2006 Cadillac STS Review
2006 Cadillac STS Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Full-size car at a midsize price, nimble road feel, powerful engine options, available all-wheel drive, optional Bose stereo is one of the best in its class.
Cons
- Sporty bucket seats might be a bit firm for some, plastic interior panels not quite up to German standards, only one transmission available.
What’s new
Not much changes on the 2006 Cadillac STS. Items of note include the availability of all-wheel drive on V6-equipped cars, a standard Bose audio and navigation system as part of the V8 luxury package, and optional 18-inch wheels.
Edmunds says
Balanced driving dynamics and edgy-but-attractive styling should make the 2006 Cadillac STS a hit with buyers of all ages, especially those looking for a complete package of luxury and performance at a competitive price.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2006 Cadillac STS V6 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 5A) 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 $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$218/mo for STS V6
STS V6
vs
$219/mo
Avg. Large Car
Vehicle overview
After struggling for years to keep up with the imports, Cadillac has finally hit its stride and the STS proves it. The STS is the 2006 successor to the Seville, which was originally introduced way back in 1956 as a hardtop coupe designed to be the top performance option in the Cadillac lineup.
A 305-horsepower V8 engine and exclusive high-end interior trim ensured that the Seville was not only one of the fastest vehicles on the road, but one of the most luxurious as well. Cadillac shook things up several decades later when the all-new Seville was unveiled as a high-performance sport sedan capable of keeping up with the best Europe could offer.
Cutting-edge styling, tighter build quality and the addition of a new sport model called the STS made Cadillac the talk of the town. The introduction of the ultrahigh-tech and powerful Northstar V8 a year later further cemented the STS as one of the top performance luxury cars in the world. Another redesign for 1998 saw the Seville pick up a sophisticated array of in-car electronics. By the beginning of the current millennium, though, it had lost some of its appeal, as European and Japanese competitors surpassed it in both luxury and performance.
Cadillac has dropped the Seville name for 2006, but the revolutionary new STS definitely shares some DNA with its forebears. This car represents a quantum leap forward in technology, build quality and overall refinement. GM's globally developed Sigma platform cut its teeth as a successful backbone in the CTS, CTS-V and SRX, and was tapped once again to lend some performance cred to the big boy of the Cadillac line. Hard-edged styling introduced a few years ago on the Escalade has been trickling down to the rest of the Cadillac line, and we think it has been applied most successfully here.
Clean, elegant lines on the outside work with loads of leather and wood trim in the cabin to form a lasting impression of quality and luxury. Extra attention was given to reducing road noise, and details like a quiet steel dash, triple door seals and even "airfoil" windshield wipers designed in a wind tunnel all contribute to making this the quietest GM vehicle ever built. Engine options on the Cadillac STS include a refined new 255-horse V6 as the standard motor, and the optional 4.6-liter Northstar V8 churning out a smooth 320 ponies for those who expect a little more. A five-speed automatic channels power to the rear wheels and eight-cylinder models are available with all-wheel drive for those who need extra traction come wintertime.
Finally, this Cadillac car is a technophile's dream, thanks to goodies such as a head-up display, active climate control, Bluetooth wireless cell phone connectivity and even an optional 15-speaker Bose 5.1 surround sound audio system. Defining where the 2006 Cadillac STS fits into the luxury sedan marketplace can be a difficult task. Larger than a midsize sedan yet priced low enough to compete with considerably smaller imports, the sporty new Caddy can comfortably compete with the E-Class and 5 Series in virtually every category. For the first time in a generation, GM's premium brand is ready to take on all challengers.
Performance & mpg
There are two available engines: a 3.6-liter V6 good for 255 horsepower and 252 pound-feet of torque, and a 4.6-liter V8 that generates 320 hp and 315 lb-ft of torque. Both engines feature variable valve timing and electronic throttle control. A five-speed automatic with regular and sport shift programs comes standard with either engine. Cadillac STS buyers can also choose whether they want rear-wheel drive to maximize performance and economy, or all-wheel drive for better all-weather traction.
Safety
Stability control and four-wheel antilock disc brakes with a panic assist feature are standard. Airbags include seat-mounted side bags for front occupants and head curtain airbags spanning the first and second rows. The STS has not been crash tested.
Driving
A V8 STS is not exactly sport sedan-quick in its movements, but it can be pushed hard without losing composure. With the rear wheels providing the power, Cadillac's engineers were free to focus on the kind of precise steering feel that's nearly impossible to achieve with front-wheel drive. The result is a delicate feel through the steering wheel without a numb on-center sensation or overly aggressive assistance. The standard V6 is able to get the big sedan up to speed with surprising gusto. Unlike some of its competitors whose six-cylinder offerings provide merely adequate performance, the V6 in the STS rarely feels underpowered. Step up to the V8 and the 2006 Cadillac STS really shows its mettle.
Interior
Cadillac has been putting extra effort into interior quality and design as part of its self-proclaimed renaissance, and it shows. Panel fit and finish is top-notch, and premium materials such as eucalyptus wood trim and optional Tuscany leather really make the Cadillac STS shine. The automatic climate control system monitors interior temperatures in relation to outside conditions, and the driver can stay informed without looking down thanks to a four-color head-up display projected onto the windshield.
2006 Cadillac STS models
Cadillac gives buyers several STS models to choose from -- V6, V6 AWD, V8 and V8 AWD. Every STS sedan includes 17-inch wheels, leather seating, aluminum interior trim, eight-way power front seats, dual-zone climate control, an eight-speaker Bose sound system and OnStar. Popular options are grouped into three main packages. Depending on the model and trim, buyers can lux-out their STS with items like wood trim, a premium Bose sound system, satellite radio, a DVD entertainment and navigation system, adaptive cruise control, a head-up display and heated and ventilated front seats with memory recall. An adaptive suspension system (Magnetic Ride Control) is also available, as are larger 18-inch wheels.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2006 Cadillac STS.
5 star(69%)
4 star(17%)
3 star(12%)
2 star(2%)
1 star(0%)
90 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.75 out of 5 stars
No regrets
eracism, 09/15/2010
2006 Cadillac STS V6 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
I purchased the vehicle with 56,000 miles on it. I drive around 3,000 miles a month. I am 6'6" tall. The car is comfortable and rides great. It is a V6 and has enough power. I am partial to caddy's. 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.
5 out of 5 stars
Dude. Yes.
Michael Forman, 03/28/2016
2006 Cadillac STS V8 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
Finally got my grubby paws on a V8 STS, after a year of searching high and low on the intertubes. Perfect color (black), low miles (50k), prior owner babied her like the creampuff that she is, and great price ($12k). I can only assume that the general snobbiness of the American car buying public keeps prices so affordable for such a monstrous performance car. I say, danke schoen to you, … BMW owners. My new beauty's Northstar absolutely GROWLS. So throaty and wonderful. I do hereby solemnly swear that (if I can afford to) I will be a Cadillac owner for the rest of my days on this mortal coil.
If you, dear reader, take any advice from all this...it's worth the wait for the V8. Put that on a bumper sticker.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Satisfied Customer
J Scott, 03/09/2007
2006 Cadillac STS V6 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
I've only had my STS for two months. I read the reviews here before buying it and I am very pleased with my decision to buy the 2006 STS. It is more of a sports car than I expected. The V6 engine has plenty of power for the car. I got it loaded and I am enjoying it very much. I think any complaints you may read here are overblown. You will be glad you bought this car. I just can't … comment about the long term reliability because I have only owned it for two months. Its fuel economy has been 23 mpg highway / 14 mpg city.
4.25 out of 5 stars
The Good Outweighs the Bad
KSMYSTS, 08/23/2010
2006 Cadillac STS V8 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
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 aren't 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.
2006 STS Highlights
V6
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $41,020 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $218/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 include:
- Alarm
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
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
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