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. There are five trim levels -- V6 Luxury Sport, V6 Luxury, V6 Premium, V8 Luxury and V8 Performance. Common features on all models include leather seating, dual-zone climate control, a Bose sound system and OnStar. The V6 Luxury adds perks such as Bluetooth, heated/ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and rain-sensing wipers. The V6 Premium highlights include 18-inch (versus 17-inch) wheels, upgraded braking/steering/cooling systems, auto-dimming xenon headlights, upgraded audio and a navigation system. The V8's trim levels are identically equipped save the Premium, which also boasts adaptive suspension, blind zone/lane departure alert, a sunroof, a head-up display and adaptive cruise control. 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.
The Cadillac STS rear-wheel-drive luxury sport sedan officially debuted for the 2005 model year and offered in 255-hp V6 and 320-hp V8 versions. The latter could also be had with all-wheel drive (AWD). The following year, AWD became available on the V6 while for '07 a six-speed automatic transmission was fitted to the V8 version. A midcycle refresh took place for '08, bringing revised styling (including ubiquitous chrome fender vents), a more luxuriously trimmed interior and the current more powerful V6 matched to the six-speed automatic. Prior to 2010, the current STS's trim levels were essentially option packages available on V6 and V8 trims. Those interested in a used model previous to the debut of the STS model 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.
