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2008 Cadillac STS Review

August 1, 2008

STYLING | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

bolder styling inside and out
Automotive.com

weighty doors and cushy leather, but too many shoddy finishes
Cars.com

a more luxuriously trimmed interior
Edmunds

we think it's handsome
ForbesAutos

does not stand out like the BMW 5 Series
Kelley Blue Book

The 2008 Cadillac STS bears a strong family resemblance to the smaller CTS sport sedan, and it has a similar mix of aggressive, assertive exterior styling, but its interior feels softer and more luxurious.

According to Automotive.com, this year’s update contains the most "substantial facelift" the STS Cadillac has had in at least three years--which apparently isn't dramatic, according to other sources noted by TheCarConnection.com. According to Kelley Blue Book, if you like the "edgy styling of the CTS and XLR cars...you'll like the 2008 Cadillac STS." However, this source also points out that this model's styling has been seen before on the CTS, and that buyers of cars at this level tend to prefer "a more distinctive vehicle." Road & Track counters "the STS isn't quite ready for a complete revamp yet." Cars.com comments that Cadillac STS "elements are in proportion," but that the side vents are becoming an automotive cliché. Edmunds finds the grille "particularly striking." ForbesAutos describes the car as "spiffy" and a "viable domestic alternative to import luxury sport sedans."

Inside, as Edmunds observes, "luxury buyers should be pleased with this Cadillac's generally high-class ambience." The STS sports a simplified dash over years past, with a wide center stack of controls, and a nice balance of leather, plastic, and wood. Kelley Blue Book notes that "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." However, their reviewer does "worry how well this material will hold up over time."

Conclusion

Classy inside and out, but not daring--the 2008 Cadillac STS isn't exactly your father's Cadillac, but he'd probably approve.

STYLING | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:bolder styling inside and outAutomotive.comweighty doors and cushy leather, but too many shoddy finishesCars.coma more luxuriously trimmed interiorEdmundswe think it's handsomeForbesAutosdoes not stand out like the BMW 5 SeriesKelley Blue Book The 2008 Cadillac STS bears a strong family resemblance to the smaller CTS sport sedan, and it has a similar mix of aggressive, assertive exterior styling, but its interior feels softer and more luxurious. According to Automotive.com, this year’s update contains the most "substantial facelift" the STS Cadillac has had in at least three years--which apparently isn't dramatic, according to other sources noted by TheCarConnection.com. According to Kelley Blue Book, if you like the "edgy styling of the CTS and XLR cars...you'll like the 2008 Cadillac STS." However, this source also points out that this model's styling has been seen before on the CTS, and that buyers of cars at this level tend to prefer "a more distinctive vehicle." Road & Track counters "the STS isn't quite ready for a complete revamp yet." Cars.com comments that Cadillac STS "elements are in proportion," but that the side vents are becoming an automotive cliché. Edmunds finds the grille "particularly striking." ForbesAutos describes the car as "spiffy" and a "viable domestic alternative to import luxury sport sedans." Inside, as Edmunds observes, "luxury buyers should be pleased with this Cadillac's generally high-class ambience." The STS sports a simplified dash over years past, with a wide center stack of controls, and a nice balance of leather, plastic, and wood. Kelley Blue Book notes that "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." However, their reviewer does "worry how well this material will hold up over time." ConclusionClassy inside and out, but not daring--the 2008 Cadillac STS isn't exactly your father's Cadillac, but he'd probably approve.  2008 CADILLAC STS STYLING | [7 out of 10] Automotive.com: "bolder styling inside and out" Cars.com: "weighty doors and cushy leather, but too many shoddy finishes" Edmunds: "a more luxuriously trimmed interior" ForbesAutos: "we think it's handsome" Kelley Blue Book: "does not stand ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

With V-6 and V-8 engines and a choice of rear- or all-wheel drive, the 2008 Cadillac STS is quite competitive versus the mid-size luxury sedans from Germany and Japan, but it arguably doesn't look or feel as up-to-date as the 5-Series or E-Class inside. In terms of performance, the base STS has perkier performance than either the E350 or the BMW 528i, though the sweet engine in the new 535i may have it beat. The E-Class more closely fits a definition of traditional luxury, with a classy appearance, while the 5-Series and M35/M45 feel sportier from behind the wheel. The Infiniti M models have a surprisingly roomy interior--including a spacious backseat, which is somewhat hard to find in this class--but the ride isn't as settled and road noise can be an issue. And if you're especially green, you might want to consider the E320 Bluetec diesel, which returns standout highway fuel economy in the mid-30s.

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See the Cadillac STS in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005

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