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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The Truth about my STS - 1999 Cadillac Seville
By teezy - May 13 - 2:00 amLet me just say that as a German car enthusiast first I was reluctant to give this car a chance but after persistance from my son I did and Im greatfull to him I will remain loyal to this 99 Cadillac STS at a whopping 300 horse power I find myself effortlesly passing people on the freeway as if they were sitting still I am won over forever with this car do yourself a favor
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Love it! - 2004 Cadillac Seville
By Wirenius - May 11 - 2:00 amNot a single problem to date. The 6 CD player is fabulous with the Bose speaker system. I love the Nav system and its had to believe that the thing has you pin pointed whenever you go. The ride is firm but super smooth and the 8cyc Northstar has plenty of pep. Its a shame Cad has discontinued the model it favor of cts look alikes, but it was a $5000 factory to dealer incentive that attracted my atention in the first place. I never had a better more enjoyable car to drive.
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Untapped potential - 1997 Cadillac Seville
By Cadence - May 7 - 2:00 amIf Cadillac ever gets their act together, look out for the rising of the Seville.I found this car to be very exceptional on the road, especially for trips longer than 6 hrs. Never had a mechanical break down and the only issue that I can readily think of right now is the ridiculous use of plastic fasteners used for certain parts. Other than that, this car delievers you from point A to point B, and it tempts you to take it beyond the original planned trip altogether. Smooth pull aways from BMWs and other luxo rides, are frequent occurances. Now, if only they could put in that supercharger....
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First Class and On Top of the World! - 2004 Cadillac Seville
By hollywood - April 28 - 2:00 amI just wonder if Ill ever figure out ALL the features. This thing is unreal!
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MyCorvette - 2004 Cadillac Seville
By BlondeLion - April 10 - 2:00 amMine is a 2003 STS. I love this car. It has power and elegance at the same time. It is comfortable, drives like a dream and when I hit the gas pedal, I know I am out there. I feel safe in this car with the extra protection that is built in. 90 miles an hr. feels like 50.
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Enjoy the ride. - 2001 Cadillac Seville
By Edward Hothan - April 9 - 2:00 amExcellent handling vehicle. Especially appreciated on mountain type terrain. Holds the road very well at high speed and handles dips and curves without concern. Love the ride. Engine power is balanced well in just the right range. Would have liked one more gear, like an "overdrive" on this car. Have had this vehicle well over 100 mph on a couplke of occasions, piece of cake. Smooth as silk, great rideing vehicle.
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Terrific car and a great value too - 2004 Cadillac Seville
By JZAG - March 8 - 2:00 amFirst time Cadillac owner. Its a wonderful car. Quiet, smooth ride, and looks great. Power is smooth and ample. Electronics work really well. And I got it for substantially less than Edmunds TMV. If youre looking for a great car thats a much better value than many European cars, take a look at a Seville, especially if youre like me a drive cars a long time. You wont be disappointed.
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Owner - 1990 Cadillac Seville
By MarkcusZen - March 2 - 2:00 amThe best car Ive ever owned, without a doubt. Reliability is superb. After 103,000 miles, it still starts and runs like it was off the showroom floor.
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OK. Who really built this car? - 2000 Cadillac Seville
By Happy Ed - February 28 - 2:00 amI purchased this vehicle as a "Sunday" car. Not a work vehicle or drive the kids to school vehicle. My first drive on the highyway worried me, because it had a slight vibration. I returned it for repairs, 4 tires corrected the problem(end of the year purchase. Sitting for a year without driving, flatten the tires somewhat) It gets great gas mileage, 3 mpg better than my Mitsubishi Sigma V6. This is also driving without trying to get gas mileage, in the 70 to 80 mph range, and when you want to pass, step on the gas and pass. Everything works. The car is dead quiet on the road, no rattles or creeks. Very enjoyable.
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MORE THAN PLEASED - 2000 Cadillac Seville
By jerry gerow - February 27 - 2:00 amTHIS IS ONE THE BEST LUXURY CRUISERS IVE DRIVEN. I BELIEVE CADILLAC HAS HAD A WRONGLY DESERVED BAD WRAP FOR YEARS AMONG THE YUPPY CROWD. PERFORMANCE, MILEAGE AND COMFORT ARE EXCELLENT, AND NO PROBLEMS.
