2008 Cadillac STS Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

The 2008 Cadillac STS gets updated styling and a more powerful V6 engine. STS is available in V6, V8, and high-performance STS-V models. All come with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is available. V6 models have a 302-horsepower 3.6-liter engine, an increase of 48 for '08. V8 models use a 320-horsepower 4.6-liter V8. The STS-V uses a supercharged version of the V8 engine with 469 horsepower and includes a sport suspension and unique trim. Standard safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. An uprated antiskid control system is optional on AWD V8 STS models. It includes an active steering feature designed to automatically turn the front wheels into a skid when the rears lose traction. A lane-departure and blind-spot alert system are newly available for 2008. Also available are heated/cooled front seats and a touch screen navigation system with voice recognition and a wireless cell phone link.

Competition

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 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.

Our Best Buys include the Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G, and Lexus ES 350. Our Recommended picks are the Acura TL, Infiniti M, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

New or significantly redesigned models include the BMW 5-Series, Cadillac CTS, Volvo V70, and Volvo XC70.

News

STS is reskinned for 2008. These changes are expected to carry this Cadillac to a major makeover now rumored for model-year 2010.

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2008 Cadillac STS Road Test

Pros	Cons

Handling/roadholding	Rear-seat room

Acceleration

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

V6	STS-V	Class Average
7	9	7

The new V6 engine provides strong acceleration from a stop and has outstanding passing power. Cadillac claims a V6-powered STS will reach 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, which feels accurate to us. STS-V models are even more potent. Cadillac estimates 4.8 sec 0-60 mph, and it feels every bit that quick. No V8 models have been made available for us to test.

Fuel Economy

V6	STS-V	Class Average
4	2	4.6

In Consumer Guide testing, an STS-V averaged just 13.7 mpg. We've not had an opportunity to measure with the V6. V6 STS models use regular-grade gas. Premium is recommended for the 4.6 V8 and required for the STS-V.

Ride Quality

V6	STS-V	Class Average
8	7	6.3

STS blends absorbency and firm composure to good effect with the base suspension and standard 17-inch tires. The optional Performance Handling Package is almost as comfortable, but triggers mild jitter on coarse or rippled surfaces. The STS-V is surprisingly supple, with a ride that mimics the base setup.

Steering/Handling/Braking

V6	STS-V	Class Average
7	8	7.1

Any STS corners with poise and modest body lean, particularly the sharp STS-V. Compared with midsize cars from BMW and Mercedes-Benz, however, the steering on this Cadillac feels somewhat vague and overassisted. Reassuring brakes provide short, straight simulated panic stops.

Quietness

V6	STS-V	Class Average
8	7	7

Road and wind noise are both well muted. The new V6 sounds refined when accelerating and is otherwise quieter than the engine it replaces. There's slightly more road noise with the STS-V.

Controls

V6	STS-V	Class Average
8	8	6.1

STS has relatively few buttons compared with other premium cars--a big plus. All controls are easy to reach, though some markings are confusing. The available navigation system absorbs many audio functions but doesn't complicate their use.

Details

V6	STS-V	Class Average
7	7	7.4

Interior materials quality is good when compared to domestic-branded premium sedans but falls just shy of the standards set by German and Japanese rivals.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

V6	STS-V	Class Average
7	7	7.3

Good headroom and legroom, but some testers feel hemmed-in by the wide center console and high windowsills. The standard power tilt and telescopic steering wheel helps dial in a comfortable driving stance.

Room/Comfort (rear)

V6	STS-V	Class Average
5	5	5.2

Disappointing for a car this large. With the front seats set far back, legroom is limited and foot space is tight. The seat itself is well contoured and offers good back support, though a longer seat bottom would enhance long-distance comfort. Headroom is just adequate.

Cargo Room

V6	STS-V	Class Average
3	3	4.2

Trunk space is unexceptional for STS's exterior size. The trunklid hinges don't intrude into the cargo area, and liftover is low. However, a small opening limits the size of items that can be loaded. Small-item storage is limited to a smallish center console and less-than-generous glove box.

Value within Class

V6	STS-V	Class Average
6	4	6.2

STS impresses dynamically, and the availability of all-wheel drive is an asset. Inside, STS disappoints with subpar rear-seat space and materials that are not in step with class pacesetters--or other Cadillac models. On any model, extra-cost items can quickly add to the price, making a judiciously optioned V6 model the best value in this line.

Total Score

V6	STS-V	Class Average
70	67	68.4

Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars

Low Score		56
Average Score		68
High Score		78

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2008 Cadillac STS Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 06/04/2008

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

V6 4-door sedan	$43,775	$40,930	$775

V8 4-door sedan	$53,275	$49,812	$775

STS-V 4-door sedan	$78,775	$72,079	$775

Price note: V8 w/all-wheel drive adds $1300 Gas-Guzzler Tax. STS-V adds $1700 Gas-Guzzler Tax.

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Powertrain

3.6-liter V6 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.

Safety

Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, rear-obstacle-detection system, wiper-activated headlights, emergency inside trunklid release, daytime running lights.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, power tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio and climate controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, 8-way power front bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment, center console, trunk pass-through, aluminum interior trim, heated power mirrors w/driver-side automatic day/night, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, keyless access and start, remote engine start, OnStar assistance system w/one year service, Bose AM/FM/CD player, satellite radio, tachometer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, variable-intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, automatic headlights, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, 235/50VR17 tires, alloy wheels.

V8 adds to V6:

Powertrain

4.6-liter V8 engine.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel), heated front and rear seats, front seat lumbar adjustment, heated wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel, wood interior trim, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, rain-sensing wipers, universal garage door opener.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Load-leveling suspension, 235/50SR17 tires.

STS-V adds to V8:

Powertrain

4.4-liter supercharged V8 engine, limited-slip differential.

Safety

Uprated brakes, blind-spot alert, lane-departure warning.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather/suede upholstery, heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, power sunroof, navigation system w/voice recognition, rear radio controls, wireless cell phone link, head-up instrument display, heated washer nozzles, automatic-dimming headlights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Rear spoiler, xenon headlights w/washers, load-leveling sport suspension, 255/45WR18 front tires, 275/40WR19 rear tires.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Preferred Equipment Group 1SB
V6	$3,540	$2,938
Heated wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated/cooled front seats, heated rear seats, wood interior trim, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, memory system (front seats, mirrors, steering wheel), rain-sensing wipers, universal garage door opener, cargo net.

Preferred Equipment Group 1SC
V6	$8,600	$7,138
Preferred Equipment Group 1SB plus limited-slip differential, heavy-duty engine cooling, performance steering and brakes, navigation system w/voice recognition, upgraded Bose sound system, rear headphone jacks, wireless cell phone link, automatic-dimming xenon headlights w/washers, rear spoiler, load-leveling suspension, 235/50WR18 front tires, 255/50WR18 rear tires, polished alloy wheels.

Preferred Equipment Group 1SF
V8	$4,200	$3,486
Cooled front seats, navigations system w/voice recognition, upgraded Bose sound system, rear headphone jacks, wireless cell phone link, automatic-dimming xenon headlights w/washers.

Preferred Equipment Group 1SG
V8	$11,690	$9,703
Preferred Equipment Group 1SF plus limited-slip differential, performance steering and brakes, heavy-duty engine cooling, power-steering-fluid cooling, blind-spot alert, lane-departure warning, head-up instrument display, power sunroof, adaptive cruise control, rear spoiler, Magnetic Ride Control Suspension, 235/50WR18 front tires, 255/45WR18 rear tires, polished alloy wheels. Deletes rear spoiler when ordered w/all-wheel drive.

Performance Handling Pkg.
V6, V8	$1,600	$1,328
Uprated performance brakes, 255/45ZR18 tires, chrome alloy wheels. V6 requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SC. V8 requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SG. NA w/Platinum Edition. V6 NA w/all-wheel drive.

Platinum Edition
V6 w/1SC, V8 w/Group 1SG	$6,500	$5,395
V8 w/Group 1SF	$7,500	$6,225
Performance brakes, unique interior and exterior trim, 235/50WR18 front and 225/45WR18 rear tires, chrome alloy wheels. NA w/adaptive cruise control.

Moonstone Limited Edition
V6	$6,600	$5,478
Navigation system w/voice recognition, rear headphone jacks, wireless cell phone link, power sunroof, unique interior and exterior trim, automatic-dimming xenon headlights w/washers. Requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SB.

Driver Awareness Pkg.
V8	$1,290	$1,071
Blind-spot alert, lane-departure warning, head-up instrument display. Requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SF, adaptive cruise control.

Luxury Level Two Pkg.
V6	$3,350	$2,781
Navigation system, automatic dimming xenon headlights w/washers. Requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SB.

Luxury Collection PDP
V6	$3,650	$3,030
Luxury Level Two Pkg. plus power sunroof. Requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SB.

Premium Luxury Collection PDU
V8	$3,200	$2,656
Navigation system, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, wireless cell phone link, power sunroof.

Powertrain
All-wheel drive
V6	$1,900	$1,577
V8	$1,550	$1,287
V6 includes 235/50SR17 tires. V6 requires performance brakes. V8 requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SG. V8 deletes limited-slip differential. NA w/Preferred Equipment Group 1SC, Performance Handling Pkg.

Safety
Advanced Stabilitrak
V8	$995	$826
Includes active steering. Requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SG, all-wheel drive. NA w/Performance Handling Pkg.

Performance brakes
V6, V8	$395	$328
V6 requires all-wheel drive. V8 requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SF, 18-inch polished alloy wheels.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof
V6, V8	$1,200	$996


Power sunroof delete
STS-V (credit)	$-1,200	$-996


Upgraded leather upholstery
V6, V8	$1,295	$1,075
V6 requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SC. V8 requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SF or 1SG. Std. w/Platinum Edition.

Wood interior trim
V6	$250	$208


Adaptive cruise control
V8	$1,695	$1,407
Requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SF. Includes head-up instrument display.

Head-up instrument display
V8	$600	$498
Requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SF.

Appearance and Miscellaneous
Special paint
STS-V, V6, V8	$995	$826


Engine-block heater
STS-V, V6, V8	$100	$83


18-inch polished alloy wheels
V8	$600	$498
Includes 235/50WR18 front tires, 255/45WR18 rear tires. Requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SF or performance brakes.

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2008 Cadillac STS Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Cadillac STS 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.

Engines

	dohc V6	dohc V8	Supercharged dohc V8

Size, liters/cu. in.	3.6 /217	4.6 /278	4.4 /267

Horsepower @ rpm.	302 @ 6300	320 @ 6400	469 @ 6400

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	272 @ 5200	315 @ 4400	439 @ 3900

Availability	Standard	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

6-speed automatic	17/26	15/24	13/19

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Cadillac STS 4-door sedan

4WD Rollover	5

Front Impact, Driver	4

Front Impact, Passenger	4

Rollover Resistance	5

Side Impact, Driver	4

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	5

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%. Side-impact 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%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	5/100,000	--

Bumper-to-bumper	4/50,000	--

Corrosion	6/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	5/100,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: USA

Drivewheels: all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive

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Also in the 2008 Cadillac STS Review:

Cadillac STS

Cadillac STS Road Test

Cadillac STS Prices & Equipment

Cadillac STS Specs & Safety

Cadillac STS Photos