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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  Northstar engine bad design - 1999 Cadillac Seville
  By johnr24 - April 7 - 9:53 am

  The Northstar engine until about 2002 had lugbolts that were too short. So it blows a headgasket climbing hills. $3500 to repair with new longer bolts. No old high mileage Northstars ,only dead ones. Engine not considered rebuildable. A Cadillac engine design mistake (30 yr Cad owner)

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  My Last Cadillac - 2003 Cadillac Seville
  By nomorecads - January 28 - 11:09 am

  09:03 AM (PST) I too love the the Cadillac but unfortunately I will not own another one. The 1996 STS I had was a money pit. Constantly at the dealer for repairs. Had the engine resealed twice. It had 56k miles when I traded it. I traded it for a 2003 with 4k miles. It now has 30k miles and we have had the engine completely resealed, constantly fighting leaks, parts being replaced are lasting less than a year, the air/heater broke down, the seat heaters had to be repaired and the radio and cd changer doesnt work right. I am now looking to trade it in for something else.

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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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  Dont buy a used Cadillac - 1990 Cadillac Seville
  By GC - November 9 - 5:52 pm

  Bought this Seville with only 49k 3 months ago. I have put 470 miles on it. The car has already cost me over $3000 in repairs and it still needs Major work! A/c leaks! Heater core shot! Rear shocks rattle/leak!, transmission shot!, Cruise broke, turn signal return broke! Alternator shot! Power lumbar both sides broke! Leather cracking! This car looked to be in decent shape when I bought it. I knew I heard rattling from under neath but thought it was the wire wheel covers. It has been a true money Pitt and has been in the garage more then in my driveway and the gas mileage is the pitts as well. Don"t buy a used caddy period! I only paid $950 thought I was getting a great deal!

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  high maintenance - 2001 Cadillac Seville
  By covergirl - July 1 - 12:35 pm

  this car is high maintenance. this is my second cadillac and they both leaked oil. the low profile tires are horrible for chuck holes and the winter months. i dont get good "premium" gas mileage because of the engine. whenever you get repairs done its extra because a lot of the parts are "cadillac" parts. it takes more oil and more of everything. and i always end up paying for new parts that wasnt even broken. but they have to take out to fix the problem.

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  Some things to learn from Olds... - 1997 Cadillac Seville
  By R. Gotfried - October 31 - 11:22 pm

  Bought my STS 2 yrs ago, with 50,000 mi. in great shape. The STS has great styling. People ask me what it is and what year, as it still looks sharp. Ive had problems with oil burn since I got it & have to top it up several times between oil changes. A few of my beefs relate to the stupidity of GM not sharing some good features between similar vehicles. My last car was a fully dressed 1997 (same year) Olds LSS..I called it a baby Caddy, as the interiors were almost identical! The superior features: 1) Double folding sun visors for side/front coverage 2) Reading lights in centre iso above window 3) Hole in rear arm rest to allow for skis/longer items to pass thru Learn from Olds!

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  ED39206 - 1999 Cadillac Seville
  By ED39206 - March 20 - 4:47 pm

  My mother bought this vehicle after my dad died in 99. Thank God for warranties. When it ran out, let the fun begin. They use cheap quality parts and is not equal to the price you pay. Last night, March 20, 2008, the bolts and lug nuts broke off the front tire, leaving only one to hold the tire on, the other one that was on was loose. Today they tell me the hub assembly for the opposite wheel needs to be replaced. WHAT! This car only has 60,000 miles!!! Not to mention the oil leak that was reported back in December 07. That will cost about $6,000. The price you pay for a cadillac is not worth the value.

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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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  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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  What a Let Down - 1999 Cadillac Seville
  By Richie - September 27 - 5:26 pm

  I 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 don’t work and it is not the light bulbs. I will never buy a Cadillac again.