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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  2000 Cadillac Seville - 2000 Cadillac Seville
  By wdonnellon - March 28 - 3:36 pm

  Great car, reliable, super performance, engine is probably the finest and most efficient on the road today. Problems with a/c, climate control and tranny. After several returns to dealer and 3 yrs, finally got a/c repaired. Tranny? Not yet repaired.

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  Hmph - 2000 Cadillac Seville
  By Warning - March 3 - 3:41 pm

  if you buy one of these out of warranty youre gonna wanna put about $4,000 in a safe for that rainy day when your head gaskets or cylinder heads fail you. Youre also going to want to set aside $150 semiannually for replacement of the front door Bose subwoofers. And youre going to want to put aside $70 weekly for gas because the car breathes it in. Youre going to wonder why your engine shuts off at a stoplight the day after a rainy day. Youre going to want to put your hazards on so the hasty driver behind you wont beep their horn when the light turns green after yours shuts off. Youre going to want to change that dexcool annually, forget what the manual says. Three years later youre going to wonder why you bought it.

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  2000 Seville SLS - 2000 Cadillac Seville
  By smithlaw87 - February 22 - 4:51 pm

  From the day that I purchased this car, I knew that I would like it. It drives well, and although I had early problems with it, lately it has performed very well and I have had only minor problems with it. I think the style is great, the sound system is excellent, and the comfort is off the charts. It rides very smoothly up to about 65 miles an hour, but I believe that there is a problem with the springs on all of the 2000 models where it becomes noticeably shaky until about 80 mph. The size isnt what I was hoping it to be. Its very roomy, dont get me wrong, but now that I think about it, it is a little bit big for my needs. The gas mileage isnt so great, but that isnt too important to me.

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  1993 Cadillac Seville STS - 1993 Cadillac Seville
  By Sam Morris - February 11 - 12:15 pm

  The 1993 Cadillac Seville STS with 295 HP on board, the Northstar 4.6L made it a legitimate performance car. Additionally, such items as equal-length driveshafts, a new electronically controlled 4T80-E transmission, fluidic engine mounts and Bosch ASRIIU traction control, are just a few items of technology packed into the 1993 Cadillac Seville STS. The 1993 Cadillac Seville STS displays fine road manners and a rock-solid feel, thanks to a stiffened chassis. Its road noise was reduced, and its improved engine-mounting better isolated the V8 from the passenger compartment. Its acceleration is brisk with the 4.6-liter engine, never lacking for strength whether in the city or on the highway.

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  Fabulous Car in All Aspects - 1996 Cadillac Seville
  By Kent Bennet - January 23 - 3:09 pm

  Back in 96 I paid $52,000 for this car brand new with all the options and it has been worth every penny. The ride is very smooth and there is hardly any road noise. I really like the exterior styling and the chrome wheels looked nice as well. The interior was possibly my favorite part of the car, heated seats and the Bose system was awesome. The fuel economy was maybe my least favorite part, but the mileage was decent for a V8. The only problems was premature brake wear and a slight burning of oil. I had to add a quart every 3,000 miles. Other than that I had no problems with this car. I hope the new STS I bought will be just as good as this STS Seville. It had 181,000 miles and still ran very well.

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  Nice Little Chariot with Good Quality Build - 1990 Cadillac Seville
  By cadman - January 10 - 8:26 pm

  The ride, handling, quietness and finesse of the Cadillac Seville are amazing. This is a quality vehicle. Use proper care and maintenance and it will treat you right. I have never had a problem with it.

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  Awsome Automobile - 2001 Cadillac Seville
  By Rob - January 7 - 4:17 pm

  I purchased this car because of its size. I never realized I would come to love it so much. Its a thrill to drive and more comfortable than you would believe. As with any high end vehicle, repairs and parts are costly, though this vehicle has proven to be so reliable that the need for such is few and far between.

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  Energizer Bunny - 2000 Cadillac Seville
  By Energizer Bunny - December 30 - 6:16 pm

  This has been a great vehicle. We traded our 1998 STS for a 2000 STS with low miles because of the infamous oil leak on the 98. That problem was expensive to repair, $3,000 - $4,000. We bought this one used with a warranty because we just enjoy this car! It has been great for a 2000 model. It has no squeaks, no mechanical issues, and still runs like the day we first got er.

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  Nice STS - 2001 Cadillac Seville
  By john - December 30 - 2:52 am

  The 2001 Cadillac Seville STS is a fun car to drive with all the options.

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  Love this Car - 1996 Cadillac Seville
  By Me - December 24 - 7:34 pm

  I just recently bought this car back in November and am glad that I did. It has so many features you would not expect in a car that is this old. The Northstar is an awesome engine and burns a little oil. The styling of the car is really nice as well.