2005 Cadillac STS: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Cadillac launches a new midsize luxury sedan for 2005, replacing the front-wheel-drive Seville with the STS, which comes with rear- or all-wheel drive. Basically a stretched version of Cadillac's premium midsize CTS sedan, STS is 4.7 inches shorter than Seville, but an inch taller and a sizable 4.2 inches longer in wheelbase. STS offers a 255-hp V6 with rear-wheel drive or a 320-hp V8 with rear-drive or AWD. The sole transmission is a 5-speed automatic with manual shift gate. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes and antiskid/traction control are standard. So are front side airbags and head-protecting curtain side airbags. OnStar assistance is also included. Adaptive cruise control designed to maintain a set following distance is an option that can be teamed with a 4-color head-up instrument display. Also available are heated/cooled front seats, a touch screen navigation system with voice recognition, and satellite radio. A $13,115 Preferred Equipment package includes performance tires and steering, and 18-inch alloy wheels vs. standard 17s. It also includes GM's Magnetic Ride Control with shock absorbers that automatically adjust firmness within Touring and Sport settings to match the road surface. Performance-tread 18-inch tires and uprated brakes can be ordered in a Performance Handling package. A performance-oriented STS-V model with a supercharged V8, firmer suspension tuning, and unique trim is due later in '05 as a 2006 model. We have not yet driven the STS-V.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Midsize Cars sport interior dimensions similar to Midsize Cars. Premium Midsize Cars offer more luxury, performance, and prestige when compared to Midsize Cars. This segment is one of the industry's fastest-growing categories.

Our Best Buys include the Acura TL, Cadillac CTS, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Our Recommended picks include the Acura RL, Infiniti G35, and the Lexus ES 330.