The 2005 Cadillac STS is a five-passenger sedan with a choice of engines, a V6 and a V8. Each gets its own, appropriately calibrated, five-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is available on the V8.
Both packages start with a respectable showing of features expected on today's luxury cars: leather trim, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bose AM/FM/CD stereo, the usual lineup of power creature comforts and driver aids, OnStar telematics (with one year's service), Stabilitrak electronic stability control, automatic headlamp high-beam control, and rear park assist.
The popular option package for the V6 includes dual, eight-way power and heated front seats, a six-disc CD changer, rain-sensing wipers, polished aluminum wheels and memory for driver's seat, outside mirrors and steering wheel settings ($2,390); offered as an add-on to this package are satellite radio, programmable garage door opener and eucalyptus wood interior trim ($730). A more elaborate package adds heated rear seats, six-disc CD changer with navigation system, satellite radio (with three months' trial service), wood/leather trimmed steering wheel, power moon roof, rear spoiler, polished aluminum wheels, performance brakes, limited-slip rear differential, tire-pressure monitor and variable assist steering ($6,205); a heavy-duty cooling package ($150) can be added to this. Standalone options include a power moonroof ($1,200) and an engine-block heater ($100). Two of the nine exterior paints, Line Red and Diamond White, cost extra ($995).
Checking the first option box on the V8 order form gets the top-level stereo and navigation system, the satellite radio, high-intensity discharge headlamps with washers, Cadillac's Magnetic Ride Control suspension, the wood/leather steering wheel, moon roof, tire-pressure monitor, a rear spoiler, polished aluminum wheels, rain-sensing wipers, performance brakes and limited-slip differential ($11,065). The second box adds unique aluminum wheels, Tuscany leather seating surfaces, heavy-duty cooling system, variable assist steering and W-rated Michelin tires ($2,050). All-wheel drive can be added only to this latter package ($1,900), while adaptive cruise control is available with either or both ($2,300). A Performance Handling Package ($795) with special springs and shocks is available with rear-wheel drive but not all-wheel drive. The moonroof, engine block heater and extra-cost paints are also available on the V8.
A full spectrum of occupant safety features is standard, including dual, two-stage frontal airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags and front-and-rear side curtain airbags. Four-wheel anti-lock brakes are standard, too, though tire-pressure monitors are available only with the two noted option packages.