2008 Cadillac STS Quality Review

August 1, 2008

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

refreshingly supportive, for a Cadillac, without being overly firm
Automotive.com

good headroom and legroom
ConsumerGuide

plenty of range for different-sized drivers
Cars.com

The 2008 Cadillac STS has comfortable front seats, but the backseat doesn’t have much more room than in Cadillac’s own CTS.

Automotive.com reports seats are "refreshingly supportive, for a Cadillac, without being overly firm," with the arm- and headrests "boosting the comfort factor a couple notches." Cars.com agrees: "the leather upholstery is both supportive and well-cushioned," with "plenty of range for different-sized drivers." Of the front row, ConsumerGuide notes "good headroom and legroom," but adds "some testers feel hemmed-in by the wide center console and high windowsills." However, "the standard power tilt and telescopic steering wheel helps dial in a comfortable driving stance." The back row is another story; ConsumerGuide calls it "disappointing for a car this large."

Regarding storage space, ConsumerGuide reports that "trunk space is unexceptional for STS's exterior size...a small opening limits the size of items that can be loaded." Inside the cabin, "small-item storage is limited to a smallish center console and less-than-generous glove box."

Overall, Cars.com finds the Cadillac STS interior "comfortable and lined with respectable materials," but notes "execution leaves a lot to be desired," adding that "most of the flaws could have been fixed with a modest freshening, something on par with what the outside received." ConsumerGuide says 2008 Cadillac STS "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."

ConsumerGuide also notes that "road and wind noise are both well muted....the new V6 sounds refined when accelerating and is otherwise quieter than the engine it replaces."

Conclusion

The 2008 Cadillac STS doesn’t lead its pack in either rear-seat room or in high-dollar surroundings.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:refreshingly supportive, for a Cadillac, without being overly firmAutomotive.comgood headroom and legroomConsumerGuideplenty of range for different-sized driversCars.com The 2008 Cadillac STS has comfortable front seats, but the backseat doesn’t have much more room than in Cadillac’s own CTS. Automotive.com reports seats are "refreshingly supportive, for a Cadillac, without being overly firm," with the arm- and headrests "boosting the comfort factor a couple notches." Cars.com agrees: "the leather upholstery is both supportive and well-cushioned," with "plenty of range for different-sized drivers." Of the front row, ConsumerGuide notes "good headroom and legroom," but adds "some testers feel hemmed-in by the wide center console and high windowsills." However, "the standard power tilt and telescopic steering wheel helps dial in a comfortable driving stance." The back row is another story; ConsumerGuide calls it "disappointing for a car this large." Regarding storage space, ConsumerGuide reports that "trunk space is unexceptional for STS's exterior size...a small opening limits the size of items that can be loaded." Inside the cabin, "small-item storage is limited to a smallish center console and less-than-generous glove box." Overall, Cars.com finds the Cadillac STS interior "comfortable and lined with respectable materials," but notes "execution leaves a lot to be desired," adding that "most of the flaws could have been fixed with a modest freshening, something on par with what the outside received." ConsumerGuide says 2008 Cadillac STS "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." ConsumerGuide also notes that "road and wind noise are both well muted....the new V6 sounds refined when accelerating and is otherwise quieter than the engine it replaces." ConclusionThe 2008 Cadillac STS doesn’t lead its pack in either rear-seat room or in high-dollar surroundings.  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.

Next Steps:

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See the Cadillac STS in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005

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