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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  After One Year - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By pb - January 5 - 1:06 am

  I have driven my 2005 Cadillac STS for 12 months and find that it meets most of my expectations. Coming from a 2002 BMW M3 (and a BMW 540 prior to that), I was looking for more room and creature comforts. Wishing to buy American, I chose the STS V8. I have had only one signifcant problem, the steering column came loose after two months apparently from a manufacturing defect. Cadillac replaced it promtly and I had no further problem. Overall, this car is a great combination of power and a smooth ride, with useful technology (navigation, remote start, and terrific sound system-you must listen to 5.1 channel musice CDs in this vehicle). All this and its American!

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  Fourth One - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By Frank Maiese - October 4 - 10:13 am

  This is my fourth Cadillac. The only thing I miss is the floatly driving of the big Cadillacs, other then that it is a great car. I like the way it handles going around curves. If you go a little too fast it brakes itself and slows down to a safer speed.

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  2005 Cadillac STS - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By gordon petry - August 30 - 4:35 pm

  We have had our 2005 Cadillac STS for less than two months but so far really love it except for the small glove box. This is our fourth one and we really love it. We had some problems with the carpet but my dealer and Cadillac renewed it. We hope to buy another one in a couple of years.

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  Peppy STS Beats the Old Seville - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By Ron Lessley - July 1 - 1:19 am

  Trying to program the memory features was a real chore. It took 2 dealer techs 2 hours to get the job done. The old Seville came with VHS instructional tape and a handy card. This new STS is not user friendly in that respect. The glove compartment is next to useless, being so shallow and the return of standard cigarette lighters and ash trays is not a welcome addition. The buyer gets more "toys" than he can keep track of, so eventually forgets all but the most used features. The tires and brakes could be a little more high-performance but are only adequate as they come from the factory. The coffee cup holders have only one purpose: to hold coffee cups.

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  Traded a Town Car - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By J.Stiles - June 29 - 3:25 pm

  Fun Car! The seats a little hard. Two faults: trunk very limited and glove box stinks. Missing some things that we were used to: auto trunk close hidden accesory plug for radar detect or phone that closes down with ignition. Overload on computorized settings. (my wife is still scared to touch )

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  My Third STS - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By mike h - April 5 - 11:10 pm

  Seems that with each model, Cadillac moves the STS across the scale: away from luxury, closer to sporty This car is fun to drive, but not as comfortable as a luxury car should be. There are some human factors issues to be worked out in: programming features, use of radio from steering column, no room for drivers lower body parts wind tunnel testing to get rid of a lot of noise.

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  STS,nice but bland - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By Papabal - March 24 - 5:13 pm

  My V6 STS rides, handles and generally feels better than the 2003 Seville V8 STS it replaced and so far seems screwed together loads better than any previous GM Ive owned. But the styling outside and inside seems too bland. Designers seem to like the plain, trimless body sides these days (probably cheaper too), but on this car, like many others (BMW etc) there is too much flat sheet metal from window sill to rocker that will only attract dings and chips which will be accentuated by the flat expanse. On the inside, the voice navigation system really needs work and I defy someone to find the clock when stuff is turned on. Room could be better on such a large car.

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  Not ready for prime time - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By Chris - February 16 - 6:35 pm

  This is my fifth STS. Great performance and style other than the added spoiler. Poor fit on the rear doors & trim. Bluetooth phone still not functional, traction contol is disengaged under sport shift - no solution yet. Various other glitches (remote start did not supply fuel, transmission stumble at low speeds). Trunk is quite bit smaller than the outgoing model. A potentially great car introduced before it was debugged.

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  First Time Cadillac Owner - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By Dave - January 30 - 11:27 am

  Im still getting used to the body style of my 2005 Cadillac STS. It looks a little bulky for my taste, but thats Cadillac. The car is set apart from most on the road by its different looks. It is full of technology, so you need to enjoy it to enjoy the car.

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  Nice Car! - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By Nice - January 27 - 6:37 pm

  The 2005 Cadillac STS is a wonderful combination of comfort and performance. It provides a reasonable alternative to BMW , Lexus and Mercedes-Benz.