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 111 through 120 of 399.00-
2001 SLS - 2001 Cadillac Seville
By tomt45 - May 6 - 2:00 amNo major problems once the Goodyear tires were replaced by the dealer at no charge.
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Dies when cornering - 1999 Cadillac Seville
By Carol - February 21 - 2:00 amI have a 99 STS. I love this car but have had some trouble with it. Noise on left side in engine area when turning left (was fixed). Tray under drivers seat came loose several times. Heater in drivers side had to be replaced. The car dies when corning or slowing down. It has had Super Tune up and crank sensor replaced. Cadillac has been called they know of the problem but dont know how to fix it.
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2002 STS Seville - 2003 Cadillac Seville
By dvhughes - February 9 - 2:00 amThis car is a real pleasure to drive and own. Ive owned Corvettes, Porsches, and the handling and quality of this 2002 Seville STS is very well done. Likewise the craftmanship is of a high quality. I highly recommend this model to anyone who really enjoys driving.
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american made/built quality??????? - 1999 Cadillac Seville
By dmscuba - February 1 - 2:00 amTraded my 96 STS for the 99 with 27000 mi. Lost room in the back seat and trunk. Lost 6 mpgal in fuel economy. Keys dont work on seat memory, exterior trim falls off, console cover fell off, power port cover fell off, seat belt unit came off, rear seat pass through not working. Ride is not quality. Dealership blames the tires, says they will replace them but it wont help, need to get a different brand. Shimmies at 62mph. This is probably my last Cadillac imports offer better quality.
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Owners review with auto experience. - 2001 Cadillac Seville
By Ronnie Coles - January 15 - 2:00 amI like mine,I give it 2 big thumbs up. However, I believe that the electric gadgets is to much to go wrong. Its the closest American made car to the C- 5 Vette, in a "4dr" you can get. From the deep floor pans for leg room to the 300hp Northstar its 1st class sport luxury.Brand new mine ran 15.03 @ 96 MPH in the 1/4 mile.I have raced and BEAT many Mustang GTs on the street from a roll-on. With its massive weight its not a trill outta the hole but once you get it moving, HANG-ON!Now that mine is broke-in im certain it would run 14.80s or better.
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response - 1999 Cadillac Seville
By Fookes - January 2 - 2:00 amI would like to know what the problem was with your car "aboalgab". My car does the samething. It was brought into the dealership today. The service rep pressed a couple buttons and pulled the error codes from the computer. All I know is sometimes when the car is started the ABS & Traction light will stay on. When that happens the compass wont work, the heat option wont work for the front seats, the e-brake wont disenguage, the speed sensitive steering gets tight and the climate control malfunctions. This could last 1 sec or 10 min. Then when the lights go out everything works fine. Has this happened to anyone else.
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Princess Caddy - 1999 Cadillac Seville
By JohnRL - December 31 - 2:00 am2 years and 20K miles later. I find the styling to be exceptional inside and out. The cars power and handling are also very impressive. My SLS is missing a couple of options I would have ordered if buying new such as memory seats and heated seats. Interior leather quality is superiror. Ride is exceptional but could be a bit softer on the freeway. Problems with part of the steering mechanism which was repaired,the Goodyear tires were trash, and the brake rotors are not wearing evenly which makes for sluggish stops. A few minor rattles have popped up and the leather covering over the seatbelt housings is coming apart. Service department has been OUTSTANDING!
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A SWEET RIDE!!! - 1996 Cadillac Seville
By GRIZZ2 - December 17 - 2:00 amMY BLACKCHERRY STS, WAS PURCHASED WITH 37500 MILES AND CAME WITH THE GOLD PACKAGE, VOGUE GOLD STRIPE TIRES RATED @ 140 MPH. THE NORTHSRAR PULLS HARD ALL THE WAY TO 145 MPH [I RAN OUT OF SPACE IN N.D.] AND THE FRONT END OF THE CAR STILL ROSE WHEN I FLOORED IT AT 145 MPH! THE STS RUNS FLAT @ HIGH SPEEDS AND FEELS VERY STABLE. HOWEVER, DO "NOT" RUN ANYTHING LESS THAN Z RATED TIRES AS THE STEERING IS SO TIGHT THAT MY S RATED TIRES WILL SLIDE 2-5 FEET IN A HIGH SPEED CURVE AND ITLL GIVE YOU A REAL RUSH!! UPDATE YOUR AIR FILTER TO A K&N FILTER AS YOU WILL GAIN 250 RPMS @ SHIFT POINTS AND INCREASE FUEL MILEAGE 2-4 MPG.[I GET 23 MPG @ 75 MPH ON CC. --TRY ONE--
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Crank Sensors - 2001 Cadillac Seville
By k5861 - December 1 - 2:00 amI agree with Vosser. This is my sixth Cadillac, the first Seville. At 9,000 miles, it needed a new power steering pump which seemed to take the dealer forever to obtain. At 12000 miles, it stalled out in the middle of a busy city street where the speed limit was 45 mph. The diagnosis via On Star was defective crank sensors. For the nearly $46K this vehicle cost, such problems are simply not acceptable.
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The car that has dollar signs in its eye - 1991 Cadillac Seville
By jvillegurl - October 21 - 2:00 amAt 175,000 miles, everything that can go wrong on this car has gone wrong. The brakes, the bearings, the speedometer, the whole electronical system all have gone out. I currently have 17 oil leaks and counting. I do not suggest buying this car unless you have a bank account with this cars name on it. Every repair is very expensive, just to change the 8 spark plugs its $300.00!!(In Florida)
