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Cadillac STS/STS-V: What's New for 2007?
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Comments
I still think that the optimum axle ratio should change with the six speed automatic for best performance.
It seems to me, after reviewing and thinking more about what you posted above, that what you want is the top of the line STS with all the performance junk, at a V6 price. That is not really a reasonable expectation.
After driving several STS V8s, including the second STS-v delivered locally, I decided to order a 2007 Corvette Coupe. For many reasons.
Details of my test drive impressions are posted on the Corvette forums here on Edmunds. I in no way mean to suggest that the Corvette is a competitor to the STS in any traditional sense.
I happen right now to be in a situation where a back seat is no longer an absolute requirement for me. And I have decided to take the opportunity to buy a corvette. With many of the comfort & convenience items that I have found attractive on the STS. ( Again, details of my option choices, and why, are posted in the Corvette Forums. ) Thus equipped, I see the Corvette as more GT than “pure sports car” – but others will disagree.
I see the C6, as of MY 2006 ( with the addition of the A6 trans. ) as a world class GT car and a world class bargain.
Not cheap, mind you. The MSRP of the one I ordered is over $10,000 more than my 2003 LS. And the actual transaction price is higher by even more . . .
Carpe C6.
Cheers y’all.
- Ray
2007 Corvette on order & counting the days . . .
I find the Caddy's seats more comfortable. They don't have the bolstering of the BMW's seats, but that's both a blessing and a curse. The Caddy's seats seem to have more/better padding material. Plus, the leather in the Caddy seems to be much softer than that in the BMW.
In fast driving, on lots of switchbacks, I'll take the BMW's seats. In everyday, around town driving, I'll take the Caddy's seats. On a long highway trip? Caddy.....hands down.
Also, what STS is it? I was wondering if anyone has driven the new 6 speed STS and an STS4 of any years, just to find out how the AWD system is.
you know, there is not as big a difference between a fully loaded (with every option) STS4 and a STSV :surprise:
Did you get the wood interrior? I know some interriors have wood on the dash, but not the steering wheel and shifter :confuse:
You know, if they just lower the price a bit, they would not have to offer all these rebates... we will see i guess.
You got a good deal, though. I would expect to pay that much for a V6 Nav AWD. Let us know how its doing!
One of the few incentive programs, that I thought was really worth anything was that 'drive for a day' program, because it didn't really lower the value of the car, they didn't offer you a discount, just a prolonged test drive.
Anywhay, more GM dealers should offer the kind of service you had to there customers, that would help with sales and image.
But, build quality in both the BMW and the Caddy are very good. I'm trying to split time in both cars. I don't want my mother's STS to sit much...and I don't want to put a pile of miles on my BMW.
BMW outhandles the Caddy. But the Caddy feels faster. The more I drive the Caddy, the more I'm getting used to it's driving characteristics. It's a very fluid drive.
It's an AWD V8 STS. When she bought it, she got all the bells and whistles. I'd bet she never even used the Nav or the surround sound. All the radio presets were on "talk radio". Stereo is very good in the STS....probably one of the best factory systems I've ever heard. My one pet peeve with the navi in the Caddy is the fact it won't let you use a lot of the functions once the car gets above 6 MPH. Whereas, in the BMW, all the funcions can be used while driving.
Seats are more comfy in the Caddy. It has some nice bolsters, but they aren't too hard. My BMW's "comfort access" (keyless start, personalization settings, etc) gets crossed up on occasion (doors won't unlock unless I use the fob, instead of me just touching the door handle...mirros fold in when I don't want them to). The remote start and keyless start/personliaztion on the Caddy works flawlessly, so far. I'm betting I find the remote start usefull this winter to warm up the car when it gets real cold.
MPG is mediocre in the Caddy. I'm getting about 16-17 MPG in city driving. It gets about 27-28 MPG on the hgiway, though. My BMW's city MPG is better, but the Caddy's highway MPG is better.
It's really too bad that Cadillac doesn't do a better job of marketing. This is the first American brand I've liked in quite a few years.
They're really two different cars...the STS and the BMW, in two different classes. The BMW is a sports sedan, first and foremost. I think the STS has some sportiness tuned into it, but it's job is a luxury car. I don't know what my mother paid for the Caddy, but I'd bet is was about $10K more than I paid for the BMW. The Caddy is bigger all the way around over the 330i. Neither has even a hint of a squeak or rattle. Both are very nice cars.
- Ray
Sounds worth a test drive......
I currently drive a 2007 Corvette Coupe. On the 2008 Corvette Order Guide site GM \ Chevy states: “Improved paddle shift automatic with quicker shift on (MX0) automatic transmission”.
Has anyone seen or heard anything about similar improvements for the 2008 STS-v? Since it uses a version of the same 6L80, I’d hope that there would be comparable improvements in the Caddy Flagship. . . ???
Thanks,
- Ray
Considering a Sedan to “go with” the Corvette . . .
Interesting.
Source?
[ Edit: Details? ]
Seems very curious [ to me ] that GM \ Caddy make no mention of this - that I have seen...
Thanks,
- Ray
Sufficienly interested to schedule a test drive...
It appears that, with the introduction of the substantially upgraded V6 version of the 2008 STS, Caddy has in fact decided to allow something quite similar to what I had in mind back then.
Essentially, I was looking for the highest \ best performance & handling equipment, without pushing MSRP well over $60K – for ‘stuff’ I really did not care that much about. ( Such as the Navigation system, Bose sound system, HIDs, rear heated seats, and a few other items. )
This V6, with 300+ HP and a flat TQ curve, implying good general drivability in addition to that rather high specific output, mated to GM’s 6L50 6 speed automatic ( a version of the trans. in my Corvette ) intrigues me. Particularly with the imminent release of the CTS. ( Still waiting to see pricing. )
** IF ** the dynamics of the 2008 V6 STS are actually much as described in the previews I have read, and the quality ( mechanically & cosmetically ) is improved – in addition to the revamped interior & exterior. ( The 4 previews I have read so far, including 1 here on Edmunds, have been quite positive. )
And ** IF ** the acceleration feel and handling feel of the V6 is truly as good as initial reviews, based on pre-production examples, is as good as reported. And the NVH control is refined.
And ** IF ** the [ real world ] fuel mileage is reasonable.
Etc.
THEN, I see this as an advance toward Caddy making the STS a sales success. And building a base of [ very ] satisfied Caddy customers. I see potential to sell more V6 STSs than V8s, as has always been true – and these advancements sound like they’ll make the STS V6 something that will impress.
If the V6 STS sells in larger numbers, and the upcoming CTS ( same motor available ) also becomes a sales success, these revenue stream enhancements ** MAY ** allow Caddy to invest in the other aspects that would push the Brand higher. If GM so chooses.
I have asked the Internet Manager at my closest dealer to notify me when 2008 V6 STSs start arriving. I plan to test drive one, equipped as close as possible to how I’d buy one: 1SC, PDQ & PCZ. MSRP just under $55K. ( Where previously a V8 with PCZ had to be a 1SG, and had an MSRP well over $60K. A 2007 1SG – V8 w/Sunroof and premium paint currently on my Dealer’s lot lists at $62,940. That is without a HUD. And with no PCZ. )
In addition to the larger ( Summer only ) tires & wider wheels & Brembo brakes, a 2008 STS V6 so equipped would even include a HUD – something previously only available bundled with (K59) Adaptive Cruise Control, and priced at something over $2,000. And again only available on the V8 with 1SG. I have had a HUD on past vehicles and have one on my Corvette – and appreciate the usefulness.
It would include the Navigation system, heated AND VENTILATED front seats – and even a heated steering wheel. For a much more reasonable actual transaction cost. IMHO. And at a ‘penalty’ ( vs the V8 version ) of only 0.2 seconds in 0 – 60 acceleration. A difference I suspect very, very few could discern. IMHO.
I see all this as Caddy making progress – movement in what I consider “The Right Direction”.
Cheers,
- Ray
Willing to be convinced that this is a satisfying sedan to drive . . .
I agree with you - but so far, the Germans are the only ones I have tried that will let you use the Nav while in motion - imagine that, they like to drive 200kph too! Go figure!
The lawyers in America and Japan don't trust us to operate a function and drive at the same time. Irritating. :mad:
Do you have the code for the 2008 CTS Nav. System?
Thanks in advance.
Larry
Are you using the seperate STS Nav System manual?
The 2006 version runs to about 158 pages.
(( You can find a .pdf copy on mygmlink. ))
- Ray
Good luck....
You can pick one off the map, but either way, to get started you push the dest button (at least that is true on my SRX), then a menu will pop up.
To work on entering a destination, you must be parked. Once the destinations are in your address list, then you can choose one while driving.
Having looked at the STS interior pictures, I see that you nav is not the same as the SRX's, but your controls are probably all on the touch screen, while some of mine are hard buttons off of the touch screen. So my help will be limited.
I'm looking for about 9 to 12 months out. I've kept my Maxima (bought new) for 16 years. I want to replace it with something a little plusher, hopefully under $30k. I'd still like just the faintest hint of over-the-road responsiveness. Cooled seats would be swell. Real wood, even sweller.
I could love the CTS except for one fatal flaw: The console digs into my right leg. The Avalon is ungainly and unpleasing. The Azera is perfect for me except that it's a tad mushy, a bit blocky-looking in front, and the interior materials are just a bit cheesy. The Lexus ES lacks headroom for me, and just isn't enough car for what you pay. The TL is a great car, but too stiff and not roomy enough for my frame. The RL lacks room and costs too much. The Accord looks grotesque outside and cheap inside. The Camry doesn't even make the discussion.
I live in the Chicago area. If I may ask, what dealer went so low?
I have to ask. You performed your "first" oil change at 11K? That's not even close to what is recommended!
My dealer recommended the first change at the oil monitor's 30% oil life left stage, which was at 11,500 miles. This engine requires synthetic oil for the oil monitor to give the proper oil change interval. Cadillac sent me a coupon to use for the first change suggesting that I do it when the oil monitor request the change (@0%).
As for the oil consumption question: I hadn't heard about the V6, but I have read more than once that the Northstar V8 has a chronic problem with leakage around its poorly designed two-piece oil pan. I don't know if this is the reason, but I've seen it suggested that many Northstars don't make it much past 100,000 miles -- which I personally consider, in this day and age (and at these prices), to be unacceptable performance.
I'll preface this comment by saying I love the CTS, but it has one unfortunate deal-killer for me: the console hits my right knee. Minor to some, but hey, I can't amputate to widen my car choices. So palalt really caught my eye when he told of getting the essentially similar STS at sub-CTS prices.
My first impression (and second, and third) of the STS interior is that it doesn't come close to either CTS standards or modern ones. The materials are very good, but the design looks very dated and very old-school GM (which it is, I do understand). The left-hand stalk that contains the cruise and every other control on earth is just as confounding as other testers say it is. Even the real wood on the center stack and passenger's dash somehow looks superficially applied, not integral, which undermines its luxury appeal.
Beyond this, the interior room is truly disappointing. The console impinges on my right knee almost as badly as the CTS's does. I kidded to the salesman that I wished the multi-adjustable driver's seat moved an inch to the left. I never get why cars like this, with such ample room overall, can have driver's spaces so carelessly laid out that this can happen. (I experienced the same thing with the Avalon's shifter, by the way.) I'm 6'2", and sitting behind myself was an exercise in head-bending, loafer-twisting and knee-banging. The room back there doesn't come close to a Sonata, which is hard to comprehend at this size and price. Up front, I also have to agree with the owners who've complained there's no place to put anything; even the glovebox, with a door that's huge but pancake-flat, would benefit from a pair of simple side panels so you could at least rest something in it.
The actual drive, while short, gave almost no cause for complaint. The ventilated seats ventilate. The engine sounds great, is well isolated, and had plenty of pop for the modest requests I made of it. Low-speed cornering is impressively flat if a bit floaty, the steering is numb but accurate with a meaty wheel that felt good in my hands, and the ride was comfortable and controlled. Two nits: Expansion strips were hardly felt but clearly heard, too loudly for the class in my opinion. And I encountered yet another ergonomic glitch once underway, as my right foot kept getting trapped under the gas pedal every time I moved over from the brake.
Overall, I thought the basics of engine, suspension and chassis were fully worthy of the luxury class. But all the touch points were so frustrating, it killed the pleasure for me. Given the further uncertainty of the model's sketchy reliability scores, I don't think I personally could be happy knowing I paid to own this car. And I'm a bit sad to say that.
at least on the 2008 STS & CTS models
I just checked....
Makes a fairly well "loaded" 2008 STS V8 with
MSRP = $63K
Sell = $52K
1SG \ V8 Premium Lux Perf Pkg
( includes Sunroof ? )
Extra cost paint ( red )
Hmmm . . .
- Ray
Scheduled to drive one tomorrow AM . . .