What Is It?
2005 Cadillac STS
What's Special About It?
This all-new flagship sedan is the final piece of the puzzle in Cadillac's bid to revitalize its entire lineup with fresh new styling and world-class performance. Built on the same platform as the SRX sport-utility, the STS also offers both rear- and all-wheel drive as well as six- and eight-cylinder engines. The standard power plant is a 3.6-liter V6 with 255 horsepower while the top-of-the-line models get a 320-hp Northstar V8. Both engines are mated to a five-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift capability. The Magnetic Ride Control (MR) system that debuted on the previous-generation STS is an available option as is a quicker steering ratio. If that's not enough to convince you of this car's performance potential consider the fact that the V8 STS also offers a choice of three different final drive ratios and three wheel-and-tire packages.
Sized roughly in between a typical midsize and large European sedan, the STS offers an expansive cabin and an endless array of new technology. Press a button on the key fob from as far as 200 feet and the STS will not only start its engine, it will also begin heating or cooling the interior based on the outside temperature. Once inside, drivers can start the car with the push of button and then sit back and enjoy a 15-speaker Bose 5.1 surround sound audio system. The technology overload continues with adaptive cruise control, a four-color head-up display (HUD), an eight-inch DVD navigation display and an Intellibeam headlight system that automatically switches between high- and low-beam based on oncoming traffic.
What's Edmunds' Take?
There's no doubt that the STS matches its European rivals in the gadget department, but the real test will be to see how it measures up in some of the more intangible categories. Cadillac didn't do the STS any favors by making it look so much like the entry-level CTS, but if it drives as well as its specs suggest the STS should prove to be a worthy flagship for a rejuvenated lineup. — Ed Hellwig
2005 Cadillac STS
What's Special About It?
This all-new flagship sedan is the final piece of the puzzle in Cadillac's bid to revitalize its entire lineup with fresh new styling and world-class performance. Built on the same platform as the SRX sport-utility, the STS also offers both rear- and all-wheel drive as well as six- and eight-cylinder engines. The standard power plant is a 3.6-liter V6 with 255 horsepower while the top-of-the-line models get a 320-hp Northstar V8. Both engines are mated to a five-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift capability. The Magnetic Ride Control (MR) system that debuted on the previous-generation STS is an available option as is a quicker steering ratio. If that's not enough to convince you of this car's performance potential consider the fact that the V8 STS also offers a choice of three different final drive ratios and three wheel-and-tire packages.
Sized roughly in between a typical midsize and large European sedan, the STS offers an expansive cabin and an endless array of new technology. Press a button on the key fob from as far as 200 feet and the STS will not only start its engine, it will also begin heating or cooling the interior based on the outside temperature. Once inside, drivers can start the car with the push of button and then sit back and enjoy a 15-speaker Bose 5.1 surround sound audio system. The technology overload continues with adaptive cruise control, a four-color head-up display (HUD), an eight-inch DVD navigation display and an Intellibeam headlight system that automatically switches between high- and low-beam based on oncoming traffic.
What's Edmunds' Take?
There's no doubt that the STS matches its European rivals in the gadget department, but the real test will be to see how it measures up in some of the more intangible categories. Cadillac didn't do the STS any favors by making it look so much like the entry-level CTS, but if it drives as well as its specs suggest the STS should prove to be a worthy flagship for a rejuvenated lineup. — Ed Hellwig
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