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CADILLAC STS Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Generations: 3
First production year: 2004
Engines: Gasoline
CADILLAC STS photo gallery

A great combination of style and performance, they 2007 Cadillac STS was a strong competitor in the full-size luxury sedan class.

The STS was launched as the successor of the Cadillac Seville and was dressed in the company’s new design with the egg-crate grille, stacked headlights and sharp body panels.

Besides the strong impression created by the exterior design, the interior of the SDS was impeccably crafted with high quality materials and offered the latest technology available for the time.

The STS had one of the quietest cabins ever designed by GM, thanks to the door seals and the dash insulation.

The new model came with a V6 or a V8 engine, with power being sent to the rear wheels or to the four wheels.

All versions featured 17-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, 8-way front power seats, dual-zone climate control, an 8-speak Bose audio system and remote vehicle start.

The more expensive V8 version added memory seating presents, heated seats and steering wheel, as well as real wood trims and automatic wipers.

Most of the features included for the V8 version could be added to the base version.

Stand-alone options included a DVD entertainment and navigation system, a head-up display and heated and ventilated from seats.

Xenon headlamps with washers were only available for the V8.

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CADILLAC STS-V photo gallery

When General Motors tried to create a fresh image for the Cadillac, it knew that it had to offer more performance for its premium brand, thus creating the V-spec versions such as the STS-V.

Introduced at the 2005 Detroit Auto Show, the STS-V surprised the audience with its high-performance figures, contradicting the idea of a comfortable luxury sedan. Unfortunately, while the carmaker managed to stir the market with this model, its success was limited. Four years later, it had to pull the plug on it due to the slow sales caused by the world financial crisis.

But just adding more power under the hood wouldn't convince too many people. Hence, the V-version of the STS received some additional aesthetic enhancements. At the front, the carmaker installed a chromed mesh grille above the bumper and used the same pattern for the lower air intake placed in the apron. Thus, it created a ground-hugging fascia. From its profile, the 18" wheels at the front and 19" wheels at the rear emphasized the car's aggressiveness factor. Finally, at the back, a deck-lid spoiler warned bystanders that it was not grandpa's car anymore.

Inside, the automaker returned to its traditional values and offered a leather-wrapped interior with bucket seats at the front with small side bolstering. At the back, the comfortable bench was carried over from the rest of the STS lineup. Interior decorations consisted of aluminum and wood trims, which created a fresh look for the vehicle. Yet, the instrument cluster was regular, with black dials, white lettering, and red needles. Not sporty at all!

Under the hood, Cadillac used a supercharged version of the 4.4-liter Northstar V8 engine from its parts bin. It paired it as standard with a six-speed automatic that allowed manual shifting gears in a sequential mode.

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CADILLAC STS photo gallery

At the beginning of 2000, Cadillac chose to rename its vehicles using acronyms. And so, the famous Sedan de Ville became STS, which was a short take for the Seville Touring Sedan. The vehicle itself was based on the GM Sigma RWD platform, with V6 and V8 engines, which was a transition from the former Seville with front-wheel-drive. An enhancement for the Sigma platform meant that there was also an all-wheel-drive version.

The power ranged from the 3.6-liter V6 with 255 hp to the top version with the V8 Northstar engine with a displacement of 4.6 liters and 320 hp. Both were equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission fitted as standard. There was not any manual transmission available for the big STS. The carmaker claimed that the STS was the car that every owner wanted to drive, not only to be driven.

The fascia reminded of that found on the smaller CTS. Also, the rear kept the same angular lines. But the overall exterior look is that of a big barge on wheels. The 2004 model was sold as a 2005 model and was packed by GM with a lot of options to make the ride smoother and nicer. A magnetic ride control system was introduced and it was OK as long as it worked. Some recalls affected the STS, the ride was actually not that good and the fuel-efficiency was down the drain compared to any standards.

The OnStar safety system was good, though, customers being very satisfied with the help of this system, whether they were asking for directions or unlocking the car. And most customers loved the Cadillac way of building a “two-body room” trunk. Or large suitcases, whatever works.

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