Used 2009 Cadillac STS Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2009 STS, so we've included reviews for other years of the STS since its last redesign.
An Underrated (V8) car that we'll miss
cadillacmike, 12/29/2011
2009 Cadillac STS 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 6A)
26 of 27 people found this review helpful
While the CTS is the darling sport sedan from Cadillac, the STS was a more refined car with more room, and power (with the NorthStar V8) and better egronomics with regard to the memory seat and wheel recall functions. We have both a CTS (2008 premium ed) and an STS (2009 Platinum ed), so can compare them both. We also had a 2005 CTS and two (still have 1) LT1 Fleetwood Broughams, so we've had a few Cadillacs in recent years Handling and performance are equal to or superior to the CTS, particularly with NorthStar & the wide 255mm 18" rear tires (CTS has 235mm front & rear) Interior room is better and the single glass sunroof is quieter. 15 speaker Bose system is very powerful and clear.
I fall in love everyday
KRSTS, 06/20/2010
2008 Cadillac STS 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
23 of 24 people found this review helpful
I 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.
Solid player
jeff sunshine, 11/10/2008
2008 Cadillac STS 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
I purchased mine at the end of August when there were only V6 AWD models. I traded my V8 STS and thought I would be taking a step down. With V6 DI engine, I really do not miss the V8. So far this car is solid in all respects; handles well,comfortable, reliable, good mileage and is fast enough. In my opinion, this car favorably competes with BMW, MB and the other usual suspects but after you negotiate your final price, there really is no comparison becuse you pay a lot less. The status of a label is unimportant to me (although a Caddy still has some clout left) and as car enthusiast, I look to the raw driving experience. STS is right there and if the V8 G8 had AWD, I would be driving that.
Best Cadillac I've ever owned!
Thomas Pascucci, 01/13/2016
2009 Cadillac STS 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 6A)
11 of 11 people found this review helpful
This car is a great road car with all the power you need to take on all challengers. Bought mine used with low miles from a man who meticulously kept it in pristine condition and I intend to following his footsteps.
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08 STS is hot
Cosmo, 08/11/2007
2008 Cadillac STS 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
15 of 16 people found this review helpful
302-horsepower engine with direct injection V6. A bolder look on the outside and inside will attract younger buyers. I am 41. I wanted a 4 wheel drive car that can accommodate 3 car seats in the back. I looked at the BMW 535xi, Lexus GS350 AWD Infiniti M35 (currently drive Infiniti M45) at Audi A6. For the money the 2008 I stress the 2008 STS was the best value. The increased performance and the side air extractors, incorporated into the front fenders of STS. New chrome-plated door handles and lower rocker moldings are added for more presence and refinement.
2009 STS
Joe Torrontegui, 11/14/2010
2009 Cadillac STS 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 6A)
13 of 14 people found this review helpful
Car excellent driving Does not ride like my DeVille it has a hard ride compared .
Stay Away From The Northstar V8
Will, 10/19/2017
2008 Cadillac STS Luxury 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 6A)
16 of 18 people found this review helpful
I have owned 2 Cadillac STS's thus far. The First was a 2005 with the V8 and the one I have now is a 2008. They are great cars for the thought but stay away from the V8 North star engines by all means. At around 87, 000 and up the V8 North star starts going to the ground with problems. The found out problem with this engine is the design for the cylinder head mounting studs start to loosen due to corrosion and the material or metal used for the Head studs that clamp them down. This leads to head gasket failure and even engine damage. You can get the head gaskets fixed but the problem will come back after 30,000 miles or so, ultimately leaving you with a reoccurring and expensive problem. You can re-drill new studs in the engine and the problem still will come back. Its a nice luxury / performance car overall but I recommend buying the V6 with the 306hp. Oh and on my 2005 car the transmission started to give up on me. I think the 5 speed can barely handle the V8 power, the 07 and up have 6 speeds that are more adequate.
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My first Cadillac
powerline87, 08/05/2012
2008 Cadillac STS 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
29 of 34 people found this review helpful
This is my first Cadillac and my first car that was over $1000. Value: I got my car 3-4 years old, because the price drops by $20-25k by then. Performance: 302hp 3.6L DI V6. 52/48 weight dist. AWD. Dual-Wishbone front suspension - It handles better than most smaller cars I've driven, and even handles about as well as the CTS, despite being bigger and more comfortable. Comfort: I have driven a Lincoln MKZ, a Cadillac CTS and SRX, and a Lexus ES 350, and the STS is the most comfortable out of all of them. It is roomier and its seats just feel more comfortable. Summary: A used 2008-2011 Cadillac STS has a better balance between luxury and performance than any other car in my price range.
America's flagship
Biff Malibu, 10/05/2017
2009 Cadillac STS 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 6A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Brand new, these are expensive but used, cheap. Look for the North star engine, platinum package and AWD. You can turn corners like a 'vette!
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Lemonade
LarryG, 01/16/2009
2008 Cadillac STS 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
7 of 9 people found this review helpful
Leased my 2008 STS in late December, 2007. Failed camshaft sensor, failed right side cam at 13,000 miles, deffective FOB's, 5-burned out lights, deffective driver's seat lumbar system. Dealer is great but car spends too much time in service bay. Will not lease or buy another GM product. Totaly fed up.
STS not so good
David Lovitt, 04/19/2008
2008 Cadillac STS 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Car has been into shop twice with less than 400 miles on the odometer. Today it completely died after refusing to shift into any gear higher than second. Problems with stability control and antilock brake system at 200 miles. Also has some paint flaws that need to be addressed. I'm sorry I tried so hard to buy this vehicle.
Great car
Timbo2125, 12/21/2019
2009 Cadillac STS 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Great car. Its fast with a snappy 6 cylinder love driving this car and with all wheel drive it's my winter car. Only problem is it's not as comfortable as my Chrysler 300c. long drives become long drives
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Bose Stereo Issue Debugged
cfazzari, 06/04/2011
2008 Cadillac STS 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
8 of 11 people found this review helpful
In an earlier review I wrote the Bose system was basically terrible. The lows had no THUMP the Mids were Watery and the highs were muted. Apparently There are five different listener settings: Centerpoint, Driver, Talk, Normal and Rear. Centerpoint is the setting to use. The other four settings make the system sound awful at high volumes. Centerpoint wakes up the entire system and is easily comparable to the Boston Acoustic sytem I just came out of from my SRT8 Charger.
Stick with a luxury import
GM Never Again, 08/04/2008
2008 Cadillac STS 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
The car is fun to drive and is great when its not in the repair shop. I have had my STS in service 2 times in the last three months (BRAND NEW) for different problems. GM and Cadillac treat you like you bought a Chevy.You pay a high end price and get low end service. To sum it up, they suck and I will never buy a GM product again. High end imports are more reliable and give much better customer service.
Try a Mercedes before buying this.
Neville, 03/13/2016
updated 09/17/2018
2008 Cadillac STS 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
9 of 14 people found this review helpful
This is the worst car I have ever bought. I only have 56k miles on it, and have had many electrical issues, some of which have made the car unusable. The dealer service is expensive and incompetent. The car itself, when it works, is pleasant enough, but is totally unreliable. No wonder GM went broke making rubbish like this. Update: my local independent mechanic has repaired most of the electrical issues, and apart from minor issues which appear and then apparently fix themselves, the car is now relatively reliable. Update: I have now owned this miserable car for nearly 4 years. My opinion is unchanged. Never another Cadillac!
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Driving the 2008 STS
Samlh, 06/22/2008
2008 Cadillac STS Luxury 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought the V8 style, because adaptive speed control was not available on the V6. I traded in my 2005 STS, and got a great deal on the purchase. To this point, I am very pleased with the car, although gas mileage has not been good. Hopefully, it will get batter as I put more miles on the car. Although my 2008 is still very new,I believe it is a big improvement over the 2005. The car looks and rides better. I believe I made a good decision in purchasing the 2008 STS.
Why German
OKCowboy, 08/17/2008
2008 Cadillac STS 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
My first Caddy. I have owned many Lincolns, several Mercedes, a terrific Jag and some unmentionables over my almost 40 years of "business" driving. This car has great styling, exceptional sound system and many, many options. It is very responsive, quite and comfortable to drive. I drove all the "others" before I chose the caddy and price was not a concern. I'm glad to be driving an American sport sedan. It looks good and drive great. Time will tell but so far it's a winner.
Fantastic Car
Larry G, 02/20/2008
2008 Cadillac STS 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I had driven a Volvo S-60 with AWD and wanted a bigger AWD car. Looked at BMW, Audi, Lexsus and settled on the STS with the new direct injected V-6. Great power, great tranny. Car has every bell and whistle. Love the remote start, heated-cooled seats and the heated steering wheel. Car is good looking outside and very attractive inside. Great highway cruiser but also very agile and responsive in city driving. In snow or rain the AWD is superb!
2008 STS 6 cylinder is a dream!
John Lerner, 08/19/2007
2008 Cadillac STS 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
2008 STS Just delivered and drove from East Hampton Long Island to Myrtle Beach South Carolina. Wife and kids love the ride on this car, more than our former BMW 5 series. MPG combined on the car's computer stunned us with 21.6 combined, and 27 mpg all day long on the highway, running 87 octane!
Best luxury sports sedan
Charlie Higgins, 05/26/2008
2008 Cadillac STS 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Since January my wife and I have driven this vehicle daily. At 250 miles we took off to Florida from Ohio and averaged 24 mpg at 68 mph. Many times I took it above 75. The six speed transmission feels almost continuously variable. We purchased the navigation option along with the luxury interior package and AWD. I agree 18" wheels would have been nice but the HD brakes are not compatible with this larger wheel. The car performance is smooth and controllable compared to the BMW 535 and the Mercedes E Series. We test drove the CTS and agree with other reviewer that there is no comparison . Quality is unassailable and with 5500 miles ytd we would purchase all over again.
From 2 BMW to Cadillac...
Eric, 07/30/2008
2008 Cadillac STS Luxury 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 6A)
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
After 2 BMW,I just bought my first caddy at 36 yrs old.I was just tired seeing BMW,G35,NEW C-class even the new CTS every corner. So I found a great STS. It's very comfy very luxurious and the space inside. The nav with the 15 speakers from Bose? Oh la la. Its the best oem sound system I've ever heard, by the way I am a musician. Of course the mileage is so so I bought the v8. Funny that the hid light are not std for that car. Overall its a good value when reduce cause I wouldn't buy at full retail. I love everything about the car but its not BMW handling and driving experience. When you think about it who care were not formula 1 driver, right? Cadillac: the ultimate luxury experience? I guess
The best value for your money!
Tony, 07/21/2008
2008 Cadillac STS Luxury 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I had S-class Mercedes and BMW 7 several times before. I changed my S500 and I'm glad I did. Those fancy Germans are just not worth the money when it comes to compare.
Bad Paint
Herb, 12/06/2008
2008 Cadillac STS 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Love it, except the paint. The car is black, and I had it waxed immediately, by a professional. The first time I cleaned it myself, I discovered many pock marks on the hood and rear deck. They are in the paint, and wax does not remove them. I am taking it into the dealer to check. The paint is defective, and I hope someone will back it up.
Very Happy
richcory, 10/28/2009
2008 Cadillac STS Luxury 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Wife and I bought our 08 STS V8 in March of this year and it had 13000 miles on it. We like it so much that we have driven to to Vegas, Denver and Ohio from our home in Oklahoma. Wife drives it every day to work and another 13000 miles later we couldn't be happier with our purchase. On the trip to Vegas and back we averaged 30 MPG with 4 adults and trunk full of luggage. Sound system is the best of any factory system available. Nav is good but could be more user friendly. Interior storage space could be improved upon and the glove box is a joke. Overall a great car with lots of performace and fun to drive. It's performace isn't that far off from my 94 Vette.
The Right Decission
Hugh, 11/13/2007
2008 Cadillac STS 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Have only owned the Caddy for a couple of weeks, and I am very impressed. I looked at evrything from BMW's, Acrua's other Cadillac's, and even the new Buick Enclave. I live in snow country of upper Michigan, and the STS afforded me the opportunity to own a classy, Luxury car with AWD. Gas mileage is great compared to owning an SUV upper here. And the in-line V6 has all the get up an go that I would need. At first the Navigation system appears to offer it self to one with a degree in computers, but a little hands on time is all thats needed. Cost more than the CTS, but you get more and it is defintely a better auto for the extra money!
Great Car
onia, 04/05/2008
2008 Cadillac STS 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
First off, I am in full agreement with all preceding reviews. And I wonder why I haven't seen (in last eight months) any media promotion, a commercial or even a simple ad for this sophisticated competitor to the Lexus, Infiniti, BMW, and Benz types. Incidentally, there isn't even any dedicated 2008 STS Forum on Edmunds yet! The only three minuses on the car are the lack of space inside "for stuff" (where to put glasses?), small trunk and overcomplicated nav system, which is, in fact, inferior for instance to the 5-year older 2003 CTS system.
This car is a head turner
Tim Met, 05/01/2021
2009 Cadillac STS 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought my 2009 with 78,000 miles. I was immediatley impressed with the car. I liked it so much that I immediatley purchased a top tier 3 yr. Warranty. I want to drive this car for awhile.
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1st Cadillac, Great Car
Matt, 03/09/2010
2008 Cadillac STS Luxury 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 6A)
1 of 4 people found this review helpful
This 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 40's 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 don't think I will purchase anything but a Cadillac again. I have been very satisfied.
Finally GM Got it right...For Now
Old Red, 06/27/2009
2008 Cadillac STS Luxury 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased two new GM vehicles in 2008, a Cadillac STS AWD and a Silverado 1500 LTZ 4WD. The quality of workmanship was the best I've ever seen in my 53 years of owning and driving all kinds of cars. 0 defects, good fitment, quality throughout. As good over better than any foreign car or truck I've ever been exposed to. Thinks I, "They've finally got it right".
Four months with the Caddy
impatient, 02/03/2008
2008 Cadillac STS 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I was really excited about getting this car. I wanted the Bluetooth capability and ordered the vehicle when I discovered it was included. However, the voice recognition system is quite faulty as it just does not work properly. Cadillac just installed a second nav radio to combat this problem and still it does not respond to voice commands. When a command is given, it responds three times with "Pardon" and then says "Command not recognized." Because of this, I am not able to make telephone calls except when the vehicle is in park. Not at all convenient. Maybe Cadillac will fix this problem. I hope so.
Love the new STS
Dominic, 10/09/2007
2008 Cadillac STS 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just traded in my 2003 v-8 FWD SLS for a new 2008 v-6 STS RWD. Having driven the '03 for 4 years and the '08 for only a few weeks short weeks, I can say that the '08 is by far a better car. That is not to say anything bad about the '03, just that Cadillac got it right with this one. RWD, IMHO, is a much better way to design and build this class of car. I got the car pretty much loaded up. Sticker was ~$54K. The larger 18" wheels included in the 1SC Luxury Performance package, along with the HD brakes really make this a driving machine.
Outstanding Value for the Money
Cosmo, 08/21/2007
2008 Cadillac STS 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
08 has great looks and comfort. New V6 ans sheet metal improvements creates great appeal. Was looking at BMW, Mercedes Audi, Lexus and Infiniti for the money the STS was the best buy,
No Disappointments!
Hugh, 11/12/2007
2008 Cadillac STS 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We enjoy driving this car and both want to drive when we go. Handles fantastic and could not be quieter. The direct injected six is more powerful than my old Seville V8, has more horsepower. The mileage is better than the 2001 Seville as well. Interior finish is tops, the programing features took some time to master for the memory feature. Very happy with this car and no bag of money had to go to Japan!
my turn
jeff, 04/08/2008
2008 Cadillac STS 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Love the car. But difficult to get out of it. Doors seem a bit small. GPS advanced, difficult to learn. Dealer should specifically have someone to spend 30 to 45 minutes with you to review. Would make life easier first few days. Overall very happy and doing better on gas after 350 miles than I expected
Love this car!
Mark, 04/18/2008
2008 Cadillac STS 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I test drove a CTS first. It was just Ok. I then drove the STS and Wow. I was sold! Big difference. They want to sell you a CTS at sticker b/c they make more $ on them, but the STS is worth the extra money, it is much more car. Smooth, quiet, luxurious. This is quite simply a nicer car than the 5- series BMW and E-Class Mercedes without the price tag of the BMW or the poor quality of the Mercedes. I could not tell the difference in performance test driving the V-8 and V-6. The DI V6 feels like a V-8. This car simply babies you. Frustrating that you can't get AWD with all the toys in the V-6. I opted for all the toys on a RWD with the 18" chrome wheels package - Car looks awesome.
I Love My Boomer Sooner Red STS!
OKrahoma, 05/19/2008
2008 Cadillac STS 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my first Cadillac, & I love it! Everywhere I go, people tell me it is a beautiful car. I love the red of this car, & I love all of the chrome. We took it on a 2500 mile trip two months after buying it, & had a wonderful drive. We did have a problem when pulling over on the highway to change drivers. A rain- filled pot-hole crumpled the front end, not noticeable on the outside. A simple call to OnStar led us to the nearest dealer. The only option we did not get was the navigation system, & I'm fine with that! My husband had wanted a Chrysler 300, & I sold him on this, & so far, he's happy with the car, & me! I love that smiling front end! (On the car!)
Not Sorry At All
RJones, 07/30/2021
2008 Cadillac STS 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I overpaid according to these low prices...and I'm still not sorry. Why? The person who owned it first took CARE of it...had regular service done. Add to that the fact that I read the manual and other instructions so I know how it all functions. Drive car on a reasonable manner, don't race or tow anything. Follow these instructions and it will last 200K miles as others say.
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My First Cadillac
TexasPhotographer, 10/04/2007
2008 Cadillac STS 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I like this car. However, the manual reads like it was written in a language other than English. Instead of providing information, the manual refers you to two other pages to get the information. The navigation system is nice, but difficult to learn and again the manual is little to no help. The seats are comfortable and I like the sporty ride. The glove compartment is way too small. I do not like the fact that when opening the trunk, it does not open fully. As a photographer I have arms full of equipment. I would have liked the trunk to open so I could put the equipment in the trunk instead of on the ground so I can manually open the trunk. Not a convenient feature.