STS sports bold exterior design
This week, we test drive Cadillac’s all-new STS, a luxury rear-drive sports sedan that replaces the aging Seville. At first glance, there’s no mistaking that the STS is anything but a contemporary Cadillac, with its vertically stacked headlamps, signature wire-mesh airfoil grille, horizontal lines and uniquely shaped hood.
We’ve always had a soft spot in our heart for Cadillac, GM’s sole autonomous make. From the first car to sprout fins in 1949 (a Harley Earl design) to those spectacular fins of 1959, Cadillac was at the top of my luxury-car list. As the decades ticked by, not every year was kind sales-wise to Cadillac. Still, the brand has always been respected for innovation and safety.
In the early ‘90s, Cadillac made an abrupt U-turn in marketing strategy. Instead of concentrating solely on U.S. sales, Cadillac decided to produce a world-class car that would be at home both in America and on Europe’s autobahn, where heavies like Mercedes, Jaguar, Infinity, Lexus and Acura roam. Overall, Cadillac has done a great job of blending performance and luxury, and today “world-class” is a correct stamp.
The 2005 STS is a luxury performance sedan designed to deliver superior craftsmanship, exceptional performance and sophisticated luxury. Based on GM’s rear-wheel-drive Sigma architecture, the STS is available with either a 255-horsepower, 3.6-liter aluminum V-6 in a rear-drive configuration, or the 320-horsepower Northstar 4.6-liter V-8 in rear- and all-wheel-drive. Both engines incorporate variable valve timing and are mated to a Hydra-Matic five-speed automatic transmissions with Driver Shift Control. Our tester was the V-6.
The bold exterior design is easy on the eyes, while an upscale interior with Tuscany leather seats, eucalyptus wood and aluminum trim welcome all occupants. The Sigma suspension architecture provides excellent handling, thanks to Magnetic Ride Control and StabiliTrak suspension appointments.
We really like the Keyless Access with push-button start, Adaptive Remote Start and Adaptive Cruise Control, although we’re still not too keen on the heads-up display. Some people may like the speed and other info displayed on the windshield, but I don’t. I just turn it off in whatever car may have it.
Our STS came with a $2,390 Luxury Package that added driver memory settings, power lumbar, heated front seats, Bose eight-speaker system with integrated in-dash six-disc CD, rain-sensing wipers, and beautiful 17-inch polished aluminum wheels. The only other option was a $1,200 sunroof. With $695 destination added, the final price came to $44,810.
OnStar, a standard feature with free one-year service, also deserves note as it offers the best of satellite radio and safety aspects thanks to 24-hour contact with a real person if you should get lost or into other trouble on the road.
On the highway, you’ll enjoy the STS wherever you take it. We drove many miles on both back roads and freeways, and it’s at home regardless of road surface. STS hugs the turns like a world-class sportster, yet you can still relax on the freeway in that special Cadillac aura of luxury. Acceleration is acceptable, although that Northstar V-8 intrigues me with the added horsepower.
Important numbers include a wheelbase of 116.4 inches, 3,857-pound curb weight, 13.8 cubic-feet of trunk room, and EPA numbers of 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.
We rate Cadillac’s new STS a strong nine on a scale of one to 10, and would love to drive the V-8 before the year is out.
Likes: Looks, comfort, handling, build quality.
Dislikes: Heads-up display, V-6 lags a bit with automatic transmission and three passengers.