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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  Very Nice Car - 1996 Cadillac Seville
  By Dave - December 23 - 6:03 pm

  I just recently bought this car. I was going to buy a newer LS but saw this car for sale and decided to drive it. I was really impressed. Its handling is great and EXTREMELY responsive. The car has 145,000 miles on it and it runs fine. I probably will only have it for another year, but it will keep me satisfied. I might stick with another Cadillac for my next car.

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  Great Luxury Car at a Good Price - 2004 Cadillac Seville
  By John Baldwin - December 21 - 9:03 pm

  I bought this car for the wife who has a bad back. We took a trip to Branson, MO and got 28 mpg going and 27 mpg coming home. It is very Comfortable and quiet. It had an air leak in the windshield due to an improper replacement, but after replacement the car is very quiet. The Michelin Symetry tires provide a good ride. This was a lease return car, so we had a few minor fixes to do, but for the price, it is the best luxury car we have owned. It has a few scrapes on the lower front bumper as it sits pretty low to the ground. It is fun around town as well on the road. The wheel base is a bit longer than our Buick. Punch it or baby it and it drives great. It is spoiling us and our next car will also be a Caddy.

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  Great Cadillac! - 2001 Cadillac Seville
  By Richard F - December 15 - 10:01 pm

  This car has great handling, acceleration, and appearance. I have had to have the battery, a couple of sensors, and the water pump replaced under warranty.

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  Nice Car - 1996 Cadillac Seville
  By Freddy L. - December 9 - 5:55 pm

  I have never had any problems with my Seville except for minor oil burn, about one quart every 1,500 - 2,000 miles. Other than that nothing. This car is extremely responsive and takes high speed turns very well for a 3800 vehicle. The Bose stereo system sounds nice but is not spectacularly loud. The low beam headlights do not have great range, but high beams are fantastically bright.

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  Great Old Caddy with Power - 1991 Cadillac Seville
  By Scooter - November 21 - 1:44 pm

  I bought this car to take the place of my 2002 STS because I got tired of the repairs. I must say this has been an impressive car. Other than not having the looks of the newer STS models, it runs very strong, rides like a dream, and has been fairly trouble free. I had to have the load level system fixed, but other than that, what a great car to travel in.

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  This is the Best GM Can Do? - 1997 Cadillac Seville
  By John - November 13 - 7:39 pm

  This is the worst car I have ever owned. I took impeccable care of it, yet the engine head gaskets failed starting at 70,000 miles. They would have cost almost $5,000 to fix. I decided to sell the car to mechanic who ended up replacing the engine. At 40,000 to 70,000 miles I had to replace both rear window motors, water pump, radiator, alternator, the dealer had to pull engine to fix oil leaks, two struts failed, and a host of other problems. Some repairs were covered under warranty, no wonder GM cant make a profit on its cars. Many others are have the same problems. This is GMs flagship vehicle? No wonder people are switching to the Asians. My Infiniti has not had any problems in 70,000 miles.

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  Excellent Luxury Preformance Value - 1997 Cadillac Seville
  By Bill - November 9 - 11:07 am

  The Cadillac Seville is a poor mans 7-Series BMW. Why pay more?

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  Great Car - 1996 Cadillac Seville
  By Arthur - October 31 - 2:35 pm

  I paid over $45,000 for this car brand new so I hoped that it would be worth it and it was. There are so many features it is amazing and they all work well. The Northstar engine still runs like it is new with 139,000 miles on it. I have been very fortunate and not had any problems with the oil burning.

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  Superb - 2001 Cadillac Seville
  By Mo - October 9 - 9:29 pm

  This cars exteriors exterior combines the best of European and Japanese design, with the interior luxury and comfort of an American car. It definitely is worth a look if you are interested in a car to enjoy. I look for reasons to drive it.

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  It is a Great Car! - 1994 Cadillac Seville
  By green1994 - October 3 - 9:03 am

  The Seville has been preety good to me over the last eleven years. I have had to replace a couple of things on it in the last year that have gotten a little out of wack, but this is to be expected with any car over ten years old. The car otherwise is great and I see it still being around for a long time. It is still holding up pretty well. It still has a great ride and it works really well as long as its maintenance is up to date. I would never trade this car, not even for a new CTS. I recommend a Cadillac to anyone and I know. They just make them even better with time.