Overview & Reviews

In the wake of the energy crisis of the 1970s, bigger was no longer better in terms of American cars. Import brands had risen to the occasion by providing cars that offered luxury in more compact, fuel-efficient packages. Cadillac, long known for its opulent land barges, sensed that a change was in the air, and in 1975, it launched the Cadillac Seville. Marketed as Cadillac's first "internationally sized" vehicle, the Seville was both the automaker's smallest and most expensive sedan.

Though the Seville name first appeared in the late 1950s to denote the coupe version of the Eldorado, it was this smaller Seville that proved to be one of Cadillac's most popular and enduring vehicles.

Over the years, the Cadillac Seville underwent many changes and five generations. Sales numbers dipped in the 1980s due to Cadillac's clumsy foray into the world of diesel engines and assorted quality problems. The Seville made a comeback with its fourth generation in the early '90s. The car was lauded by automotive journalists and consumers alike, and sales figures reflected this enthusiasm. However, like its predecessor, this Seville was ultimately dogged by disappointing build quality.

The curtain closed on the Seville in 2004 when Cadillac replaced it with the STS. As a used luxury sedan, the most recent Seville boasts a strong V8 engine and is well suited for long-distance driving. However, given the car's questionable reliability, one might want to check out the competition before deciding on the Seville.

Most recent Cadillac Seville

Built between 1998 and 2004, the final-generation Cadillac Seville boasted an impressive list of assets. Its engine was potent and smooth, its ride was comfortable and luxury took top billing thanks to its lengthy list of standard features. The Seville also shone in the safety department, with outstanding crash test scores.

Sevilles in this generation came in two trims. Base SLS models offered amenities like full power accessories, leather upholstery, keyless entry, auxiliary steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, dual-zone climate control and a CD player. STS models added features like an upgraded Bose sound system, rain-sensing windshield wipers, foglights and a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. Both versions also came with stability control and Cadillac's Continuously Variable Road-Sensing Suspension (CVRSS) feature that automatically adjusted the firmness of the dampers to suit road conditions.

A navigation system and rear parking assist became available on all Sevilles in 2000. Minor upgrades were made for 2001, and in 2002 satellite radio became available on all Sevilles, as did a more advanced navigation system with voice recognition and an upgraded Bose audio system. The following year, Cadillac updated the CVRSS and added 17-inch chrome wheels to the STS. For 2004, its final year on the market, the Seville was available only in the base SLS trim.

Cadillac Seville SLS models were powered by a "Northstar" 4.6-liter V8 good for 275 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. The Seville STS was motivated by a slightly more powerful version of that engine capable of 300 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Both engines saw some upgrades in 2000, including quieter operation and improved fuel economy. All models came with a four-speed automatic transmission.

Though enjoyable to drive long distances and packed with features, the Seville had a front-drive layout that did it no favors when it came time for handling potential and sporting image. It also suffered from subpar build quality and reliability. At the time, we wrote that traditional Cadillac buyers will find the Seville comfortable and modern, but traditional European car buyers would deem it too soft and unrefined. Those who prefer a more athletic feel to their sedans will likely find European competitors more to their liking.

Past Cadillac Sevilles

The fourth-generation Seville was built from 1992-'97. Like its successor, it was offered in two trims: base and STS. Standard features on base models included climate control, full power features and an AM/FM/cassette audio system. The STS added goodies like a premium sound system and leather upholstery. Options included heated seats, a power moonroof and a CD player.

This generation underwent a few engine changes over the years. A 4.9-liter V8 good for 200 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque was offered on base models in 1992 and 1993; in 1994, power got a boost, thanks to a new 4.6-liter Northstar V8 offering 270 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. Base Sevilles saw another power boost in 1995, when output rose to 275 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. In 1992, SLS models offered the same 4.9-liter as base models; the following year, they were given a Northstar V8 offering 295 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque. For 1994, STS Sevilles saw a power increase to 300 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.

Other changes were made as well. Both trims got new suspensions in 1993, and ABS and speed-sensitive steering joined the standard features list. The following year, the base model was renamed the SLS and remote keyless entry was added to the standard features list. In 1996, changes included new seats and seat trim, and new sound systems; STS models also got an upgraded instrument panel, rain-sensing wipers, and upgraded suspension and steering. In this generation's final year, STS models gained a new stability enhancement feature and SLS versions got upgraded steering. All 1997 Sevilles benefited from refinements made to the car's body structure, suspension, brake system and interior.

The Seville's third generation was built from 1986-'91. These downsized Sevilles were offered in base and STS trims. The final year of this generation was best, as the 1991 models were powered by a 4.9-liter V8 good for 200 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. Standard features included full power accessories, automatic climate control and an AM/FM/cassette audio system.

For more information on older Cadillac Sevilles, go to our Cadillac STS history page.

User Reviews:

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  Time to call it quits? - 1998 Cadillac Seville
  By Diane - November 21 - 2:00 am

  Have owned 6 Cadillacs the last three nothing but trouble think a girl would learn. The last two 99 Eldorado 98 Seville both head gasket problems right after 100,000 miles. Not sure what to do this time fixed the Eldorado but was never right! Gets to be very expensive!! Time I guess to look at something different. Would think Cadillac would do something!!!

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  Money pit - 2000 Cadillac Seville
  By sweymer - October 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used in 2007 and I really loved it until while I was driving the car would shut off. It was so quiet that you didnt know until you went to make a turn and the wheel would be locked. That cost a lot. It was a sensor. They dont tell you how expensive the parts are. The car will run great and I love how I can pick up and move on the road. I dont like that every other week I have this car in the shop and people are ripping me off on parts.

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  A great ride - 2001 Cadillac Seville
  By PEARL - September 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car through a dealership. It had been a lease car. My brother got it for me wholesale. The heater wasnt functioning (December - brrr). I learned only a year ago that it had been in a bad accident and the axle is bent. Also, I knew that there was an oil leak, so I add a quart every other tank of gas. Overall, of the five Ive owned (one Allante), its been the best one yet. Ive gotten 28 mpg on the freeway. Its diamond white, so it still cleans up perfectly. It shines like a diamond when Im looking for it in a parking lot. All those other bubble cars that all look alike cant hold a candle to it. It had 58,000 when I bought it I have 155,000 now.

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  Never again! - 2001 Cadillac Seville
  By Charlie - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Refused to start once in my yard, luckily. Had to have it towed to Caddy dealer. $800 to replace "security modules"! Year later died at Doctors office. Had it towed to dealer again. $300 for new "special Caddy" battery cause terminal broke. Battery is under back seat that no one uses. How could this happen? Got no answer. Year later had to jump start car, then dash lights went out. Traded it in back to dealer I bought it from!

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  Cadillac is the way to go - 1997 Cadillac Seville
  By Mrkayster - August 9 - 9:49 pm

  I purchased my 97 Cadillac SLS used in 02 with 90k miles on it. It is now 2010 and has 160,000 miles and not 1 major repair has been needed. The only thing that was done was Ive changed the shift solenoids in the trans twice at $500 per pop. That was the only problem I have had. I love this car and the reliability that she has given me.

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  Dissapointed - 2002 Cadillac Seville
  By dissapointed - June 17 - 6:32 pm

  I am a long time Cadillac lover and although this is a pretty nice car I am very glad I bought it used instead of a 40 to 50 grand sticker new the 300 horse does not feel like 300 horse well thats at the crank anyway. Reliability is ok but I wouldnt take a long road trip without worrying of maxing out a credit card in repairs on the way parts are expensive not owner friendly maintenance . I should have stuck to the 94 mark vii 170k ran like a champ and not hard to work on and way more power. I have lost faith in gm. I have been turned to Ford. For performance and reliability very disappointed

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  Do Not Buy - 1998 Cadillac Seville
  By Pittsburgh Boy - June 6 - 8:53 pm

  This car is great and fun to drive. My sls has the rain sensing wipers and power steering wheel that edmunds says the sts has. but Ive had it almost a year now and the problem list continues. never trust the 4.6 northstar unless its after 05. The thing overheats due to a head gasket problem which is a common problem with the 4.6 liter and even the 4.9 liter DHOC V8. the Bose system is amazing though. the trunk lid light doesnt work (also common). Also the radio doesnt save my stations and the final problem and reason Im selling it is that the other day i got in it, put my key in, and instantly all the windows went down by themselves (lucky it wasnt raining)

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  Comfort and fun - 2000 Cadillac Seville
  By M. A. H. - May 2 - 8:37 am

  What a fun and comfortable car. The expense to repair items is a little disheartening. The car avgs 12.5 mpg with city driving but on the hwy that goes up to 20.5 mpg. The ability to seat 3 kids in the back seat is a plus but for adults the leg room is a little tight.

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  Seville - 1999 Cadillac Seville
  By James - April 29 - 1:48 pm

  I love the gas mileage for a big car. Weird right. I bought it at 93,000 miles i put 30,000 on that. I love the design the luxury the creature comforts (which todays cars are just putting in) & of course the power of the north star V8 engine oh my. The things i hate the most are repairs, parts & reliability. The car runs smooth feel great but cost to much money to repair. I had my water pump replaced for $400 worn O ring almost ruined the entire engine. Left rear shock for $1,000 it burst. Still got to get the internal oil/coolant leak fix that will be an arm & leg. Brakes for $500. Molding on door for $120. Its like a girl who wants a sugar daddy to be pampered.

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  Love the car but Maintainance excessive - 2000 Cadillac Seville
  By BGB - April 23 - 9:21 am

  Bought car used in July 2006. 73K kilometers, now 165K. LOVE the drive, the incredible Bose sound system, the handling and the acceleration. I have a bad back and the leather seats are sooo comfortable and great support. Sight lines are fabulous. Runs quite and no outside noise. Little things too. Pop the trunk and it opens right up, dont have to lift it. Open the hood and you dont have to put up a bar to keep it open. Everything is colour coded. Uses REGULAR gas. Great gas mileage on the hwy. Strong car too. Was rear ended and barely felt it. The seat seemed to wrap around me. Bumper had a big dent but the front end of the other car was a mess. Downside is the maintainance.