2005 Cadillac STS: Road Test
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2005 Cadillac STS ▼
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- MSRP: $40,525 -$47,025
- Invoice: $37,486 -$43,498
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Our road test for the 2005 Cadillac STS includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Cadillac STS from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Cadillac STS, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Cadillac STS help you decide if a 2005 Cadillac STS is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| V6 | V8 | AWD V8 w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 8 | 6.6 |
Both V6 and V8 are quick off the line, have good midrange passing response. V8 not significantly better on either count, but does shine in highway-speed passing performance. No discernible difference with all-wheel drive. Cadillac reports 7.0 sec 0-60 mph for V6, 5.9 for V8. Both engines benefit from smooth-shifting, alert transmission.
FUEL ECONOMY
| V6 | V8 | AWD V8 w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.6 |
No opportunity to measure with AWD. Test V6 examples averaged 14.7 mpg in mostly city driving, 16.2 in primarily highway driving. Test rear-drive V8s averaged 14.1-15.2 in mixed city/highway work. Both engines require premium-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| V6 | V8 | AWD V8 w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 6 | 6.9 |
Smooth, composed with base tires. Soaks up bumps well. Jittery on coarse or rippled surfaces with 18-inch tires, even with Magnetic Ride Control set to soft Touring setting.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| V6 | V8 | AWD V8 w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7.1 |
Steering communicative enough, but overassisted and not sport-sedan precise. Optional Performance Package quickens reactions at low speeds, but exaggerates numb on-center feel. STS feels large, heavy in quick changes of direction, but stable through corners with modest body lean. AWD aids wet-surface grip, but this $1900 option is a pricey proposition because it's available only on V8 models with the $13,115 Preferred Equipment package. Short, straight simulated panic stops.
QUIETNESS
| V6 | V8 | AWD V8 w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 7 | 6.8 |
Both engines accelerate with a muted, refined growl. Wind rush impressively quelled. Slightly more road noise with 18-inch tires, but cabin very well-isolated overall.
CONTROLS
| V6 | V8 | AWD V8 w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 6.7 |
Somewhat fewer buttons than in some other premium cars--a welcome design decision. All controls easy to reach, though some markings are cryptic. And most audio settings are absorbed by an available navigation screen, complicating their use. Keyless ignition a mixed blessing; freedom from having keyfob at hand is offset by reality that car will remain running even without fob nearby. Some cabin panels lined in soft-touch materials, but there are budget-looking plastics on too many others. The shiny plastic gear-shift base looks, feels particularly out of place. Overall interior ambience falls short of that in like-priced import rivals'.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| V6 | V8 | AWD V8 w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7.4 |
Good head and leg room. Tall console and doorsills contribute to closed-in feel. Power tilt/telescope steering wheel is standard and helps tailor comfortable driving position. Generous side bolstering provides support through turns. View to corners front and rear hindered by wide roof pillars.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| V6 | V8 | AWD V8 w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.6 |
Head room limited for taller riders; intrusion from sunroof housing reduces clearance further. Leg room cramped with front seats more than halfway back, and toe space is tight. Seat fairly well-contoured, though longer cushions would enhance comfort.
CARGO ROOM
| V6 | V8 | AWD V8 w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
Trunk space unexceptional for STS's size. Lid hinges don't intrude and the liftover is low, but small opening limits size of items that can be loaded. Small rear armrest pass-through not as handy as folding rear seatbacks.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| V6 | V8 | AWD V8 w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 4 | 5.9 |
STS impresses with its dynamic capabilities, but disappoints with subpar rear-seat space and cargo room. Interior materials and assembly are not up to best-in-class standards, either. We're disappointed that $62,500 is the list price of admission for all-wheel drive, making this security feature an expensive proposition. Even without AWD, options can add quickly to the price, making an intelligently optioned V6 the best value in this line.
Total Score
| V6 | V8 | AWD V8 w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62 | 62 | 57 | 61.6 |
Total Score: 60
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