 2005 STS Norstar V-8 since it was new. Currently it has almost 80,000 miles. There were a few minor mechanical problems when new, all covered under warranty, but over the last several years the repairs have been minimal, or just routine maintenance. The car has very good handling, braking and acceleration for a luxury car, and plenty of room to ride very comfortably, which makes road trips no problem. With the Norstar V-8 it has plenty of power, but without sounding like a "boy racer."

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  Good and Bad :( - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By ahmaduhhs - October 23 - 4:24 pm

  Owned the 2000 STS, 2001 STS, 2002 STS, 2003 STS and now the 05 STS. The interior is shameful compared to the 98-04 STS. The exterior however is marvelous particular the front and back end. Lots of standard features love the power of the V8 N*. Heard the V6 was no good :(

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  Fast Luxurious car, bad on car though - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By remyb - April 9 - 4:51 am

  75,000 miles and no problems yet, steering wheel is cracked though, lots of plastic inside but it looks ok

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  2009 STS - 2009 Cadillac STS
  By Joe Torrontegui - November 14 - 2:00 am

  Car excellent driving Does not ride like my DeVille it has a hard ride compared .

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  Love My Caddy - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By Jordan - September 3 - 8:22 pm

  I purchased this car certified used with 34,000 on it. So far I love the Caddy. I traded in my 2002 Lexus GS300 due to a series of electrical issues. I wanted to buy luxury and AMERICAN so I went with the STS V6. This car is a weekend driver for me as I have a company car. So far I have had it in for warranty service 3 times. The window switch in the back seat went out (roll down but not up), the ashtray trim piece broke, and the selector switch for the power mirrors broke. All under warranty. The technology in this car rivals my Dads E350 and will out perform the Mercedes all day. It is American and has some squeaks now and then but overall a dream to drive and turns heads. Love this car

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  The Good Outweighs the Bad - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By KSMYSTS - August 22 - 11:53 pm

  This is my 3rd Cadillac, and my second STS. The new design definitely tops my former Seville STS. It is a very fun car to drive, and has lots of power at any speed, without using Sport/Manual mode. Sure there are things I would change and things that arent fantastic (like any car), but the good makes those easy to overlook. The styling with traditional Cadillac cues is a win for me, and I love all the bells and whistles - after all, this is a Cadillac. I feel great driving it, a very responsive car - it is difficult to find performance and luxury in the same package, but this is an example of it.

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  Not Bad for a used CAR - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By Romiee - July 9 - 1:34 pm

  Bought the caddie STS 06 v8 with 50,000k. IT was out of warranty though but that didnt bother me. Its a great car and very stylish. I had the CTS 07 2.8l prior and traded that in for a little more luxury. Only paid additional 3,000 for difference. Again great car and very happy. Had small minors repairs like mass air flow sensor replaced and rear brake pads. I do a lot of driving and have already put almost 10,000 miles in 8 months. This car can go on for a very long time. Just maintain the oil changes every 5,000 or 6,000 miles using synthetic motor oil for the STS v8. Highly Recommend putting Super or premium gasoline in this car for better engine protection and performance. :)

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  Nice Care - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By Ike - May 19 - 9:24 pm

  After two year - Im happy. Sorry to report that I had to have brakes and rotors replaced @ 43K. Bought with 16k - so no reason to replace the brakes - tires a still good for another 20k. Rides nice, all the bells and whistles are cool. Overall not bad except for the brakes. Recommend to someone looking for a nice car, great features, and class. Drove 1100 miles in two day and felt great getting out of the car. Ave 28 mpg - very good for an AWD, 6 cyl. I do get a lot of road noise when driving on concrete. Other then that - nice.

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  Average - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By Slee - March 23 - 7:43 am

  I bought the STS because it fit our wants when shopping used cars: luxury, comfort, cheap. Poor resale value has worked just fine for us since we can buy a little more car for the money on the used market. Overall, I like the styling of the STS inside and out. Many prefer the CTS in both respects, but I prefer the toned-down design of the STS. I am not normally an extended warranty fan, but anybody considering the STS would be wise to find one under factory warranty, or in the case of a 2005 or 2006, a factory CPO warranty. Many little problems crop up. Take reviews here with a grain of salt. The high-end stereo is NOT all that and is easily trumped by a decent aftermarket ones.

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  Glad I bought it used - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By Va rider - October 30 - 2:29 pm

  have read many reviews. I agree: a little firmer than my 2001 SLS. Not used to bumpier ride. Mileage is 13 in town and 19 on the road with hi test and Cad recommended fuel (Texaco). I test drove an 80,000 mile BMW 750i before and much nicer and same price. Retails for $101K now but an STS V-8 is easily $68K. Next time or next car: AWD