why ads?

Popular at KBB.com

The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2010 Cadillac STS

Please enter a valid mileage

View all 2 photos

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

Overview

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

Buying this car?

2010 Cadillac STS Review

By KBB.com Editors

Cadillac's evolution from a builder of cushy luxo-barges to world-class touring sedans is now complete, and nowhere is this transformation more evident than with the 2010 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 SRX, you'll no doubt like the 2010 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 2010 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 2010

The Cadillac STS sees no major changes for 2010.

Driving the STS

Driving Impressions With key fob in pocket, our 2010 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' 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.

2010 Cadillac STS Details

Interior

The 2010 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 2010 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, 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. 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 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: 15/24 (RWD), 14/21 (AWD)

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

Buying this car?

2010 Cadillac STS Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.5

Out of 10

Based on 229 Ratings for the 2005 - 2011 models.

Review this car

Value

8.5/10

Quality

8.7/10
Reliability

8.8/10

Performance

9.1/10
Comfort

8.9/10

Styling

9.1/10

TLC - Love This Car

By Joysters (OR) on Sunday, May 12, 2013

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

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Beautiful Design, Smooth, Comfortable Ride."

Cons: "Gas Mileage."

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

"Named "TLC" it's "The Love Caddy" cause it's loved. Haven't had it very long, but it has been an extremely enjoyable ride. It's one of those kinds of cars that is like sipping wine...you get in and you just sit back and it practically drives itself. Your not in a hurry to get anywhere. It's a beautiful design and the color pearl just sparkles. If you are looking for a car to take your time with; this would be the one. ~Joysters"

1 person out of 2 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Beautiful drive, but lots of problems, very costly

By Nixi (MD) on Friday, May 10, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 96,000

10 4.0

overall rating 4 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 4/10
Value: 4/10
Reliability: 2/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Very nice drive"

Cons: "Uses oil after 50k, don't trust dealer's mechanics"

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

"Bought this car new. Great driving car, prestigious, friends impressed, but as an owner I'm very disappointed in the mechanical operation and cost of repairs. For example, a headlight bulb cost $19, but to change it cost $200, because the bumper needs to be removed and must be done at dealership; the engine starts to use oil after 50k miles and the dealership states that is a feature of the engine ( many complaints about this on - line); the license plate rear lights are out and need to take it in to the dealer to change because I cannot get to them because of the trunk interior design (no idea what that will cost). The paint job is inferior compared to other cars I have owned, the paint chips at the slightest touch and I have little white dots showing chips in the black paint; if oil runs low (which it will every 3k miles) engine starts to buck but there is no low oil light, and if you do not know about this the dealer charges hundreds $$$ to check it out! I keep a gallon jug of oil in the trunk and check the oil ever 3,000 miles (how ridicules is that on a $50,000 luxury car). My car sat in my garage for a few weeks one winter and then would not start. Had to have AAA jump start it ( took many tries and 45 minutes) finally started but ran rough, dealer charged over $500 to adjust electrical problems. Following year had same problem but this time the car did not start and had to have it towed to dealership. Electronic diagnoses revealed 57 electrical shorts, cost over $800 for that repair plus $70 to adjust key fobs. Had headlights go out twice = cost $400, then the weather seal on one headlights started to leak ( dealer did not accept responsibility) cost $1,000 to replace headlight assembly. I have used three different Cadillac dealerships for service and repairs, two of the dealers I had issues with their attitude, trustworthiness, honesty and mechanics knowledge. I now use Fitzgerald and very pleased with their service. Latest problem, the CD player is jammed, cost to replace ( they don't repair) $1300! I'm trading in this car for a Acura or Ford. My parents owned Cadillacs from the 50s through the 1990s and had very little problems with them. But it seems the Cadillac has lost it's quality and reliability. It is a nice looking car and as much as I love the comfort and the drive I tell everyone not to buy a Cadillac."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

A really good looking car

By Dave (NE) on Monday, April 08, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 151,000

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 6/10
Quality: 5/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Great look, nice ride"

Cons: "low quality interior, fast depreciation"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"Even at 8 years old and 151000 miles this car looks like new. Catalytic converters needed replacing at 140,000 miles. Having different size tires front & back make rotations impossible so expect shorter tire life. Quality of interior is not up to what you would expect in a car of this class. Far too much plastic. First thing to break was driver's side seat control panel which is mounted on flimsy plastic studs. Technology is great - I own a 2012 GMC Acadia Denali and it has nowhere near the technology of this car - even the Navigation is better on the 2005 STS and it's 8 years older! Overall I don't regret buying the car."

1 person out of 2 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Best car I have ever owned!

By Tary (FL) on Thursday, March 28, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 100,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Great gas mileage all the best 2nd owner."

Cons: "none"

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

"I purchased this car from the original owner still have window sticker. I had to put a new motor in it still have the old one too. My car gets 25 mpg and has 320HP it is like riding on a cloud. I also put new brakes and tires on it!"

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Quintessential Sports Model Cadillac

By Kat (AR) on Monday, March 25, 2013

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

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Drive, acceleration, sporty, elegant, comfortable"

Cons: "Slightly dated interior console, glove compartment"

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

"This is a Performance model Cadillac - sophisticated, powerful, and elegant. Unless something happens in the next 30k miles or so, I'm definitely rating this beauty as the best car I've every owned - it far surpasses my jag, other foreign and domestics I've owned. Other reviewers are correct in saying this car will spoil you. The ride is definitely stiffer than other Cadillacs, but rides like a sports car, not like my mother's DTS boat or my dad's Escalade. This car reeks of quality. The only negative would probably be the glove compartment and a slight lack in styling in the interior dashboard, etc. in comparison with the CTS of the same year; however, even though slightly less stylish, the quality of the interior is, in my opinion, very high. I get looks and compliments on my car all the time. People walk up and ask me about it when I'm filling up at the gas station, in the parking lot, etc. It's just a unique style and a beautiful, elegant, powerful Cadillac. The drive is terribly responsive and fun... and the color, Black Cherry.. just beautiful. Oh, how I wish they still made this car. I'm scared of trading her in for an ATS.. how can it get any better than this?"

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Had mine for 4 years. It's been a very nice ride

By ElM (TX) on Friday, January 18, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 105,000

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 6/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 6/10
Performance: 6/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "luxury, bose system, bells whistles"

Cons: "suspension, replacing head lamps"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"Love the luxury and performance in this car but don't like the suspension too much. Very nice for luxury with the very comfortable seats, dvd, navigation, bose system is WONDERFUL. Great road car and looks sweet"

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

See all 229 reviews