Positive Review
The 2000-2003 Cadillac STS (and SLS) is hands down one of the best values out there in luxury sport sedans, IF it has had the head bolts replaced properly with the permanent studs. Not the "TimeSerts" for head bolts, but the stud kits. The engine is an engineering masterpiece with the exception of the head bolts. This engine is smooth, powerful and very efficient. When the head bolts have been properly replaced at a reasonably early mileage (before loose head bolts have caused any permanent damage caused by overheating), this engine will easily run 250-300k miles. The transmission is bulletproof to begin with, and will typically keep up with the repaired engine without a rebuild. The engine is designed to burn some oil, which is typical and necessary for the efficiency (up to 28 MPG on highway). A few other small items tend to fail, but are not expensive to fix. Overall I think was one of GMs best attempts.
Critical Review
Great car to drive. Very comfortable. Very good condition. Car has been in only two minor accidents, but was driveable. No rust.
Showing 8 of 313 reviews.
My friend has had this car for all the time I've known. He has maintained it mechanically, but some cosmetic items show the age of the car. Yet, the car is a very stable product and can give additional miles of service at a bargain value.
Drives excellent, always starts
Can be hard/expensive to fix
I bought this car in 2007 with 49,000 miles on it. 14 years later it still runs strong with 230,000 miles on it. Excellent driving car and really good gas mileage for a V-8.
Great looking car. Drives very good.
Runs a little hot
Very good body. One owner before me. Kept in garage except for last three months. Runs a little hot.
Northstar V8, Comfort, Styling, 4T80E Transmission
Bose 8-speaker stereo, Weak keyless entry distance
This car has been great! The Northstar V8 sounds brilliant and has tons of linear power! The sound makes up for the pretty poor quality of the Bose 8-Speaker stereo, which lacks bass and the treble always seems just a bit off. The car is extremely comfortable for long trips, and highway fuel economy isn't bad either. The car has been very reliable and always starts, but when something does break, this car is a royal pain to work on. Also, the keyless entry distance is quite weak, even with fresh batteries in the remote. Overall, if you are looking at this car, BUY IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Great Style, handling, power and joy to drive.
A fewrepair parts may be expensive.
I purchased my 2001 STS in 2004 at a Cadillac dealer where it had come off of a 3-year lease. At the time it had about 35,000 miles. I had shopped around and the mileage was a little high... but OTOH it was a beautiful black and fully loaded. It's now December of 2015 and it only has 85,000 miles. I really like this car. It has great European like handling, plenty of power for its size, and I think its all around styling holds its own with whats on the road today (2015). If you can find one in great shape... you'll probably fall in love with it , too. :)
Quality-dependability-economy-performance-style
Too few to list...
This is actually my wife's car and has been a pleasure to own and drive. This vehicles fuel economy (17 city/26 hwy) doesn't seem to be a match for such strong performance and handling which is outstanding. The build quality and the appearance make this old car still hold it's own against the newer models and in most cases surpasses all but the best offered today. The only actual part failure to date (81,000 miles) has been a crankshaft position sensor which created a frequent and annoying engine shut down at low speeds or idle. After going a few rounds with the "High-Tech" mechanics with no success I diagnosed the cause of the problem myself and replaced both sensors with AC-Delco replacement parts. An easy job to do and seems to be a 100% fix to the problem. My wife is now shopping for a newer car (2012 - 2014 model year) but has not been overly impressed with what is available when comparing the overall quality to her 2000 SLS.
The oil level has to be monitored closely
I can't let it go. I love this car. The ride, the power to pick up speed, reliability and longevity... I think that I am going to be forced to let it go soon, but there's doesn't seem to be anything comparable on the market.
Runs beautifully.
Expensive to repair.
Great car to drive. Very comfortable. Very good condition. Car has been in only two minor accidents, but was driveable. No rust.