Cadillac STS Ranks #10 in Luxury Large Cars
Overall Score - 7.4 (Good)
Based on U.S. News editors' analysis of 20 leading automotive reviews and test drives, the 2008 Cadillac STS ranks #10 of 11 in Luxury Large Cars.
The newly freshened STS adds more power and better looks to a classic American sedan. Improved for the 2008 model year, the STS has an attractive exterior and advanced safety features. If you're in the market for a luxury large sedan, also consider the BMW 5-Series, the Infiniti M or the Lexus GS.
With a significant refresh for 2008, the Cadillac STS finally competes with other sedans in the luxury segment, offering more performance, better looks and additional features. This all-American car, introduced in 2005, falls between the sportier Cadillac CTS and the larger DTS.
Auto reviewers are impressed with the recent changes, finding the overall end product significantly better. Car and Driver calls the 2008 upgrades a "vast improvement" over the 2007 STS. The Detroit News says that the STS "has been substantially reworked, giving it a more refined and powerful look." Improvements include a faster direct-injection V6 engine, a reworked exterior with a glitzy fascia, smoother handling and a better transmission. Overall, Edmunds calls the new STS "an even stronger player in an arena filled with talent," adding: "It is more handsome, more distinctive and certainly more powerful than the model it updates. All this makes the STS a better car."
While the improved STS is praised by most, some still find it unimpressive. Car and Driver reports: "We like, but don't love, the Cadillac STS. Reason being, its base V-6 model is tepid, and the V-8 model, although robust, is heavy and expensive. And neither model is terribly eye-catching." Yet, the Orlando Sentinel sums up the majority view nicely by saying, "Cadillac has done a commendable job of updating an already competitive car."
Edmunds says the STS offers a "low price for a full-size luxury sport sedan," and most reviewers agree. Still, some reviewers note that while the price is attractive, the fit and finish of the interior suffers a bit. However, Edmunds argues, "Having a price that undercuts the competition by thousands doesn't hurt either, even if a side effect is a few low-grade interior plastics." And reviewers from Cars.com conclude: "I suspect a lot of Cadillac buyers spend more time luxuriating in their cars than driving them hard. If those buyers are looking for value, the STS may prove to be the right choice."
The 2008 Cadillac STS comes in a standard V6, V6 Luxury, V6 Luxury Performance, V8 Luxury, V8 Luxury Performance and V8 Premium Luxury Performance trim levels.
IntelliChoice gives the 2008 STS an overall value rating of "Poor", based on total cost of ownership compared to others in its class.
STS Performance - 9.3 (Excellent)
Auto writers agree that the 2008 Cadillac STS' performance is vastly improved, with a powerful new V6 direct-injection engine, confident handling and sure braking. Cars.com writers say the STS' driving experience "reflects the Cadillacs of today: capable yet comfortable." continue
STS Exterior - 8.5 (Very Good)
For 2008, the STS gets a new face with a modified grille and chrome touches. Reviewers note the improvements, finding the overall appearance sportier, better proportioned and more authoritative. Car and Driver calls the exterior body of the STS "all jeweled up." continue
STS Interior - 6.7 (Mediocre)
While reviewers note the interior revisions to the 2008 Cadillac STS, overall opinion shows that the upgrades lack the high-quality feel of competitors. With room for five, the STS is generally seen as "comfortable and lined with respectable materials, but the execution leaves a lot to be desired" and "falls short inside," says Cars.com. continue
STS Safety - 7.6 (Good)
The 2008 Cadillac STS also does very well in federal government crash tests and comes equipped with many standard safety features. However, optional safety features available on the higher trim levels draw mixed reviews. continue
STS Reliability - 8.0 (Very Good)
The 2008 Cadillac STS reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Cadillac offers warranty coverage on all of its cars, including a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty. continue
Review Last Updated: 5/2/08
