2008 Cadillac STS-V Review
2008 Cadillac STS-V Review
View more photos
Used STS-V for sale
Appraise This CarSee Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Strong supercharged V8 power, nimble handling for such a large car, loaded with every option available on the standard STS, cheaper than German rivals.
Cons
- Only one transmission available, smallish trunk, some plastic interior panels not quite up to competitors' standards.
What’s new
The high-performance 2008 Cadillac STS-V receives new high-tech safety equipment and a few interior improvements.
Edmunds says
The 2008 Cadillac STS-V stakes out a strong claim on turf normally dominated by ace German sport sedans, but will be greatly outdone by a rambunctious future sibling.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2008 Cadillac STS-V 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl S/C 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$354/mo for STS-V Base
STS-V Base
vs
$219/mo
Avg. Large Car
Vehicle overview
With flashy contemporaries like the BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, the 2008 Cadillac STS-V always had an uphill battle to win some celebrity among luxury-minded horsepower junkies. However, it isn't a German or even a Japanese high-performance sedan that has effectively torpedoed the STS-V. No, the shot below the water line has come from within its own family. The forthcoming CTS-V will sport 81 more horsepower, 111 more pound-feet of torque, greater agility and a much better interior at a lower price. In other words, the little brother is way cooler. Jacksons one through four can relate.
Things started off well for the STS-V, as it was the most powerful car to ever don the old wreath and crest logo. With a supercharger stuffing air into the 4.4-liter Northstar V8, this high-performance Caddy pumps out 469 hp and can go from zero to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. Although not quite as prodigious as the BMW M5 or Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, the STS-V is still a mean machine that can also soak up miles upon miles of freeway cruising in luxurious comfort. For American muscle car lovers with a healthy bank account, the STS-V presents a tremendous combination of performance and luxury. Of course, its German competitors are more refined and technologically advanced, but they also cost at least $6,000 more.
On the luxury front, the 2008 STS-V comes standard with all the regular STS's options, including this year's new lane-departure and blind-spot warning systems. The interior has also been given a light polish, with a much nicer steering wheel and a sportier combination of wood and aluminum accents. In total, this large sedan is very nice, but like its performance credentials, it will be greatly outdone by the future CTS-V. Little brother sports a more eye-catching design, better materials and newer electronic gizmos. Plus, it's actually the same size as the M5 and E63 -- the STS-V is the big-boned member of the family.
Given that size, the 2008 Cadillac STS-V will certainly have some appeal to those who need the maximum amount of space available in a high-performance luxury sedan. We're not sure how many people actually do, though, so seemingly, the STS-V's only other advantage over its little brother is that you can actually get one. The CTS-V won't be available until later in 2008 and even then, it may be hard to come by initially. It should be worth the wait, but the STS-V certainly won't disappoint if you absolutely have to have a super Caddy this very second.
Performance & mpg
Thundering under the STS-V's hood is a supercharged 4.4-liter V8 making 469 hp and 439 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed automatic with automanual control. In performance testing, the STS-V went from zero to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds and through the quarter-mile in 13.6 seconds.
Safety
Antilock disc brakes, stability control, traction control, front-seat side airbags, full-length head curtain airbags, OnStar and a rearview camera are all standard on the 2008 Cadillac STS-V. New for 2008 and also standard are blind-spot and lane-departure warning systems.
In government crash tests, the STS scored four out of five stars for frontal crash protection and front seat side impact protection. It got five stars for rear side impact protection. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety frontal-offset crash testing, the regular STS scored a rating of "Good," the highest possible. It scored a second-best rating of "Acceptable" for that agency's side impact protection.
Driving
As you might expect, overtaking slow-moving cars or trucks requires little forethought in the 2008 Cadillac STS-V. Just dip the throttle and go. Mash the pedal and the STS-V jets forward on a huge wave of supercharged torque, but the six-speed automatic has a tendency to move slowly through gearchanges. The sport-tuned suspension, powerful Brembo brakes and larger wheels and tires all do their part to make this a very complete, well-balanced package. The car's rather large size ultimately limits its ability to hustle through corners, but it generally handles like a much smaller car. Compared to the M5, the STS-V is softly sprung for American tastes, but body roll is well controlled, and the big Caddy never feels floppy or sloppy.
Interior
Cadillac snazzed up the STS's interior significantly for 2008 with higher-quality wood and the addition of tasteful aluminum trim. Also, a sporty new steering wheel looks and feels better than the previous one. The good fit and finish remains and luxury buyers should be pleased with this Cadillac's generally high-class ambience. There are some demerits, though, mostly having to do with some low-grade plastic trim pieces that put the STS at a disadvantage against the top European and Japanese luxury sedans -- the all-new Cadillac CTS is much better in this regard and in terms of overall design.
Controls are straightforward and easy to use, with the exception of the confounding memory-setting procedure for the driver seat, mirrors, radio and climate controls. Unlike traditional systems, which place buttons on the door or driver seat, you must dive deep into the navigation touchscreen to set memory functions. It's frustrating and unnecessarily complicated, but at least it's something done only occasionally.
2008 Cadillac STS-V models
The 2008 Cadillac STS-V is a large high-performance sedan available in one fully loaded trim level. Standard equipment includes 18-inch front wheels and 19-inch rear wheels, HID xenon headlamps, rear parking assist, rain-sensing wipers, a sunroof, keyless entry/ignition, leather and faux suede upholstery, heated eight-way power front seats, driver memory functions, heated outboard rear seats and a heated steering wheel. Dual-zone automatic climate control, a head-up display, a navigation system, Bluetooth and a 15-speaker Bose surround-sound system with six-CD changer, auxiliary audio jack and satellite radio are also standard. The only option is deleting the sunroof.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2008 Cadillac STS-V.
5 star(67%)
4 star(22%)
3 star(11%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
27 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4 out of 5 stars
Cadillac is back
Slo-Mo-Shun, 01/17/2008
2006 Cadillac STS-V 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl S/C 6A)
First, the gentleman who described the STS-V's handling as "sloppy" is way off. As a driver of stock cars, open wheel racers and, currently, shifter karts, I assure you that the STS-V has enough handling to accomplish any manuever that could sanely be attempted on public roads. This car is nicely placed 80% of the way between an M5 and a Jag R-type. It is a tad softer than the German … cars, but that's more than acceptable to me--if I want to get beat up by a stiff ride, I might as well go to a race track and drive something really fast. This is the car that persuaded me to get rid of my old BMW 750. No 5 series or E class car was able to do that.
4.13 out of 5 stars
Yeah Baby
Greyhound - Rex, 11/15/2006
2007 Cadillac STS-V 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl S/C 6A)
This car is extremely fast and powerful. It handles like a dream, especially at high speeds. Its braking is very reliable, but does put a lot of brake dust on the car's rims.
4.88 out of 5 stars
I Love this car!
Mr. Z, 12/26/2008
2007 Cadillac STS-V 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl S/C 6A)
Having owned a 94 STS,97 and a 98, this car surpasses all! Goes like stink, corners like it's on rails, and stops on a dime! Comfortable, notwithstanding the ride caused by the garbage tires. Shredded the rears at 15,000 miles. Never owned a car that got more attention! The younger crowd is more aware than older persons. Look forward to driving it every day.
4.5 out of 5 stars
STS-V Hauls
Jesse Garcia, 08/26/2006
2007 Cadillac STS-V 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl S/C 6A)
The STS-V is an overall fun vehicle. Its fuel economy is poor, but that is to be expected when you have 469 ponies under the hood. It handles well, accelerates like a raging bull, and handles like a sports car. I also own a Porsche 911 C4S, and it almost corners just as well. The interior fit and finish could use some help, but the exterior look is gorgeous. The stance it has makes … it look like its going 100 mph standing still. Overall, the STS -V is a fun and at the same time practical sedan.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2008 Cadillac STS-V, so we've included reviews for other years of the STS-V since its last redesign.
2008 STS-V Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $78,775 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 15 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $354/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 13.8 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the STS-V include:
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Lane Departure Warning
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover5 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintPoor
Related Used 2008 Cadillac STS-V info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Used Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class 2016
- Used Ford Edge 2021 For Sale
- Used Audi Q7 2020
- Used Rolls-Royce Dawn 2016
- Used Cadillac CTS-V Coupe 2015
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- 2024 Dodge RAM 250
- 2023 BMW X7
- 2023 Lamborghini Huracan
- Alfa Romeo Stelvio 2023
- 2023 X6 M
- Jeep Grand Cherokee4Xe
- 2024 Audi RS 5
- Porsche Tay Can
- Jaguar I Pace
- 2023 Ford Escape
Research other models of Cadillac
- 2024 Cadillac CT5
- 2023 CT5
- Cadillac XT4
- 2023 XT6
- Cadillac XT 6
- Lyriq
- Cadillac CT 5 V
- 2024 CT5
- 2023 Cadillac Escalade
- Cadillac Escalade
Other models
- Used BMW M2 in Hudson, NH
- Used Audi S3 in Holland, MI
- Used Nissan Pathfinder in Iselin, NJ
- Used Ferrari 488-GTB in Porter Ranch, CA
- Used Mitsubishi Mirage-G4 in Bear, DE
- Used Lexus RX-300 in Sioux Falls, SD
- Used Ford Escape-Hybrid in Palm Harbor, FL
- Used Ford E-Series-Wagon in Folsom, CA
- Used Volkswagen Phaeton in Ithaca, NY
- Used Kia Forte in Laurel, MD