Cadillac STS Review

2009 Cadillac STS Sedan Shown

Though it has 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 today as the buttoned-down STS luxury sedan. Based on GM's global Sigma rear- and all-wheel-drive platform and utilizing powerful V6 and V8 engines, the Cadillac STS is once again capable of sharing company with Europe's finest.

If you're in the market for a finely tailored luxury sedan with the power, roominess, comfort and value to match or better German and Japanese luxury sedans, we recommend that you take a look at the Cadillac STS. However, its smaller CTS sibling offers better performance and handling, a much nicer interior and class-competitive interior space.

Current Cadillac STS

The base Cadillac STS features a direct-injected 3.6-liter V6 rated at 302 horsepower and 272 pound-feet of torque. This impressive power plant and its accompanying new six-speed automatic are big improvements over the old base engine and five-speed auto. Furthermore, this V6 provides similar performance and better fuel economy than the 320-hp 4.6-liter Northstar V8.

A full-size luxury sedan in its physical dimensions, the Cadillac STS is priced in line with other premium midsize sedans that offer V6 and V8 engines. Common features on all models include leather seating, 17-inch wheels, dual-zone climate control, a Bose sound system and OnStar. Popular options include a navigation system, a head-up display, a surround-sound audio system, Bluetooth and heated/ventilated front seats grouped into packages. Lane departure and blind spot warning systems are also available.

In reviews and road tests, our editors have found the strengths of the Cadillac STS to be its nimble road manners, powerful engine options and high-quality audio system. The midlife changes greatly increased the STS's appeal and competitiveness -- especially with the new direct-injected V6 -- but it's hard to fully endorse this full-size luxury sedan when Cadillac's own CTS is an excellent car that only gives up a bit of interior space to its big brother.

Used Cadillac STS Models

The Cadillac STS officially debuted for the 2005 model year and underwent a midlife refresh for 2008. Beyond revised styling (including ubiquitous chrome fender vents) and a more luxuriously trimmed interior, several high-tech safety and performance options were added to keep this all-American sedan competitive in the luxury sport sedan segment.

Prior to that, the base engine was a 3.6-liter V6 rated at 255 hp and 252 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed automatic was the lone transmission. In addition to featuring slightly subdued styling compared to the current STS, this version also featured a slightly less premium-feel interior and fewer electronic goodies.

Those interested in a used model previous to this date will want to check out the front-wheel-drive, fifth-generation Seville produced from 1998-2003. The performance-oriented version of that car was known as the STS and featured a more powerful V8 engine and more luxury features. The 1992-'97 Seville also featured a similar STS edition.

SELECT A SPECIFIC CADILLAC STS MODEL YEAR*

* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.