2006 Cadillac STS-V Review
2006 Cadillac STS-V Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Hugely powerful supercharged V8, nimble handling for its size, all of the STS's luxury features come standard.
Cons
- Plastic interior panels not quite up to German standards, only one transmission available, smallish trunk.
What’s new
Cadillac follows up last year's introduction of the STS luxury sport sedan with an STS-V performance variant in 2006. The STS-V features a supercharged V8, upgraded suspension and braking hardware, bigger wheels, aerodynamic enhancements and special interior trim.
Edmunds says
The 2006 Cadillac STS-V stakes out a strong claim on turf normally dominated by ace German sport sedans.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2006 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 $4.58 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$378/mo for STS-V Base
STS-V Base
vs
$224/mo
Avg. Large Car
Vehicle overview
It wasn't that long ago that Cadillac's lineup of cars was a motley collection of also-rans in the luxury car market. But matters have turned around nicely for GM's luxury division. Last year, for instance, it introduced the STS sedan, a replacement for the Seville that we think quite highly of. Now, Cadillac has switched on the afterburners and expanded its V-Series line of performance vehicles with the STS-V.
To create the STS-V, Cadillac started by installing an Eaton Roots-type supercharger to the top of its Northstar V8 to create the most powerful production Cadillac engine ever. OK, Caddy didn't just bolt the blower on. First its engineers redesigned every major component of the Northstar engine, reduced the engine's displacement from 4.6 liters to 4.4 liters and dialed back its compression ratio to a more boost-friendly 9.0 to 1. Then, they engineered and patented a unique induction system. The air enters the supercharger from the rear, passes through its spinning vanes from the bottom, is cooled by a top-mounted intercooler and then does a complete 180 before heading down the long runners of the intake manifold. It all fits neatly under the STS-V's bulging hood, makes 10-12 pounds of boost and cranks horsepower from 320 to a mouthwatering 469. According to Cadillac, the STS-V can tick off 60 mph in fewer than 5 seconds.
A six-speed automatic transmission with a manual sequential-shift feature transfers that power to the Cad's 19-inch six-lug rear wheels and fat Pirelli tires. The upsized Brembo brakes measure 14 inches in diameter in front and 14.3 inches in the rear. Small trim touches like aluminum accents on the steering wheel and instrument bezels are as radical as the Cadillac STS-V gets on the inside. Most of the STS's interior features come standard (as one would hope for about $75,000), and the seats have additional bolsters and suede inserts to hold you in place when you're driving immaturely. On the outside, there's no missing the tasteful metal mesh grilles, deeper front spoiler and a rear deck lid spoiler.
The STS-V is a serious performance machine and should be treated as such. True, it isn't an M5 beater. Pit it head-to-head on a mountain road and the STS-V wilts in the face of the M5's fiery and dynamic athleticism. But it outclasses the Jaguar S-Type R and makes for a very interesting alternative to the Mercedes E55 AMG. If you're eyeing a big-bore luxury sport sedan, the 2006 Cadillac STS-V is worth heavy consideration.
Performance & mpg
The heart of the Cadillac STS-V is a supercharged 4.4-liter V8. It produces 469 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 439 lb-ft of torque at 3,800 rpm. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission that features manual-shift control. Expect a 0-to-60-mph time of fewer than 5 seconds.
Safety
The STS-V comes standard with ABS, stability control, traction control, seat-mounted side bags for front occupants and head curtain airbags for all outboard passengers. Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS has crash tested the 2006 Cadillac STS-V.
Driving
As you might expect, overtaking slow-moving cars or trucks requires little forethought. Just dip the throttle and go. Mash the pedal and the Cadillac STS-V bellows forth on a huge wave of supercharged torque. The car's rather large size does ultimately limit its ability to hustle through corners, but make no mistake -- this is not a lumpy Cadillac car of yore and is fully competent in matching or exceeding the skills of most drivers. The sport-tuned suspension, larger wheels and tires and big Brembo brakes all do their part to make this a very complete package.
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 very good. A generous wheelbase measuring 116.4 inches, which is longer than most of its rivals, promises that the STS-V's backseat passengers will have plenty of room. Rear legroom trumps that found in the E-Class and even edges out the spacious LS 430. On the other hand, at 13.8 cubic feet, the STS-V's luggage capacity is merely adequate.
2006 Cadillac STS-V models
The Cadillac STS-V is a performance variant of the regular V8-powered STS luxury sport sedan. Just about every feature offered on the STS is standard. Interior highlights include sport seats with perforated suede inserts, special wood and aluminum accents, a 15-speaker Bose audio system with surround sound and an in-dash six-CD changer, satellite radio, a DVD-based navigation system and a sunroof. HID headlights and rear parking assist are also included. The "V" part of this car's name means that it also comes with 18-inch wheels in front and 19s in back, oversized Brembo disc brakes, aerodynamic enhancements, a performance-tuned suspension, quicker steering and a limited-slip differential.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2006 Cadillac STS-V.
5 star(57%)
4 star(21%)
3 star(22%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
14 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.
5 out of 5 stars
Cadillac STS_V oh where did you go?
Robert Christison, 04/20/2016
2006 Cadillac STS-V 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl S/C 6A)
its very fast,........... did i say its very fast?..... smooth ride, great shifting with optional manual like shifting...... first owner, second cadillac, fantastic handling, overall a great car!........................
5 out of 5 stars
V stands for VAROOM!
K D Long, 11/21/2005
2006 Cadillac STS-V 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl S/C 6A)
WOW, what a blast to drive. The 2006 Cadillac STS-V provides Corvette-like performance and seats four comfortably, and can carry four golf bags. The motor pulls like a jet engine all the way to redline, nice and linear. The brakes are fantastic, you can throw out the anchor over and over again without and noticable fade. Some people know what it is, many do not. But the face on the … guys with the M3s, Mustangs, and 911s are funny after they get waxed by a Cadillac. My only complaint is the brake dust on the wheels, they should offer the competition grey like on the 2006 Corvette. It would hide some of the dust. This is a superior car to anything I have driven. Great Job Cadillac & GM!
4 out of 5 stars
Fun car, but costly to Maintain
Tom, 12/19/2016
2006 Cadillac STS-V 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl S/C 6A)
I have owned 2 different 2006 Cadillac STS-V's so I have experience with two different cars of the same year/model. I found them both to be equal in all areas so it's not like I had a "Good one" and a "bad one". The styling of these cars is very good. I think they are sporty and command attention on the road versus the standard STS. When everything is functioning properly, … performance is VERY good. (Especially for an "older" car) In 2006, these cars were ridiculously fast, however, by today's standards, they are nothing special. A stock V6 mustang can keep up with a stock STS-V. A 2015 stock Mustang GT will eat my lunch. On the down side, cost of ownership is very high. This car seems always need something repaired and its usually not cheap. Overall these are fun cars, but be prepared to pay for it!
2006 STS-V Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $74,270 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 14 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $378/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:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
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