Teresa’s View

Cadillac wants you to know that there’s still an American-made luxury-performance option among the international offerings. The All-American STS is a case in point.

First and foremost, the STS is a pleasure to drive. I found the 255-horsepower V-6 had plenty of power, but if you have a need for speed, try the delightful Northstar 320-horsepower V-8. Both are mated with a 5-speed automatic transmission that includes a sport-shift mode.

For maximum performance handling, Cadillac made the STS a rear-wheel driver. And for the first time on a Caddy sedan, offers optional all-wheel drive.

The exterior styling is big, bold and a bit aggressive, but the cabin is a soothing setting of luxurious comfort. Close the door and lock out the world – the STS is about as quiet as a car can get. Here’s a cool trick, while in park you can pop a movie into the DVD player for your private theatre.

Cadillac is all about technology and the STS wears hers like diamonds on Oscar night. The engine start button only requires that the key fob be somewhere within the cabin. The STS can also be remotely started so the heat or air conditioning can be activated to prepare your car for your arrival. As Don notes, however, leaving a running car unattended is illegal in this state.

A string of warm, sunny days kept me from experiencing the optional rain-sensing wipers, a feature I truly love. The Ultrasonic Rear Park Assist is handy, if occasionally annoying. It reminded me of conversations with my overly helpful children when they were younger. “Mom, there’s a tree behind you.” “Thank you, I see it.” “Mom, there’s a tree behind you.” “Yes, dear, I see it.”

With the exception of the Escalade and DeVille, all Caddies now sport three-letter names. The STS’ designation is based on its lineage. Originally the high-performance trim of the Seville, the letters are an acronym for “Seville Touring Sedan.” Eventually, the STS replaced the Seville, which, by the way, got its name as a coupe version of the venerable Eldorado. Now that’s heritage!

What Is It?: The STS is Cadillac’s midsize, 5-seater, luxury performance sedan. Prices for the base trim start at just over $40K. Look for a supercharged STS-V sometime next year.

Gadget Rating: 9 out of 10. Some controls are a bit confusing, but not impossible. Like most luxury sedans, there’s little lacking in the way of gadgets, although some of the best are only available as options. Chief among those is the adaptive cruise control and the Intellibeam system that automatically turns the high beams on and off as needed.

So, Where Are Ya From?: The STS is assembled in Lansing, Mich.

Cheat Sheet: Cadillac has been a member of the General Motors family since 1909.

Safety: Dual-stage front and side impact airbags and head curtain airbags that run the length of the car are standard; so is a year of OnStar service.