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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  STS Brakes and Front End - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By gojo2 - March 15 - 5:13 pm

  Our 2005 Cadillac STS is not as reliable as the Lexus weve owned. Weve had problems with the brakes and the front end. The dealer and Cadillac are not as friendly to customers as they claim.

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  Cadillac is Back - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By Richard - January 4 - 12:10 pm

  After two decades of owning Mercedes, BMW, and Infiniti, I decided to test the Cadillac STS. I selected the STS over the Mercedes E350 and Infiniti M35. Its ride is firm but smooth. The electronic features are fantastic. Remote start with heated seats and steering wheel make cold mornings easier. The 15 speaker Bose stereo with XM radio is FANTASTIC. I get about 20 MPG on my commute and on a recent road trip I averaged 23 MPG at 80 MPH.

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  2006 STS Bad Brakes? - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By Garry - December 19 - 10:41 pm

  For 20 months and 18,000 miles I have considered my 2006 STS the best car Ive owned. It is truly great road car, and just plain fun to own. Today I went in for regular maintenance, my dealer informed me that the car required new front pads and rotors, $900! He went as far as to say all CTS and STS have "soft" brakes and I can expect to repeat todays expense every 18,000 to 20,000 miles. My disappointment is profound.

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  2005 Cadillac STS - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By ItalianINNewENGLAND - December 17 - 8:49 pm

  I have to admit, being 30 years-old and buying my 6th Caddy, this one is the nicest by far. Every time I am out, people comment on the sleekness of it and its stately appearance. They do have to fix a couple things on it however (stated below). But overall, its American made and put together cheaply. Its only worth $30,000 at the most.

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  Almost Perfect! - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By stephen leonhard - December 4 - 2:20 pm

  This cars seats are downright uncomfortable after three hours. The interior is cheap looking and hard surfaces abound. The glove box barely holds the owners manual. Altogether too much tire and road noise enters cabin. It requires 150 pounds of sand bags in trunk to get modest winter traction. Having said this, this car has great handling. The steering and brakes are excellent.

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  Tires - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By J.Stiles - October 26 - 9:57 am

  At 10,000 miles my STS developed a thumping noise, which was especially noisy at low speed. Our dealer diagnosed this as a tire problem and replaced (free of charge) our front tires. The noise dissipated to almost nothing, it is but still noticeable in the rear tires. I was a little surprised that the dealer charged us for a full alignment on the new tires.

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  My Thoughts - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By Brian - October 21 - 9:09 am

  First two weeks with the STS have been great. I have come from driving imports for many years and felt like I was taking a chance. So far, only time will tell, I love the car. Feature for feature and in the price dependent the luxury imports cant compare. I have the V6 AWD and look forward to the winter snow. This car is super quiet and so far rock solid. It is almost freakish how many features that have been packed into the car and the first time that I have actually had to read an owners manual more than once to get a handle on all of the technology features and how to use everything.

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  2006 STS - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By Aurora5000 - October 5 - 11:18 am

  This is a great full-size car at a midsize price. It has a nimble road feel and a powerful V8 engine. I like its clean lines on the outside and lots of leather and wood trim in the inside. It gives others an impression of quality and luxury. Attention was given to reducing road noise. Its ride is somewhere between the CTS (stiff) and DeVille (soft).

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  One of the Best - 2007 Cadillac STS
  By Rodney Knight - September 1 - 3:16 am

  The 2007 Cadillac STS is a wonderful car. I see lots of reviews. Until retirement I was a damage appraiser. I know whats underneath and this car is just head and shoulders above the imports.

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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.