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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Outstanding Car - 2010 Cadillac STS
By Jim - September 24 - 2:00 amI bought a Diamond White Platinum Series STS. It is an outstanding car: exceedingly comfortable quick response OUTSTANDING fuel economy (city 21 -highway 25+ at 80MPH!). Superb seating and sound system. Overly complicated navigation system as I do not find it to be intuitive I liked Chryslers system much better. Voice Recognition software is problematic - but Im learning to deal with it - ticks me off though. The CTS navigation software is used in the STS, which results in technical glitches. So far Cadillac has not fixed this issue. Styling is strikingly stunning it gets a LOT of looks. Road handling is outstanding. I feel very safe driving Im very happy to drive this car.
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No regrets - 2006 Cadillac STS
By eracism - September 15 - 2:00 amI purchased the vehicle with 56,000 miles on it. I drive around 3,000 miles a month. I am 66" tall. The car is comfortable and rides great. It is a V6 and has enough power. I am partial to caddys. My first car was a 1970 sedan deville. I should have purchased the all wheel drive for I live up north and the car is terrible in the snow. I currently have 114,000 miles on it with no problems. i change the oil every 3,000 miles. I am looking forward to reaching 200,000 miles.
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Well Made Car - 2007 Cadillac STS
By cadfanatic - September 3 - 10:13 pmThis car is a dream. It performs well and looks great. I have had no problems with it. Unless you get a 535i or higher, they do not compare. BMWs are mechanical pieces of junk. You best not keep one after the warranty runs out. This caddy is super, handles extremely well. I also own a 2001 STS. It has 180,000 miles on it, still runs like new. To all the haters, you can put a dead key fob in the center console pocket and the car will work fine. Read the manual. If you want cavernous rear seat room, get the DTS.
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Very happy! - 2007 Cadillac STS
By Cadi07AWDV8 - August 17 - 9:26 amI love the V8 AWD, the few thousand is worth it for the AWD option if you are in snow states. Also the magnetic ride control with the available option of riding with performance or touring is great. I love the navigation, once you get it down. it is quite user friendly. Definitely luxurious with the diamond white pearl and the cashmere interior and light brown wood grain! Great sound with the Bose speakers also! HID lights and LED tail-lights. This car is perfect!
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I love this car - 2006 Cadillac STS
By Jeff lapsker - June 23 - 11:05 pmI drove Japanese cars my whole life. I am 52. This 2006 STS V-8 was purchased with 28,000 miles in June of 2010. Paid 21,000 and added a $3,000 bumper to bumper additional 50,000 mile warranty. This car is solid, No outside noise heard. Beautiful on the outside and inside. The most powerful engine Ive ever had and it moves effortlessly. The tach never has to go higher than 2200 rpm even at 80 mph. There is a penalty for all this power. I probably will spend $1500- 2000 more money in gas per year than my V-6 Maxima and avalon engines. I couldnt afford a new STS. So I got lucky getting an 06 with only 28,000 miles. And it doesnt have a scratch. Looks like new. Who uses the glove box
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I fall in love everyday - 2008 Cadillac STS
By KRSTS - June 20 - 10:13 amI have owned this STS for 27 months and I love it more everyday. It was a GM owned CPO with only 8200 miles. This is my third Cadillac. My others were all V8s and I do not miss the V8 at all. The V6DI is great engine, not only for the power but the fuel mileage. The car is very comfortable on long trips and handles like a dream. There were a few minor issues early that were promptly fixed by the dealer. Now I only take it in for an annual oil change and inspection. Best car I have ever owned in my 67 years.
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My Second Favorite Car Ever - 2005 Cadillac STS
By Tim - June 18 - 7:27 pmIve always been a loyal Mercedes fan. Had a 500E which was my absolute favorite car. However, it was so unreliable and a fortune to repair. I decided to give a Seville a try, so I opted for a 2002 Seville SLS. I drove that for a few years and had no problems with it whatsoever. I was impressed with the Northstar engine and power, although it was a little soft and "grandpa" like for me. I saw a 2005 STS V8 and decided to test drive. I fell in love and purchased. It is much more sporty, handling more like a Mercedes than ever imagined. It is very comfortable, similar to Seville but not as soft, fast, a head- turner, reliable and oozes class! Not one problem so far. Absolutely love it!
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1st Cadillac, Great Car - 2008 Cadillac STS
By Matt - March 9 - 1:39 pmThis was my 1st Cadillac. I purchased it new in Dec 09. It was on the dealer lot of 1.5 years and I got a great deal. After reading all of the reviews, was worried about build quality and reliability. I have been very happily surprised. Ride quaility is #1, handling and V8 performance are great. I am in my mid 40s and looked at Lexus, Infiniti, MB. The caddy, for the price, exceeded those other car makers. My younger friends have all been impressed with this car and are looking a Cadillac instead of a BMW or lexus. I hope that GM will continue to improve the model. At this writing, I dont think I will purchase anything but a Cadillac again. I have been very satisfied.
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Great Car - 2005 Cadillac STS
By JD - February 16 - 5:00 pmThis is my first STS had a Toyota Avalon and really there is no comparison.This is so much more car in every respect, it is definitely not boring which is about the best thing I can say about the Avalon. I have the Northstar V8 it is fast. Love the interior except for the glove box.Nav works well and the AWD is great in snow and ice. I use the voice features to do almost everthing for me. I do not like the 2 different size tires. The fact that it is hard on tires is about my only complaint. Like all the bells and whistles more than you know you have.
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Florida STS Finds Happy Home in Canada - 2005 Cadillac STS
By Roger Wyatt - February 4 - 6:40 pmI have been a Caddyman for a few years now and my first drive was a 1500 mile trip from Fort Lauderdale.The ride was not as soft as my 02 STS but was solid....this car can handle as it is equipped with the performance upgrade.The V6 sprints down the interstates with ease.The powerplant performs very well,transmission shifts are not noticeable at all.The interior is well laid out and being 6-4 and 270 I had no trouble in finding a comfortable driving position. The navigation system is easy to read with the big screen and the 5.1 stereo system is wonderful.I do notice a marginal difference in power from the 02 northstar V8 but the V6 had no trouble in performing a quick passing maneuver.
