[Lifer]

I am not sure what you mean by dated. We are talking automobiles, carefully and thoughtfully designed in periods before introduction, not suits of clothes that are at the whim of floaty designers. Style is something you continually change in order to sell more products to those who don't need it but must be "up-to-date." The economy thrives on style, but most people who appreciate things for their worth and value are not driven by style.

To be dated could mean no longer effective, not valuable, not efficient, or just discardable.

Look at some of the classic Cadillacs that are enjoyed by owners and onlookers. Some of my favorites are the 1941 convertible, the 1954 DeVille, and lets not forget the beautiful 1958 El Dorado. In other car lines there are some really striking vehicles with styling done by some famous people. To own one of these cars mans enjoyment, pride, and personal statement. Sure, it doesn't have the latest high-tech gadgets and fancy, exotic materials. It has the appreciation of good design and application of materials to serve a specific purpose.

Early in the twenties and thirties GM figured out that if you add a curve here and a crease there you could fool the public into thinking the latest model was a must have item, even as the chassis and running gear were the same every year. The body shell is a cosmetic cover to hid the mechanicals and provide passenger comfort.

My current vehicle of choice, 2006 STS 1Sg is now three years behind in numbers, and more in design, yet it does what it supposed to do and does it well. Does this make my neighbor jealous? I could care less. Do I feel inadequate that I do not have the latest offering? Oh, hell no.

As a teenager and young adult my cars were ten years or older that I paid $1,000 for and drove hard and fast until they were finally accepted by the local junk yard. I was always happy with these beasts of the road and wished I still had some of them. Dated? No way. Modern? Very.

No, the STS is not dated in any way. Besides, except for some colors, a tad touch of chrome, and some visual effects in the interior, this generation has not changed at all. It is as up to date as any STS on the showroom floor. Interestingly, the looks of the interior of my STS look similar to the three generations behind it. It evolved, not just came about. I enjoy that.