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Cadillac STS - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 Cadillac STS ranks 11 out of 12 Luxury Large Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 22 published reviews and test drives of the Cadillac STS, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Of Cadillac's two large sedans, 2009 STS is the smaller car, and the one built to be fun to drive. It's a sharp-looking car, it handles and brakes like a smaller, sportier sedan, and it's stocked with the latest safety equipment. But the car has been plagued by minor quality issues, which seem magnified in such a high-quality class. 

Cadillac builds two full-size sedans in 2009, the STS and the larger DTS.  The STS is the more athletic of the two, with its rear-wheel-drive layout and magnetic ride control option. It looks in some ways like a fresh, exciting car that should compete with the best from Germany and Japan.  But it's lost in a field of competitive luxury sedans.

But both cars have been cancelled due to poor sales.  There will be no 2010 STS, and no replacement is planned.  Parent company General Motors has declared bankruptcy, and though the Cadillac brand is part of the company's long-term plans, the STS is not.

Redesigned for 2008, the car is completely unchanged for 2009. The STS comes in only one trim level, with a choice of a V6 or V8 engine, though a large selection of option packages are available.

• "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." -- Consumer Guide
• "With its edgy styling, powerful engines and high-tech safety options, the 2009 Cadillac STS is a strong player in an arena filled with talent." -- Edmunds
• "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." -- Car and Driver
• "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." -- Cars.com

STS Performance - 9.1 (Excellent)

The 2009 Cadillac STS' strongest attribute is its on-road performance, where even its smallest engine shines. Cars.com writers say the STS' driving experience "reflects the Cadillacs of today: capable yet comfortable." Many writers say, however, that the available V8 is a waste of money.  It offers only a modest power premium over the V6 model, but commands a much higher price. continue

STS Exterior - 8.2 (Very Good)

The exterior of the 2009 STS is distinctive and modern, casting off the stereotypes of boring old Caddy sedans for something edgy and exciting. Car and Driver calls the exterior of the STS "all jeweled up." The STS occupies a strange niche between the midsize CTS and the hulking DTS, but some reviewers seem to like its broad-shouldered look. continue

STS Interior - 7.7 (Good)

Inside the passenger cabin, the 2009 Cadillac STS disappoints. Reviewers point to materials that are sometimes below the class standard, as well as problems with build quality. 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 - 7.3 (Good)

The 2009 Cadillac STS earns good, but not great marks in government crash tests, and some of the optional safety features available on the higher trim levels draw mixed reviews. continue

STS Reliability - 9.0 (Excellent)

The 2009 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 with our full Reliability Review for more coverage information. continue