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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What a Let Down - 1999 Cadillac Seville
By Richie - September 27 - 5:26 pmI have had this car for about a year and a half. After having it for only two months it started over heating and burning oil like crazy, so I took it to two different Cadillac dealerships and neither of them could tell me what was wrong with it. So I took it to Pep Boys and had them look at it and they told me I had blown head gaskets. Seven months later I had the same problems again so I took it back to Cadillac and they said they had to do an engine decarb. Now Im having electrical problems, my reverse lights dont work and it is not the light bulbs. I will never buy a Cadillac again.
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Great Car, Love It - 1994 Cadillac Seville
By howard haas - September 16 - 6:07 pmThis is my second Cadillac. I have loved the body style of the 94 Seville STS for years and finally bought one. My car is white diamond and man does it look good in that color. The car has great performance and is fun to drive. The only drawback is the cup holders stink, they are too small and too short.
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Its a Cadillac - 2001 Cadillac Seville
By On my 3rd Northstar. - August 12 - 5:27 amLike the age old ad says its the "penalty of leadership." All of these Sevilles are based on the 1998 design. Compared to all other makes no one was this progressive. Sure the car is a bit heavy, expensive to own, and expensive to repair, but all in all its a superlative motor car. Overall Ive had minimal problems with this car for the amount of technology involved. The seat heaters were replaced under warranty, it had a vibration at 65 mph fixed under warranty, and the valve position sensor had to be replaced. Otherwise this is a start it up and go car. Not to mention it can pass anything else on the road quite effortlessly. Bottom line, if you want to drive GMs top of the line expect some minor problems. Overall it is luxury at its best!
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This is a True Beast - 2002 Cadillac Seville
By hodrod guy - August 10 - 11:01 amI just got this puppy in May of this year...so far so good. Its funny how I ended up in this car being that I was looking at a 91 Corvette and a 2003 Mustang GT. Not to mention I was getting out of a 1999 Trans Am...needless to say Im into fast, agressive cars, but my main goal this time around was to get the most bang for my buck and the Cadillac SLS beat them out. Its really fast and solid as a rock. I love the way the back end of the car looks, but the front end is the only thing Id change. It is just a little farty. I tend to forget that when I get behind the wheel and hit high speeds in no time while feeling like Im sitting on the couch in my living room. I recommend this car for anyone who grew up as a gear head. Im 25 years old.
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03 STS - 2003 Cadillac Seville
By Steven Jerome - August 5 - 12:07 pmThis is my third STS and by far the best. I also had a 96 and a 98. This cars beautiful lines and aggressive wheels and tires make a great first impression. Mine has every option except navigation. It is very smooth, luxurious, and classy. Its much better than the Mercedes E430 that I traded in in every aspect. I am extremely satisfid with this car.
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Love it! - 2000 Cadillac Seville
By indianavince - August 3 - 10:55 amIm a car nut, and was in search of a lower cost high comfort second car. (wifes Toyotoa Highlander was too small for me on road trips). I have put nearly 7,500 miles on this car in three months. I considered a used Lexus, Buick, BMW 700L, and Jaguar. This Cadi rocks, the BMWs interiors didnt age well (all cars wer 4-6 years old). Lots of broken stuff. this was the same for the Audi A8. This Cadillacs only problems are seat heaters (front) and a brake sensor fix for $65! Take that German cars. I never thought I would drive a Cadi, but I can not fault this car, I would buy another in a moment! I get 28 MPG on highway and nearly 20 city! My Olds Alero only got 18 MPG in the city.
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LOVE It - 2003 Cadillac Seville
By Matthew - July 31 - 1:45 amWe had a 98 STS and loved it, but my partners brother wanted to buy it so we sold it to him. We just purchased an 03 STS about two weeks ago and love it. This one unlike our first one is loaded. It has a sunroof, navigation, back up sensors, and OnStar. We love this car. We will never get rid of it. Its got 34,000 miles on it and still has factory warranty. We had a new 2006 Mercedes R350, their new crossover vehicle. It was junk. They had to buy it back because they couldnt fix it. We also just bought one of the last new 06 Yukons. We had an 04 but sold it. This one also has nav, rear DVD, sunroof, Denali, and OnStar. We will stick with GM for life. Thanks for making such great cars.
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Excellent Car - 1991 Cadillac Seville
By Joel - July 18 - 2:42 pmI purchased this car used with 162,000 miles on it. The previous owner did an excellent job at maintaining it. For its age, the car is great. The interior has held up well. The paint still shines and the car has incredible power. With the exception of the sentinel lighting, all of the power options still work. Overall, it is very well built, with no mechanical problems.
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Best Engine Ever Made - 1993 Cadillac Seville
By Caddyman - July 7 - 4:52 pmNot only does the Cadillac Seville house the best engine ever made, but its also a blast to drive. The comfort is amazing, the power is astonishing and yet you still can get 27 MPG on the highway. Amazing. The car has a very sleek look for its age. I was amazed by the looks of it. I thought it was a 2001! Simply put, its the best car Ive ever owned.
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Total Beast - 1991 Cadillac Seville
By Simon - June 13 - 5:28 pmMy 1991 Cadillac Seville drives like an absolute beast and floats on the freeway. Its suspension is fun, but be careful with speed bumps.
