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2008 Cadillac STS Features Review

August 1, 2008

FEATURES | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

a showcase of new technology
Edmunds

several high-tech optional features
ForbesAutos

enough to please the most demanding technophile
Kelley Blue Book

Techno geeks will absolutely love the 2008 Cadillac STS.

There is absolutely no shortage of high-tech "bells and whistles" on this year's Cadillac STS. Cars.com reports that a power-adjustable steering wheel, sonar rear parking sensors, power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a keyless access system, and an eight-speaker CD stereo are all standard on the base STS Cadillac. For a few dollars more, the buyer can add a moonroof and a navigation system, as well as heated and cooled seats and a heated steering wheel.

However, these available features aren’t always so simple. Edmunds points out that while Cadillac STS "controls are straightforward and easy to use," the memory setting procedure for many of the cabin controls are "confounding... frustrating and unnecessarily complicated." It is necessary to wade through several levels of menu choices on the navigation screen in order to program settings.

ConsumerGuide also notes that the STS Cadillac has "relatively few buttons" since most audio (as well as the mirror and climate controls) are now incorporated into the navigation screen, but insists that this "complicate[s] their use."

The favorite Cadillac STS feature of reviewers at Kelley Blue Book is the optional 15-speaker Bose 5.1 Surround Sound audio system, which "delivers great sound." The base 2008 Cadillac STS model comes with an eight-speaker system. ConsumerGuide reports that available options for the top trim include "rear radio controls, wireless cell phone link, head-up instrument display, heated washer nozzles, [and] automatic-dimming headlights."

Conclusion

The 2008 Cadillac STS sports some innovative features—and some that test patience.

FEATURES | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:a showcase of new technologyEdmundsseveral high-tech optional featuresForbesAutosenough to please the most demanding technophileKelley Blue Book Techno geeks will absolutely love the 2008 Cadillac STS. There is absolutely no shortage of high-tech "bells and whistles" on this year's Cadillac STS. Cars.com reports that a power-adjustable steering wheel, sonar rear parking sensors, power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a keyless access system, and an eight-speaker CD stereo are all standard on the base STS Cadillac. For a few dollars more, the buyer can add a moonroof and a navigation system, as well as heated and cooled seats and a heated steering wheel. However, these available features aren’t always so simple. Edmunds points out that while Cadillac STS "controls are straightforward and easy to use," the memory setting procedure for many of the cabin controls are "confounding... frustrating and unnecessarily complicated." It is necessary to wade through several levels of menu choices on the navigation screen in order to program settings. ConsumerGuide also notes that the STS Cadillac has "relatively few buttons" since most audio (as well as the mirror and climate controls) are now incorporated into the navigation screen, but insists that this "complicate[s] their use." The favorite Cadillac STS feature of reviewers at Kelley Blue Book is the optional 15-speaker Bose 5.1 Surround Sound audio system, which "delivers great sound." The base 2008 Cadillac STS model comes with an eight-speaker system. ConsumerGuide reports that available options for the top trim include "rear radio controls, wireless cell phone link, head-up instrument display, heated washer nozzles, [and] automatic-dimming headlights." ConclusionThe 2008 Cadillac STS sports some innovative features—and some that test patience.  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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