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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2.5 Quarts of Oil Every 1,500 Miles - 1997 Cadillac Seville
By edwin hall - April 12 - 7:57 pmI love my car, except it has burned oil ever since I got it. Also, the headlights only work when they want to. Everything else works, light-wise. The air conditioner does not work. The front grill underneath the hood is falling down. I dont like how I have to use premium gas either. I get 18-19 miles per gallon. This car has a great stereo.
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Fun to Drive - 2003 Cadillac Seville
By Fred - March 30 - 9:07 pmWe live in Montana, lots of open road. Great acceleration even on the hills. Corners well, fun to drive. Fuel economy is about 25 mpg over 2000 miles driven. Smooth shifting. Great gadgets, stereo is the best Ive ever had. Quiet ride even on bad roads. Handles very well in snow and ice.
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Looks great, reliability nonexistent - 2000 Cadillac Seville
By Linda - March 17 - 9:50 amThe STS is beautiful to look at, comfortable to drive, and you couldnt ask for more speed. However, the handling leaves a lot to be desired - Ive driven trucks that corner better. But, the worst feature of the car is its absolute lack of reliability. The car is in for service several times each year. Some items have been repaired multiple times. The problems are both mechanical and electrical.
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Great Car - 1999 Cadillac Seville
By Maria - March 1 - 6:34 pmI had a 1999 Cadillac Seville for four years without any problems. The sound system was great and it was really fun to drive with lots of power. There is nothing like that Northstar system in cars of this price range. I will definitely buy another one.
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Too bad its FWD - 1997 Cadillac Seville
By Silvester - February 26 - 4:44 amMy 1997 Cadillac Seville provides fantastic value for the money, especially as a used vehicle. I bought mine in 2002 for $8,000 with 101,000 miles on it and traded it in yesterday for a 97 Infiniti Q45. I traded the car for an Infiniti because I wanted a rear wheel drive car again as I dislike FWD but I could not afford the newer RWD STS that came our in 04. My car needed a few repairs over last two years, nothing out of the ordinary for a luxury car of its type. The Northstar V8 started leaking a lot of oil at 140,000 miles but its not a reliability issue so I just added a quart every week, $3 a week is no big deal. Advice: If you need to get the struts/air ride replaced go with Arnott. Theyre a great aftermarket company and the cost for parts is $700 versus $2,000 through GM.
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Bought Fathers Car and Love It - 2003 Cadillac Seville
By MR. CADDY - January 22 - 5:05 amI bought my 2003 Cadillac Seville STS from my father. I previously had a Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland. It had more miles than his car, so I bought it and sold my Jeep to my sister. Her Jeep belonged to my mother first. I miss the all-wheel drive and the navigation but, the Caddy had less miles, and more warranty. Overall I am happy with the caddy, but miss my Jeep.
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Worst Purchase I have Ever Made - 2002 Cadillac Seville
By bas - December 29 - 6:41 pmI have had nothing but problems from the moment I drove my Cadillac Seville STS off the lot. My repair folder is over 3" thick - including continual vibration in steering at various speeds and reverbration in entire car and tie rods that were replaced numerous times. There is service bulletin out there - but dealers wont disclose this. I would NEVER recommend the Seville to anyone.
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Ill Never Drive Anything Else - 1995 Cadillac Seville
By Carol - December 9 - 10:59 pmI bought my 1995 Cadillac Seville in 1999 when it had 72,000 miles on it. It now has 157,000 miles and is going strong. It looks great and drives wonderfully. I have had one small repair done on it. I replaced tires with Michelins, and that improved the handling greatly. I recently bought a 2001 Cadillac STS and passed this car on to my son. I only hope the newer one is half the car this one has been. It is worth every penny, new or used!
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1990 Cadillac Seville - 1990 Cadillac Seville
By Pete - December 9 - 12:59 amThis car is a joy to operate because of its handling, power, and agility. The fuel consumption is surprisingly good and I average 14 city and 21 highway. The design is classic and will never be out of favor. I wish I could buy a newly manufactured 1990 Cadillac Seville!
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Overall Comments After One Year of Ownership - 2002 Cadillac Seville
By susan - December 8 - 6:35 pmMy 2002 Cadillac Seville STS was exceptional when acquired however, electronics and mechanicals became inoperable, needing complete replacemen. I had to make major mechanical repairs to the engine, steering shaft, stereo, too many to list. It is a good thing they have a long term warranty on their "quality" used vehicles. I am disappointed with the overall experience. The front pilars are wicked blind spots also.
