Review: 2009 Cadillac STS
#31
Yes. The STS has not only the beeper, but a green symbol in the middle of the tach that lights up when you start to drift sideways. It can be turned off, like on similiar Infiniti systems.
There is also a yellow lighted symbol that appears in the left-hand outside mirror when a vehicle is in your blind spot, but, technically, that is a different system.
There is also a yellow lighted symbol that appears in the left-hand outside mirror when a vehicle is in your blind spot, but, technically, that is a different system.
#32
Thanks for the great review mmarshall
Until the new (2nd Gen) CTS came out, the STS was my Favorite Caddy! I've always liked the looks of the exterior and I do agree the interior is better, but does have room from improvement. I'm glad you reviewed the V6, that was always my preference for that car (w/ AWD of course ) and with the new DI V6 there really isn't huge need for the V8.
Given the new CTS's size, I would have to agree with those who feel there is no need for an STS and DTS. Do you have a sense, preference, for what the new car to replace both might be like? (aka FWD vs RWD, etc etc)
Thanks again
Larry
Until the new (2nd Gen) CTS came out, the STS was my Favorite Caddy! I've always liked the looks of the exterior and I do agree the interior is better, but does have room from improvement. I'm glad you reviewed the V6, that was always my preference for that car (w/ AWD of course ) and with the new DI V6 there really isn't huge need for the V8.
Given the new CTS's size, I would have to agree with those who feel there is no need for an STS and DTS. Do you have a sense, preference, for what the new car to replace both might be like? (aka FWD vs RWD, etc etc)
Thanks again
Larry
#33
Sure. Anytime.
I agree with you. If I was buying this car, I'd get the V6 AWD (the engine can easily handle the weight/drag of AWD). The interior does in fact need improvement, but not necessarily in trim, which Cadillac has gotten down pretty good now. What it needs inside, now, is a number of ergonomic improvments.....I listed them in the review.
Here, I'm not sure I agree. The DTS, definitely, is needed...it has a mostly senior-citizen, but widespread and intensely loyal base. Cadilac has already messed up the DTS, to some extent, by making it a little stiffer-riding (something most of its customers don't want). Cadillac would slap those loyal DTS customers in the face if they got rid of this car (as Lincoln did by all but dropping the Town Car).
The STS has a smaller and less-distinct following than the DTS does (though I acknowledge the fact that you like it). Cadillac would lose some sales if the STS were dropped, but probably not the big loss the DTS would be.
As far as whether the new car should have FWD or RWD, I think it should be either FWD or AWD. Cadillac already has a rear-drive CTS (and CTS-V) for those interested in sport-sedan performance, and a RWD version of the Escalade as well.....I don't see any need to build the rest of the company's vehicles that way.
Until the new (2nd Gen) CTS came out, the STS was my Favorite Caddy! I've always liked the looks of the exterior and I do agree the interior is better, but does have room from improvement. I'm glad you reviewed the V6, that was always my preference for that car (w/ AWD of course ) and with the new DI V6 there really isn't huge need for the V8.
Given the new CTS's size, I would have to agree with those who feel there is no need for an STS and DTS. Do you have a sense, preference, for what the new car to replace both might be like? (aka FWD vs RWD, etc etc)
The STS has a smaller and less-distinct following than the DTS does (though I acknowledge the fact that you like it). Cadillac would lose some sales if the STS were dropped, but probably not the big loss the DTS would be.
As far as whether the new car should have FWD or RWD, I think it should be either FWD or AWD. Cadillac already has a rear-drive CTS (and CTS-V) for those interested in sport-sedan performance, and a RWD version of the Escalade as well.....I don't see any need to build the rest of the company's vehicles that way.
Last edited by mmarshall; 01-16-09 at 02:43 PM.
#34
I agree with you. If I was buying this car, I'd get the V6 AWD (the engine can easily handle the weight/drag of AWD). The interior does in fact need improvement, but not necessarily in trim, which Cadillac has gotten down pretty good now. What it needs inside, now, is a number of ergonomic improvments.....I listed them in the review.
Here, I'm not sure I agree. The DTS, definitely, is needed...it has a mostly senior-citizen, but widespread and intensely loyal base. Cadilac has already messed up the DTS, to some extent, by making it a little stiffer-riding (something most of its customers don't want). Cadillac would slap those loyal DTS customers in the face if they got rid of this car (as Lincoln did by all but dropping the Town Car).
The STS has a smaller and less-distinct following than the DTS does (though I acknowledge the fact that you like it). Cadillac would lose some sales if the STS were dropped, but probably not the big loss the DTS would be.
As far as whether the new car should have FWD or RWD, I think it should be either FWD or AWD. Cadillac already has a rear-drive CTS (and CTS-V) for those interested in sport-sedan performance, and a RWD version of the Escalade as well.....I don't see any need to build the rest of the company's vehicles that way.
The STS has a smaller and less-distinct following than the DTS does (though I acknowledge the fact that you like it). Cadillac would lose some sales if the STS were dropped, but probably not the big loss the DTS would be.
As far as whether the new car should have FWD or RWD, I think it should be either FWD or AWD. Cadillac already has a rear-drive CTS (and CTS-V) for those interested in sport-sedan performance, and a RWD version of the Escalade as well.....I don't see any need to build the rest of the company's vehicles that way.
Either way, thanks again for this review and your responses!!
#35
I sat on a CTS focus group, sponsored by local Cadillac dealerships back in 2001 when the car first came out, discussing the then-new CTS and making recommendations. I said back then that I thought the interior was unacceptable, and that if Cadillac didn't improve it on the first-generation model, they would surely have to in the future. The rest, of course, is history.
Excellent points. I guess there is no easy answer, but drawing from your response, perhaps an option might be to drop the STS and then have a FWD DTS for its mainstay buyers and then also offer a 'performance' AWD DTS for those that might have purchased an STS? I guess we'll find out soon enough!!!
Slightly-higher-performing versions of the DeVille/DTS have been available for some time now, under names like "Concours" and "Touring". They have had slightly more tweaked Northstar engines and more aggressive suspensions, tires, and steering than entry-level and premium-luxury (De Elegance) versions of the car, and also slightly sportier trim inside and the lack of a hood ornament.
Either way, thanks again for this review and your responses!!
Last edited by mmarshall; 01-16-09 at 03:39 PM.
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