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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  Power , Luxury and Reliability - 1994 Cadillac Seville
  By georgebuy - January 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used when it had only 44,000 miles on it. It now has about 81,000 miles and the only expenses I have incurred are a battery, tires and a drivers side window motor. All electronics work well. Wow!! the Bose system is fantastic and the gas mileage is incredible 18 around town and 28 on the highway. I would definitely own another.

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  Just What I Was Looking For - 2000 Cadillac Seville
  By PeterP - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Wanted a good, clean, used, hi- performance luxury car without paying Merc/BMW/Lexus prices. This car fits the bill and more. Very comfortable and fun to drive. Solid as a rock.

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  Better Wood Would Be Good - 1999 Cadillac Seville
  By MrRoadRage187 - January 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought my STS in Nov. Super smooth ride , I will only buy a car with a V8 engine or larger...I like the 300HP ....The way it handles is great...(got me out of more then one sticky situtation)...But cornering could be better.....I like it better then the 1999 E-Class and I dont even consider BMWs.....The wood in the interior could be improved....and I need to buy a new fan for the drivers side heating system....Other then that Iam thrilled.....$53,000 NEW....Paid $26K...1999 is 99% identical to 2003 Model

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  Excellent - 2000 Cadillac Seville
  By Thunda7 - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Best car I have ever driven. I ve had two BMW"S and a Chrysler 300m but those cars are nothing compared to the Cadillac.

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  Cadillac Rules ! - 1998 Cadillac Seville
  By cdiamond2@socal.rr - January 20 - 2:00 am

  This 98 STS is the best. Got all the options. Had to look hard for the wood steering wheel and 4 heated seats. I get outstanding MPG on the highway or hot rod V-8 power. Love the Diamond/white paint and comfy interior. Have other fast cars but this one rocks !!!

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  Luxury Cruiser with great handling. - 2003 Cadillac Seville
  By gyrs - January 19 - 2:00 am

  This car is so quiet, smooth and handles like a sports car. The new Magnetic Ride suspension makes it corner like its on rails, no swaying in the turn. So quiet you only hear the exhaust and dont realize how fast you are moving. Beautiful interior and front panel. This car still get lots of looks, not like any deville. Its a beautiful car. It gives me a "thrill" that Lexus, Lincoln and Audi didnt when driving.

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  Nice Car - 1994 Cadillac Seville
  By Rudophb - January 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car used about one and half years ago with 82000 miles now the car has 94000 miles. Use the mostly for long trip since it is more comfortable than my newer cars. It is a used car and I will be getting new brake pads and tires this year.

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  Awesome Motor - 1996 Cadillac Seville
  By caddy lover - December 25 - 2:00 am

  Bought used, already had a/c comp. and 1 strut changed. Has been great to me so far, by far the best ride and motor I have ever owned

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  $$$$$$$$$ - 1996 Cadillac Seville
  By J.D.Loud - November 27 - 2:00 am

  I have loved this car for the last 4 years!! and then the extended warranty ran out!! Just got it back after a transmission overhaul at 64,000 miles. My last two Cadillacs had far more miles and no problems. Mechanic told me the North Star has oil leaking problems, as does mine. Think its time to switch.

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  98 STS - 1998 Cadillac Seville
  By tcpconsort - November 11 - 2:00 am

  This is the best touring sedan Ive owned. It handles great without a punishing ride. The heated seats are a great option especially with leather. You cant beat the Northstar engine for performance but the gas mileage is not that good. Overall its a grea