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10 Best Used Cars Under $8,000

2011 Cadillac STS

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Overview

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2011 Cadillac STS Review

By KBB Editors

Once hailed as the savior of the Cadillac brand, the STS luxury sedan now seems to be overshadowed by the brilliant CTS Sedan, Coupe and Wagon, not to mention the impressive V-Series cars. Still, for those looking for luxury without hair-raising performance, the STS remains a crowd pleaser. Along with its slightly larger cousin, the DTS, the STS' mission is to continue satisfying the aging Cadillac faithful while still appealing to younger, first time buyers. Although it is available with all-wheel drive and a performance package suspension upgrade, the loss of the Northstar V8 engine this year will probably also cost the STS some potential buyers.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you like the crisp lines and modern styling of the CTS Sedan, but need just a bit more rear-seat passenger room, check out the STS.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you're looking for V8-inspired power or bold styling that stands out in a crowd, the STS probably won't impress you.

What's Significant About This Car?

For 2011, the STS is no longer available with the Northstar V8 engine, leaving the 3.6-liter V6 as the sole power plant. All 2011 STS models are now covered by Cadillac's Premium Care Maintenance program.

Driving the STS

Driving Impressions With only its key fob in our pocket, the 2011 Cadillac STS sensed our presence and unlocked its doors for us. Once inside, a push of a button was all...

that was required to make the V6 engine roar to life. We found the STS' 3.6-liter V6 a strong yet quiet performer, free of vibration and roar even with the accelerator pushed to the floor. On the highway, we averaged close to 28 mpg, which is not bad for a 300-plus horsepower sedan. Our rear-wheel-drive STS was equipped with the performance package which includes Brembo brakes and 18-inch wheels. The standard STS suspension provided predictable handling with minimal body roll and, though the steering response was somewhat soft and slow to react, we still found it easy to maneuver the car in tight turns. Cadillac's StabiliTrak stability control proved admirable in keeping the STS from skidding off course.

Favorite Features

Bose 5.1 Studio Surround Sound
The Bose 5.1 Studio Surround Sound option features 15 speakers placed strategically throughout the cabin, including on the tops of the seats and beneath the center console. It delivers great sound.

Supportive Seats
The STS seats show Cadillac has found a nice combination of comfort and support, and they do a good job of holding you in place without being too firm.

2011 Cadillac STS Details

Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

The 2011 Cadillac STS has a pleasant interior that exhibits a high degree of fit and finish, but its overall design is a bit dated and hardly inspiring. Sparse applications of wood trim dot the STS' interior, which can be had in ebony, cashmere or light gray leather covering the seats, steering wheel and shift knob. Optional equipment, such as the four-color head-up display and Bose 5.1 Studio Surround Sound audio, help liven things up a bit. On Platinum models, suede-like Alcantara fabric replaces the standard cloth headliner, while hand-cut leather coverings adorn the door panels, dash and center console. Rear-seat legroom is better than in the CTS, but it's still not what owners of previous full-sized Cadillacs would call spacious. The large trunk, on the other hand, has ample space for luggage or golf bags.

Exterior

Although from a distance it looks somewhat like a slightly larger CTS Sedan, the STS nevertheless has a character all its own. The STS is some two inches wider than the CTS, and its rear doors are longer with more glass area. The signature Cadillac fender vent and vertical rear tail lights are evident, as is the wide egg-crate grille and stacked HID headlamps. Stylish multi-spoke alloy wheels give the STS a bit of a sporting attitude, as do the trunk-mounted spoiler and shark-fin roof antenna. The STS's tail lights and rear center-mounted stop light employ LEDs, which use less energy and last longer than conventional bulbs.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The 2011 Cadillac STS has a six-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), traction control, StabiliTrak electronic stability control, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, OnStar, keyless start, auto-dimming mirror, Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist, Bose audio, navigation, front side-impact and front and rear head-curtain airbags, leather seats, cruise control, leather-wrapped power tilt/telescoping steering wheel and 17-inch painted aluminum wheels.

Optional Equipment

Options are generally arranged by trim level and packages and include onboard navigation, Head-Up Display (HUD), garage door opener, six-disc DVD changer, Bose 5.1 Studio Surround Sound system, HID headlamps, Magnetic Ride Control suspension, limited-slip rear axle, load-leveling suspension, heated rear seats, heated and cooling front seats, 18-inch wheels and tires, Lane Departure Warning, Side Blind Zone Alert and a performance handling package. The Platinum Edition adds Alcantara headliner, unique 18-inch wheels, leather trim interior and Platinum badges. Stand-alone options include all-wheel-drive and a power moonroof.

Under the Hood

The 3.6-liter V6 engine is strong enough to satisfy most owners, and its advanced electronic features, such as the variable valve timing, help maximize fuel efficiency and power.

3.6-liter V6
302 horsepower @ 6300 rpm
272 lb.-ft. of torque @ 5200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/27 (RWD), 18/27 (AWD)

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2011 Cadillac STS Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

4.5

Out of 5

Based on 217 Ratings for the 2005 - 2011 Cadillac STS models.

Review this car

Value

4.2/5

Quality

4.3/5
Reliability

4.4/5

Performance

4.6/5
Comfort

4.5/5

Styling

4.7/5

likes: very comfortable, roomy, smooth all around,

By AJ (MI) on Friday, February 10, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 68,000

5 4.0

overall rating 4 of 5rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 4/5
Value: 4/5
Reliability: 3/5
Quality: 4/5
Performance: 5/5
Styling: 5/5
Comfort: 5/5

Pros: "luxury, and comfort, made in america"

Cons: "timeing belt/chain cost of replacment parts on all"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"I really enjoy most aspects of this car, things i didnt like is it MPGs they seem like they should be a little higher but that wasnt the worst part, the timeing belt/chain went out right as soon as my warnty was up at 60,000 miles leaving for a very costly repair and thats a 50/50 that it doesnt complety ruin your engine and then you would be talking even more costly at low miles, im not saying 60,000 are low miles but for a ruined engine it is."

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Beautiful car but lacking in overall quality

By stsnotreally (PA) on Tuesday, January 31, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 8,500

5 3.0

overall rating 3 of 5rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 3/5
Value: 4/5
Reliability: 4/5
Quality: 3/5
Performance: 4/5
Styling: 4/5
Comfort: 3/5

Pros: "Fun to drive when pushed, great looks"

Cons: "Low quality interior, Harsh ride"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 2

"We have owned the car for 9 months. It was purchased as a leftover. Within the first month of ownership, the powersteering pump failed and had to be replaced(under warranty). The interior, although leather, has some cheap plastic that has expressed itself in a broken vanity mirror mount and the button used for the trunk release collapsed. Though it is a sport touring model, the suspension is way too stiff to be called a "Cadillac" ride. On the positive side, the heated/cooled leather seats and heated steering wheel are nice features. Since this our first Cadillac. We do use and enjoy the Onstar directions service and the XM Radio that we know from Chevy ownership. The backup warning system beeps when you are within about a foot of an obsticle when backing up. This is handy when paralell parking in the city. The exterior (ours is Black) has an extra treatment, dealer applied, that garuntees a perfect "waxed" appearance even after just a good wash, and the car looks new to this day. We think that was worth the money. Overall, although its pretty, I think its still only Chevy quality, not what I expected from Cadillac so far in our ownership. Even though the few items that have gone wrong in the interior were minor, it sort of leaves you with that "Whats going to happen next" feeling and we will be trading the car before we own it for a year. Sorry Caddy..."

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