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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2009 Cadillac STS

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2011 Cadillac STS

Overview

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2009 Cadillac STS Review

By KBB.com Editors

Cadillac's evolution from a builder of cushy luxo-barges to world-class touring sedans is complete, and nowhere is this transformation more evident than with the 2009 Cadillac STS. Along with the CTS, the STS has the mission of putting Cadillac back on the world's radar screen, and if ever there was a Cadillac that could lure younger buyers from their love affairs with Lexus and BMW, it's the STS. With a choice of V6 or V8 engines, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive and enough sophisticated electronics to please the most demanding technophile, about the only thing lacking from this car is a manual transmission, a feature some enthusiasts may desire.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you like the edgy styling of the CTS and XLR cars, you'll no doubt like the 2009 Cadillac STS. It has room for five, a massive trunk and a long list of electronic features and gadgets.

You May Not Like This Car If...

The 2009 Cadillac STS' styling has been seen before, namely on the CTS sedan. It does not stand out like the BMW 5 Series or Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and buyers at this level often prefer a more distinctive vehicle.

What's New for 2009

Other than a new motor for the optional Active Steering feature, the STS remains relatively unchanged.

Driving the STS

Driving Impressions With key fob in pocket, our 2009 Cadillac STS knew of our presence, unlocking its doors in anticipation of the coming drive; the same fob permitted us to start the...

car with a push of a button. On the road, we found the STS' new 3.6-liter V6 to be quiet and free of vibration, even at full throttle. Power was readily available and fuel economy proved surprisingly good, especially on long highway trips, leaving us to wonder, "Why pay more for the V8?". The STS' rear-wheel-drive platform and sport-tuned suspension allowed little body roll and gave predictable handling. The STS tracked brilliantly in tight turns, though the steering response was somewhat soft and slow to react. 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.

2009 Cadillac STS Details

Interior

The 2009 Cadillac STS interior is certainly pleasing to the eye, but not ground-breaking by any means. The usual color choices of black, tan or gray are offset by the occasional use of nice wood trim. A sprayed-on urethane "skin" gives the dash and door panels a rich look mimicking real leather, but we do worry how well this material will hold up over time. Optional equipment, such as the four-color head-up display and Bose 5.1 Studio Surround Sound audio, help liven things up a bit. Premium Platinum models feature hand-cut leather on the dash, door panels and console, as well as an Alcantara headliner. Rear-seat legroom and headroom are plentiful, and the huge trunk with its low lift-over height allows for easy loading.

Exterior

The 2009 Cadillac STS sports many of the same styling cues as the newest CTS sedan, but a closer look reveals a bit more curvature in the design. The STS is two inches wider than its CTS sibling, giving it a more substantial look, and its C-pillar design is narrower at the top, with the rear doorframe clearly outlined. Cadillac's signature wide front grille is flanked by a set of stacked HID headlamps, while around back the signature Cadillac taillights are lit by two long rows of LEDs.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The V6-powered 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, 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. The V8 model features a memory package for the driver's seat, mirrors and steering wheel, dual eight-way power seats, heated rear seats and 17-inch polished aluminum wheels.

Optional Equipment

Options are numerous, 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, power glass moonroof, Magnetic Ride Control suspension, limited-slip rear axle, rain-sensing wipers, 18-inch wheels and tires, Lane Departure Warning, Side Blind Zone Alert, adaptive cruise control and a performance handling package.

Under the Hood

The new 3.6-liter V6 engine is strong enough to satisfy most owners, while the V8 offers plenty of performance for the enthusiasts. It really comes down to how you like to drive and how much money you have to spend.

3.6-liter V6
302 horsepower @ 6300 rpm
272 lb.-ft. of torque @ 5200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/26

4.6-liter V8
320 horsepower @ 6400 rpm
315 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/22

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Cadillac STS vehicles for sale near you.

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

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2009 Cadillac STS Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.5

Out of 10

Based on 235 Ratings for the 2005 - 2011 models.

Review this car

Value

8.6/10

Quality

8.7/10
Reliability

8.8/10

Performance

9.1/10
Comfort

9.0/10

Styling

9.1/10

Great handling, overall best of over 50 cars owned

By J H Wolf (OH) on Friday, July 19, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 45,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "A real fun drive."

Cons: "Small back seat leg room."

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

"Previous car 1995 Impala SS. Had a little over 100,00 miles but my mechanic retired and could not find another that acceptable work. Wife was after me so I chose the Caddy. Rear wheel drive, not a Corvette or a PU but still GM made. She doesn't like to drive it but felt the same way about the SS. I'vme owned sport cars from England (3), Italy, Germany and the US, and this still outhandles all of them, even my SS. It is a stripped leftover when purchased in Jan 96, but still has more options than most people would use. Only problem was having the computer reprogrammed early in ownership which was covered by warranty. BEST car ever owned. I understand they made an extended version for China which would have made the back much more useful."

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Kept in perfect condition

By Dana (MI) on Friday, July 05, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 75,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Very classy looking car"

Cons: "I'm going to miss it, but time to upgrade to newer"

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

"Beautiful deep red with cloth top that makes it "stand out". All service needs done at dealership and as scheduled. It has synthetic oil and hydrogen in tires. Given a lot of love and care"

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Kept in perfect condition

By Dana (MI) on Friday, July 05, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 75,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Very classy looking car"

Cons: "I'm going to miss it, but time to upgrade to newer"

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

"Beautiful deep red with cloth top that makes it "stand out". All service needs done at dealership and as scheduled. It has synthetic oil and hydrogen in tires. Given a lot of love and care"

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Kept in perfect condition

By Dana (MI) on Friday, July 05, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 75,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Very classy looking car"

Cons: "I'm going to miss it, but time to upgrade to newer"

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

"Beautiful deep red with cloth top that makes it "stand out". All service needs done at dealership and as scheduled. It has synthetic oil and hydrogen in tires. Given a lot of love and care"

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Kept in perfect condition

By Dana (MI) on Friday, July 05, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 75,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Very classy looking car"

Cons: "I'm going to miss it, but time to upgrade to newer"

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

"Beautiful deep red with cloth top that makes it "stand out". All service needs done at dealership and as scheduled. It has synthetic oil and hydrogen in tires. Given a lot of love and care"

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2011 STS Premium

By MEA (PA) on Monday, July 01, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 25,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Great car, great price - love it!"

Cons: "Not for those wanting an old school barge."

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

"Great handling - she may be big, but she can dance! Lots of bells & whistles - love HUD. 15 speaker Bose is impressive. It is a sport luxury sedan, so the suspension and seats are on the stiff side for those expecting a cushy Caddy. They tuned the suspension on the Nurburgring race track. ZF Steering is very precise. HD brakes are easy to modulate and powerful. The DI engine has good power. I love the exterior style, but the interior was getting long in the tooth by 2011. It has real wood, aluminum and leather, but is somewhat dated. I bought it used and took advantage significant depreciation yielding a huge bargain."

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See all 235 reviews