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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2011 Cadillac STS

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Overview

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2011 Cadillac STS Review

By KBB.com 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

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

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

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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."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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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

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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!"

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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?"

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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

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