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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  Great car - 2000 Cadillac Seville
  By ADE 1000 - August 3 - 2:00 am

  We leased the STS after comparing it to the following vehicles: Audi A6 4.2, BMW 540i, Lincoln LS V-8, and MB E430. The STS offered more car for the money in our opinion, and prefferred its ride quality and exterior styling. Our lease is over and our experience was a pleasant one. The car was a great highway cruiser, it handled well, had decent power, and the ride is amazingly smooth. Reliability was fair, the car needed a few trips to the dealer for minor warranty stuff. Overall, the car was solid.

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  powerful lux - 2004 Cadillac Seville
  By gilla - August 2 - 2:00 am

  In July i bought a 2003 sls for my wife. This is the third cadilac that we have owned and i am still not disapointed. THe interior is wonderful and an upgrade from the last car i had (96). The engine is still peppy and powerful as ever. I love that such a powerful engine comes standard. The reliability of this car is great also. The only problem is that once it hits 100,000 miles it gets the real problems. Up till then i love it.

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  2000 Seville STS - 2000 Cadillac Seville
  By 2000caddyman - June 30 - 2:00 am

  After being a very satisfied owner of a Cartier Lincoln Town Car and had reservations about repalcing my Town Car with a Seville. MY Seville exceeds my Town Car in every area except the rear seat. I test drove a Lexus and a Jaguar before I purchased my seville and I was very favorably impressed wih my seville. The interior appointments areecxeptional and rival any other luxury car. If it were called a Lexus, BMW,or Mercedes, the pinheads who write for automobile magazines would rate it higher. There is an obvious bias against American Cars by the automotive press. The Seville STS is a very underrated car.

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  VERY HAPPY 98 STS OWNER - 1998 Cadillac Seville
  By GERMEEZY1 - June 25 - 2:00 am

  I have a 98 STS it has abt 70,000 miles I have been very happy with it being my second sts. i owned a 94 sts previously. I love the performance and the handling at 1st was not up to BMW/MB/AUDI standards but I put 20" wheels on it and with 255/35/20 kumho ecsta tires it handles like a dream! I will be buying a 2005 STS when they debut. I drove an 03 with magnaride and that was a revelation! Overall I average 20 mpg which is better than my fiances 330CI and having driven a lot of cars nothing in its class rides as good on big wheels including A6 and 540i

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  I have owned 3 and I will buy another - 1999 Cadillac Seville
  By all out of names - June 24 - 2:00 am

  Sure it looks cool and 300 horsepower sounds good...but you must drive one to fall in love.

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  My Gorgeous Baby - 1997 Cadillac Seville
  By edie/cekkk - June 12 - 2:00 am

  This replaced my Olds Toronado, which I loved. But this almost candy apple red turns heads to this day. Much better looking than the shorter newer ones. No mechanical problems until this year, when remote keyless entry and front struts failed. But the last four years have included driving a 5- mile poorly maintained dirt road in the Rocky Mountains to get to and from our home and highway.

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  A great car - 1994 Cadillac Seville
  By JWrightCA - June 5 - 2:00 am

  This has been my second Seville. The first was a 1976 classic that I had for fourteen years and 165,000 miles. Loved it. This one -- in the white diamond with tan interior -- has been a flawless car and I like it as much today as I did then. It has been completely reliable, very stylish, nothing but ordinary maintenance. A gem.

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  Buy a STS - 1994 Cadillac Seville
  By Olive oyl - May 31 - 2:00 am

  I enjoy my Cadillac, and looking for a new car for my wife the new car salespeople are always quiet when I say I drive a STS. They have a lot to say about my wife and her car which is a Mercury Sable (which has been a wonderful car).

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  97 STS Used Car Review - 1997 Cadillac Seville
  By rickko - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Excellent power, excellent handling, excellent comfort and mileage. Looks are sleeker than then newer 98 and later model Sevilles. Dual memory of seat position, A/C settings, mirrors and radio stations for two different drivers is an excellent touch.

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  Cadillac owner - 1990 Cadillac Seville
  By cadillac_pimp - May 20 - 2:00 am

  This my fourth cadillac the quality is outstanding my first one i paid $150 dollars for and drove for 5 years. parts are very reasonable compared to other manufactorers