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:
Showing 91 through 100 of 399.00-
Muscle car in an Armani Suit! - 1995 Cadillac Seville
By jlhunter - December 24 - 2:00 amWhen I bought this car it still looked brand new. I love to look at it in the reflection of other cars on the highway. I am now a caddy man for life. The only problem I have is that it burns a lot of gas, but I guess thatÂ’s the cost of looking good!
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Good Auto - not excellent - 2003 Cadillac Seville
By Admiral - December 20 - 2:00 amThis was my experience with my STS which Ive traded in now for an SLS 2003 for the softer ride. I miss some of the "goodies" as described in the inquiry.
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Oil Thursty Caddy - 1996 Cadillac Seville
By Tonyl - November 29 - 2:00 amJust before the warranty ran out, I noticed the car "using" oil. I was told that it was normal for a Northstar engine with over 50,000 miles on it to "use" oil at a rate of 1qt. per 1,000 miles. When I asked them to define "using", they of course could not. I understand that the car may actually be burning that oil and that it is not immediately noticable because the tell-tale blue smoke that is usually associated with burning oil is captured in the catalytic converter. For those of you who are being sold a decarbonization process for $500, dont agree to it unless GM is paying for it. The process does not do a thing for the oil "usage"!!
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98 Seville SLS - 1998 Cadillac Seville
By Mr. Bean - November 20 - 2:00 amMy wife and I purchased this vehicle used in 2000. We have had to replace the drivers seat heater (the whole cushion)that was warrantied. One electric window motor warrantied. Oil changes are more than normal the Northstar V8 holds about 9 quarts of oil. Great comfort and conveniences but an expensive vehicle overall to maintain.
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Beauty is only skin deep - 1990 Cadillac Seville
By RG2 - October 28 - 2:00 amI loved this car. Nice power and ride. Loved the style. BUT It has as many electrical problems as it has electrical things. After a while you just live with the problems as long as it will drive (which it does nice)
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My First Caddy - 2002 Cadillac Seville
By bgordes - October 25 - 2:00 amPlenty of power lots of options for the price almost equal to Euro details in more costly autos with similar options.
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Corvette with 4 doors - 2000 Cadillac Seville
By wcpurcell - October 20 - 2:00 amThis is one great sedan for those who want luxury, style, prestige, and performance all rolled up into one vehicle. I bought the extended warranty, but have not had to use it. This has been a reliable automobile.
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Overall a great car- want a newer model - 1995 Cadillac Seville
By Krista - October 18 - 2:00 amI bought this car two years ago and love it - the only things I have replaced are the brakes and a couple of hundred dollar items, but I have had to have the car towed twice for those silly inexpensive items. The engine is super poweful and fast, but has started to idle a little off. overall a great performance vehicle
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Unexpected Problems after 20,000 miles - 2001 Cadillac Seville
By jkvccrc - September 23 - 2:00 amPerfect for first 20k miles. Then Crankcase sensors, front end problems, and now the battery post broke and fell off.As the battery is under the rear seat, who knew? and the acid filled the well under the seat.Mechanic said it is not unusual and the acid may eat thru the metal. Love the car, hate the reliability. Thank goodness for the warranty, but it has to go.
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Never again - 1996 Cadillac Seville
By teleman - September 20 - 2:00 amI have never owned a vehicle that gave me as much irrating trouble as this one. What kind of trouble you ask? How about the oil consumption, 3-4 quarts between oil changeS. You would think they would recal the things for the fix. Instead, they want us to pay for it. Then there is the notorius oil leak. Then there are the ever present sensor problems and the Cadillac electric window problems. My brother just bought a CTS. After only 10K miles, had to have a new rack put on it. Then the elec problems started. What a joke! I would NEVER OWN ANOTHER CADILLAC! Cadillac sucks as far as a quality automobile...IMHO
