2008 Cadillac STS-V Quality Review

In general, the reviews researched by TheCarConnection.com have mostly positive things to say about the 2008 Cadillac STS-V's passenger accommodations, although some sources raise quality and comfort issues that lower its rating.

In a car as long and wide as the 2008 Cadillac, one would think that head- and legroom in its four seats would never be an issue, a concept Edmunds seems to support: "The STS-V's long wheelbase means there's generous legroom in the front and back." ConsumerGuide, while generally agreeing, is slightly less generous referring to the rear seat: "The seat itself is well contoured and offers good back support, though a longer seat bottom would enhance long-distance comfort. Headroom is just adequate." ForbesAutos gripes that the rear seat is "surprisingly confined for a midsize luxury sedan." ConsumerGuide finds some redemption in the fact that the "standard power tilt and telescopic steering wheel helps dial in a comfortable driving stance." Edmunds says ultimately, the STS-V will “have some appeal to those who need the maximum amount of space available in a high-performance luxury sedan.”

In-vehicle storage is a bit disappointing in the 2008 Cadillac STS-V, with Edmunds complaining, "The trunk is also smaller than what one might expect for this class of car." ConsumerGuide likes the rear storage area's design and space utilization, but harps, "Trunk space is unexceptional for STS's exterior size," going on to say, "Small-item storage is limited to a smallish center console and less-than-generous glove box." ConsumerGuide lists 13.8 cubic feet of cargo room for the Cadillac 2008 STS-V.

In general, the Cadillac 2008 STS-V can hold its own when it comes to interior quality and finish, although it's got a bit of catch-up to do in order to match foreign offerings. ConsumerGuide registers a slight knock, claiming, "Interior materials quality is good when compared to domestic-branded premium sedans but falls just shy of the standards set by German and Japanese rivals." Car and Driver likes the interior improvements carried over to the Cadillac 2008 STS-V from base STS models, but still laments: "Unfortunately, nobody thought to soften the edge of the center console, which still bruised our knees after just a few hours of driving." ForbesAutos, on the other hand, is more forgiving: "The interior uses high-quality materials and the controls are well laid out." Edmunds reports, “There are some demerits, though, mostly having to do with some low-grade plastic trim pieces that put the STS at a disadvantage against the top European and Japanese luxury sedans.”

The 2008 Cadillac STS-V is quiet and comfortable, with ConsumerGuide finding that "slightly more road noise with the STS-V" when compared with V-6 models. All those extra ponies have to come at some price.