2008 Cadillac STS Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
In 2005, rising out of the front-wheel drive ashes once known as the Seville, Cadillac took a huge technological leap by adopting GM's...
In 2005, rising out of the front-wheel drive ashes once known as the Seville, Cadillac took a huge technological leap by adopting GM's global Sigma rear- and all-wheel-drive platform and developing its line of powerful Northstar engines. The STS was born and for the 2008 model year another jump comes with the introduction of a new V6.
GM's new direct-injection 3.6-liter V6 produces 302-hp and makes the STS's optional 4.6-liter, 320-hp V8 superfluous, especially when it's a $9,000 option. The V8 turns the 0-60 jump in 6.3 seconds and reviewers claim the V6 provides "similar gusto." And, this new V6 runs on regular fuel. The EPA city/highway gas mileage numbers add further incentive: V6 - 17/26 with either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive; V8 - 15/24 rear-wheel and 14/21 w/AWD. Cadillac offers only one transmission, a six-speed automatic that didn't impress some reviewers.
The STS handles well, feeling smaller when driven with enthusiasm. While Cadillac offers the option of Magnetic Ride suspension that includes a Touring and Sport mode, which some reviewers felt unnecessary as the standard STS handles competently; minimal body roll, "spot on" steering, and good braking with short 120 foot stops from 60 mph.
Standard safety features abound with six airbags, four-wheel-disc ABS, electronic stability and traction control. The safety option list is as inclusive as it is innovative: adaptive cruse control, where the system watches out what's ahead of you; a heads-up display that places speed and other essential information on the windshield to keep your eyes on the road; Intellibeam, which dims your high beams for you; the new Side Blind Zone Alert, which alerts you when a car enters your blind spots; and the Lane Departure Warning System, which alerts you if you drift out of your lane.
The weak point in all of this, according to some reviewers, comes when you sit down. While Cadillac upgraded the exterior and the mechanicals of the STS, the interior, though freshen for 2008, still shows a lack of attention to fit and quality materials.
What owners say
"Overall, drivers of the 2008 Cadillac STS express a strong fondness for its power, comfort, and luxurious features. Many owners appreciate the vehicle's performance, especially the V6 and V8 engines, along with the enjoyment of driving it on long trips. However, some reviewers noted drawbacks such as limited rear seat space and a smaller trunk, along with maintenance challenges compared to German luxury cars. Despite these concerns, the STS is often described as an iconic and beautiful ride that turns heads."
This is a true American icon. It is sexy enough for a night on the town and powerful enough to let you know you are driving a luxury sports car. For the money you can't do better than the Cadillac STS V8.
November 4, 20134.6L Northstar V8 engine 320HP... Rear wheel drive Luxury package, touch screen dvd player.. 17 City/26 Hwy Stabilitrak electronic stability control, and rear park assist,features automatic headlamp high-beam control, lane departure warning, high-intensity headlights, and adaptive cruise control.
June 16, 2010I actually get people to turn their head and look at the car. In Black, it looks nice. I love driving the car and so do my kids. When my son dated his girl friend (who became his wife) for the first time and wanted to impress her, he took the Caddy. My other kids when they are going out to dinner, borrow the Caddy. Everyone loves to drive the car. On trips, it is a pleasure to drive and at about 28 MPG on the highway, it is fairly economical.
February 8, 2014What owners say
This is a true American icon. It is sexy enough for a night on the town and powerful enough to let you know you are driving a luxury sports car. For the money you can't do better than the Cadillac STS V8.
November 4, 20134.6L Northstar V8 engine 320HP... Rear wheel drive Luxury package, touch screen dvd player.. 17 City/26 Hwy Stabilitrak electronic stability control, and rear park assist,features automatic headlamp high-beam control, lane departure warning, high-intensity headlights, and adaptive cruise control.
June 16, 2010I actually get people to turn their head and look at the car. In Black, it looks nice. I love driving the car and so do my kids. When my son dated his girl friend (who became his wife) for the first time and wanted to impress her, he took the Caddy. My other kids when they are going out to dinner, borrow the Caddy. Everyone loves to drive the car. On trips, it is a pleasure to drive and at about 28 MPG on the highway, it is fairly economical.
February 8, 2014This car has a great ride. The brakes are good, it accelerates fine, and handles good. This car is small to me but, I guess because I ride in the BMW the most. This is the car I drive mainly when I am by myself. I did drive it up north a few weeks ago and it was a comfortable ride.
June 13, 2012Yes.... I think so! The Northstar V8 is great, the bose is unparalleled, and it looks pretty good. BUT for the money I'd have a hard time justifying it over a 5 series! It's hard to describe, but the total interior feel just isn't that of a BMW or higher end Mercedes. The V car is superb too just not Stellar, like the german rivals and that makes this car hard to love because that is the main competition that they want to go after. I will say, that in time this could be what Cadillac used to stand for, and with time could rise to unbelievable greatness. This car, though, just isn't it!
April 12, 2008I bought my 2008 sts4 used, very low miles and only like 3 yrs old. I truly loved that car, Ive owned Murrays ,2 of them ,and Ive owned Lincolns/ big mercs, and some other AMERICAN LUXURY CARS!! This 2008 that I bought for my wife, I totally fell in love with. Ive had 2 more Caddys since, one CTS coupe, one SRX. Still have the SRX ,but, that 2008 STS was the kind of car that dreams are made of. Im currently looking for a lower mile STS 4. V6 with ALL those great STS options. Just want one for myself,... Wonderful Car !!
September 9, 2023Bought it used a couple of months ago totally on impulse. I think it may have been a rental previously. Who else would neglect such a car? Car had lots of cosmetic issues with broken vanity mirror switches, leather coming loose from the backs of seats, trim broken on front bumper and was missing the plastic thing under the bumper in front. It also had a bad coil that was causing it to misfire. But I had the warranty intact so I left it in the hands of the dealer here and they handed me back a totally fixed up dream car. And I mean DREAM car. It's like, everywhere I go, I get there too fast because I wanna spend more time in the car. I can TRUST this car when I need to get by other traffic, merging. It GOES when I need it to. I don't buy the 'German argument'. The Cadillac gives you all the quality and service but costs less to maintain and insure and I personally think they are more beautiful. I'm proud to be driving an American beauty and 4 months after buying it, I still sneak peaks at it as I walk away.
February 2, 2010First Caddy ever, and all is good. Car is BIG for no reason - rear seats all but uninhabitable, small trunk. Very decent, good not decent MPG for a big heavy car 20 city 25 highway. Good not great car. yes
January 22, 2010Trims & specs
Base MSRP $53,470 | Seating 5 |
Engine 4.6L 320 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 13.8 cu ft |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $52,030 | Seating 5 |
Engine 4.6L 320 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 13.8 cu ft |
Combined MPG 19 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $42,610 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.6L 302 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 13.8 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $44,400 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.6L 302 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 13.8 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain AWD |
