2005-2008 Cadillac STS: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2005-2008 Cadillac STS and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Handling/roadholding
- Acceleration
Cons
- Rear-seat room
Vehicle Highlights
Cadillac launched a new midsize luxury sedan for 2005, replacing the front-wheel-drive Seville with the STS, which came with rear- or all-wheel drive. Basically a stretched version of Cadillac's premium midsize CTS sedan, STS was 4.7 inches shorter than Seville, but an inch taller and a sizable 4.2 inches longer in wheelbase. STS offered a 255-hp V6 with rear-wheel drive or a 320-hp V8 with rear- or AWD. The sole transmission was a 5-speed automatic with manual shift gate. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes and traction/antiskid control were standard. So were front side airbags and curtain side airbags. OnStar assistance was also included. Adaptive cruise control was an option that could be teamed with a four-color head-up instrument display. Also available were heated/cooled front seats and a touch screen navigation system with voice recognition. A $13,115 Preferred Equipment package includes performance tires and steering. It also included 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 could be ordered in a Performance Handling package.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | adillac STS V6 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 8 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 7 | |
| Quietness | 8 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 5 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 62 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2005-2008 Cadillac STS. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2005-2008 Cadillac STS.
Year to Year Changes
2006 Cadillac STS:
Cadillac made all-wheel drive available as a stand-alone option for 2006 V6 models. A high-performance STS-V with a 469-hp supercharged V8 engine also joined the lineup.
2007 Cadillac STS:
All V8 versions of Cadillac's STS sedan got a 6-speed automatic transmission for 2007.
2008 Cadillac STS:
The 2008 Cadillac STS got updated styling and a more powerful V6 engine. V6 models got a 302-horsepower 3.6-liter engine, an increase of 48 hp for '08. A lane departure and blind-spot alert system were newly available for 2008.
Our road test for the 2005-2008 Cadillac STS includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2005-2008 Cadillac STS and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2005-2008 Cadillac STS is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Base V6 and V8 models furnish brisk takeoffs, with the V8 showing stronger highway-speed passing response. Cadillac estimates 7.0 sec 0-60 mph for the V6, 5.9 for the base V8, and 4.8 for the muscular STS-V. Rear-drive V6 models averaged 14.7-16.2 mpg depending on driving conditions. AWD V6 test car averaged 17.7. Test rear-drive V8s averaged 15.2-17.5. We have not had an opportunity to measure with the STS-V. Models equipped with the base suspension and 17-inch tires offered the best blend of ride comfort and composure. The STS-V is nearly as composed as these versions. Models equipped with the performance handling package trigger some jitter on rough roads. STS-V is the best-handling model in the lineup, with moves nearly as sharp as its top German rivals. Other versions are less athletic, but still are composed overall. Some testers complain of overassisted steering and numb on-center feel. The cabin is generally serene. Engines sound refined during acceleration, with wind and road noise well-suppressed. While assembly is generally good, materials quality is not up to European or Japanese rivals. The available navigation system absorbs, and therefore complicates, audio adjustments. While the front seats offer good head and leg room, a wide center console and high windowsills make some testers feel "hemmed-in." A standard power tilt/telescope steering wheel is a driver-comfort plus. Though larger than Cadillac's CTS, the rear seat is short on leg room overall and head room with the available sunroof. Cargo capacity is nothing special in STS. A small opening limits the ability to load larger items, and in-cabin storage is merely average.
Value for the Money
This Cadillac impresses dynamically, and the availability of all-wheel drive and a bona fide high-performance STS-V edition are assets. AWD is a pricey proposition on V8 models, however, so kudos to Cadillac for making it a stand-alone option on V6s. Inside, STS disappoints with subpar rear-seat space and materials that are not in step with class pacesetters. On any model, extra-cost items can add quickly to the price, making an intelligently optioned V6 version the best value in this line.
This Cadillac impresses dynamically, and the availability of all-wheel drive and a bona fide high-performance STS-V edition are assets. AWD is a pricey proposition on V8 models, however, so kudos to Cadillac for making it a stand-alone option on V6s. Inside, STS disappoints with subpar rear-seat space and materials that are not in step with class pacesetters. On any model, extra-cost items can add quickly to the price, making an intelligently optioned V6 version the best value in this line.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | adillac STS V6 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 8 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 7 | |
| Quietness | 8 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 5 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 62 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Cadillac STS includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Cadillac STS .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Audio system:
Radio reception may be poor or have static because the rear window defogger may have invisible cracks in the grid lines. (2005-06)
Electrical problem:
A voluntary recall was issued to reprogram the PCM on some high-feature 3.6L engines. (2005)
Fuel gauge:
The engine may not start or may stall because the tank is empty yet the gauge shows fuel remaining, or the fuel gauge will not show full after refilling due to sulfur corrosion of the fuel level sender and if after treating with Fuel System Cleaner PLUS the problem remains, the sender may need to be replaced. (2005-06)
Oil leak:
Oil leaks at the timing cover on 4.6L engines may require a gasket or a new timing cover. (2004-05)
Paint/body:
Paint on the hood blisters and bubbles, requiring refinishing and repainting. (2005-06)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $670 |
| Alternator | $820 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $2,900 |
| Brakes | $590 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,590 |
| Exhaust System | $940 |
| Radiator | $870 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $4,200 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $1,450 |
Our price chart for this generation Cadillac STS details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2008 | |||
| STS V6 | $29,000-31,500 | $27,000-29,300 | $20,000-21,700 |
| STS V8 | $32,000-36,000 | $29,800-33,500 | $22,400-25,200 |
| STS-V | $50,000-53,000 | $47,000-49,800 | $37,500-39,800 |
| 2007 | |||
| STS V6 | $25,000-27,000 | $23,300-25,100 | $16,500-17,800 |
| STS V8 | $27,800-32,000 | $25,900-29,800 | $18,900-21,800 |
| STS-V | $42,500-45,000 | $40,000-42,300 | $31,000-32,900 |
| 2006 | |||
| STS V6 | $21,000-23,000 | $19,300-21,200 | $13,700-15,000 |
| STS V8 | $23,700-27,500 | $22,000-25,600 | $15,400-17,900 |
| STS-V | $37,500-40,000 | $34,900-37,200 | $26,600-28,400 |
| 2005 | |||
| STS V6 | $17,500-19,500 | $16,100-17,900 | $11,200-12,500 |
| STS V8 | $20,000-23,000 | $18,400-21,200 | $13,000-15,000 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Cadillac STS include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 116.4 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 196.3 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 72.6 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 57.6 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3857 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 13.8 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 17.5 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.7 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.6 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.9 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 38.3 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
STS V6 models come with a 254-hp 3.6-liter engine. V8s have a 320-hp 4.6-liter engine. Both engines team with a 5-speed automatic transmission. STS-V has a 469-hp 4.4-liter V8 and a 6-speed automatic. Both automatics have a manual shift gate. For 2008, V6 models had a 302-horsepower 3.6-liter engine, an increase of 48 hp for '08.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc V6 | 3.6 / 217 | 254-302 | 252 | 5-speed automatic: 17.5/26 | 5-speed automatic: 16.2 |
| dohc V6 | 4.6 / 278 | 320 | 315 | 5-speed automatic: 16.5/24.5 | 5-speed automatic: 16.4 |
| dohc V8 | 4.4 / 267 | 469 | 439 | 6-speed automatic: 14/20 | 6-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or all-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Cadillac STS include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2005-2008 Cadillac STS directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
2005 STS:
Some vehicles may have a left or right rear suspension toe link that could separate because of an incorrect weld, causing the affected rear wheel to turn unexpectedly. Dealer will replace the toe link and perform a wheel alignment.
2005-06 STS:
Some 2005 and 2006 STS models equipped with the V6 engine may have an inaccurate fuel gauge that won't warn drivers when they are low on fuel. Dealer will reprogram the vehicle's electronic control module (ECM) with new software.
2005-2007:
The rear axle pinion seal may experience a fluid leak. Dealers will replace the pinion seal.
2006 STS:
Some models equipped with all-wheel drive and the V6 engine may have faulty electronic throttle control software that could cause unwanted acceleration. Dealer will reprogram the ECM with new software.
2008 STS and STS-V:
The tire pressure monitoring system is inoperative, and, as such, does not conform to a Federal standard. Dealers will reprogram the remote-control door-lock-receiver module.
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