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2009 Cadillac STS Quality Review

March 13, 2009

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

road and wind noise are both well muted
Consumer Guide

comfortable and lined with respectable materials
Cars.com

nobody thought to soften the edge of the center console, which still bruised our knees after just a few hours of driving
Car and Driver

TheCarConnection.com reports that the 2009 Cadillac STS offers a tight backseat. Fortunately, the front seats are quite comfortable.

In the front, reviews are generally fairly positive in regard to the 2009 Cadillac STS. Of the front row, Consumer Guide 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." Cars.com agrees: "the leather upholstery is both supportive and well-cushioned," with "plenty of range for different-sized drivers." The only exception comes from a Car and Driver reviewer, disappointed with the hard plastic at the edge of the STS’s center console, which “still bruised our knees after just a few hours of driving.”

The back row is another story; Consumer Guide calls it "disappointing for a car this large," and TheCarConnection.com’s editors note that legroom is surprisingly tight for a car that’s so generously proportioned otherwise. Don’t plan to carry full-frame adults back there on a regular basis.

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

Build quality in the 2009 Cadillac STS isn't particularly grand. Consumer Guide says 2009 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." 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."

Conclusion

The 2009 Cadillac STS has room to improve—literally. Space is tight, and quality could use an upgrade.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:road and wind noise are both well mutedConsumer Guidecomfortable and lined with respectable materialsCars.comnobody thought to soften the edge of the center console, which still bruised our knees after just a few hours of drivingCar and Driver TheCarConnection.com reports that the 2009 Cadillac STS offers a tight backseat. Fortunately, the front seats are quite comfortable. In the front, reviews are generally fairly positive in regard to the 2009 Cadillac STS. Of the front row, Consumer Guide 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." Cars.com agrees: "the leather upholstery is both supportive and well-cushioned," with "plenty of range for different-sized drivers." The only exception comes from a Car and Driver reviewer, disappointed with the hard plastic at the edge of the STS’s center console, which “still bruised our knees after just a few hours of driving.” The back row is another story; Consumer Guide calls it "disappointing for a car this large," and TheCarConnection.com’s editors note that legroom is surprisingly tight for a car that’s so generously proportioned otherwise. Don’t plan to carry full-frame adults back there on a regular basis. Regarding storage space, Consumer Guide reports that inside the cabin, "small-item storage is limited to a smallish center console and less-than-generous glove box." Meanwhile, "trunk space is unexceptional for STS's exterior size...a small opening limits the size of items that can be loaded." Build quality in the 2009 Cadillac STS isn't particularly grand. Consumer Guide says 2009 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." 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." ConclusionThe 2009 Cadillac STS has room to improve—literally. Space is tight, and quality could use an upgrade.  2009 CADILLAC STS STYLING [7 out of 10] Edmunds: " luxury buyers should be pleased with this Cadillac's generally high-class ambience" Kelley Blue Book: "edgy styling" Cars.com: "elements are in proportion" Forbes Autos: "we think it's handsome" Editors at TheCarConnection.com ...

Read More of this Review:

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

Other Choices:

With a choice of rear- or all-wheel drive and V-6 or V-8 engines, the 2009 Cadillac STS slots right alongside the mid-size luxury sedans from Germany and Japan, but it doesn’t have the presence or design detail of a BMW 5-Series or Mercedes E-Class inside. The base V-6 STS has perkier performance than either the E350 or the BMW 528i, though the sweet turbocharged six 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 behind the wheel. Yet another relatively new rival is the Jaguar XJ; with a standard V-8 engine and undeniable good looks, the XF starts at a lower price than the STS V-8. 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; it doesn’t feel tremendously sporty, but it’s quick and 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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