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 - 1996 Cadillac Seville
  By WENCES LOPEZ - March 6 - 6:08 pm

  This car has everything that most of people look in a car. (style, name, great sound system,and performance.)

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  Impressive Car - 2003 Cadillac Seville
  By Wonderful Car - February 18 - 11:39 am

  The 2003 Cadillac Seville SLS is a solid, well performing and handling luxury car in every respect. Its smooth, powerful V8 engine is a delight as is the smooth but controlled ride. It is a thrill every time you drive it. This car makes you feel special. I love the exterior styling, especially when compared to the new STS, which is bland and not distinctive. Its iInterior ergonomics are excellent and its design is great. The Seville SLS is a very comfortable car and a plesaure on a long trips. Also, its size is perfect, not too big and not too small. This is Cadillacs best car ever. It rides better than a Lexus LS400.

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  1998 STS - 1998 Cadillac Seville
  By James Anderson - February 17 - 11:45 pm

  I love the ride, power, confort, style of the car. Things I dont like: It burns a quart of oil every 1,500 miles, have had problems with the heating and air controls from time to time.

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  Used 1996 Cadillac Seville STS - 1996 Cadillac Seville
  By rob42240 - February 9 - 8:40 pm

  I bought my 1996 Cadillac Seville STS in 2001 and it had approximately 37,000 miles on it. I also purchased an extended warranty for it for $1,800, which at the time I thought was a little expensive. It actually ended up paying for itself. All of the problems with this car were fairly minor, but they seemed to add up. A water pump went bad and was replaced. One of the power window motors had to be replaced. I had all of the hoses and belts changed out, new brakes put on and I replaced the blower motor for the air conditioning (I wouldnt do it again myself - take my word for it, you dont want to do it). Oh, the compressor for the air conditioner went out and was replaced under the insurance. I have 107,000 miles on the car and I havent had any problem lately.

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  Good riding car, great performance - 1996 Cadillac Seville
  By Carol - January 20 - 6:07 pm

  I was dragged kicking and screaming to purchase a cadillac by my spouse. Our 1996 Cadillac Seville has been a wonderful car with few problems. The AC leaked and we had to replace the compressor while it was under warranty. Also, we recently had to replace the switch on the trunk closing mechanism and get new brake rotors. At 122,000 miles, that is an excellent record. I do have to add oil about every three times that I fill up with gas though. We purchased our Seville as a three year old car with 26,000 miles. It is an excellent car.

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  Seville STS Rating - 2000 Cadillac Seville
  By John Hickam - January 19 - 11:06 pm

  The 2000 Cadillac Seville STS has a lithe, supple ride and handles very well. It gets up to 25 mpg. At 80,000 miles, the only non-scheduled maintenance that I have performed was the installation of a new abs system and a fuel pressure regulator.

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  First time four door... - 2002 Cadillac Seville
  By Chris Klein - January 15 - 2:49 am

  My 2002 Seville is my fourth Cadillac. My preference in style has always been the Eldorado though. I had many problems with my 1995 Cadillac ETC, and was looking at a head gasket. With $6,000 in repairs in two years, I was done. My 2002 Certified Pre-Owned Seville SLS is a nice change of pace. It handles the crappy local streets and pot holes much better than my ETC did. For a heavier car, it drives like a much smaller car i.e. the 1997 Nissan Maxima SE that I used to own. It have been experiencing some light shaking in the steering in wheel at 65+ MPH. The dealer "replaced tie rod", but I still notice the shake. Its not bad, but I am not convinced this is "the way it sohuld ride." I paid nearly $22,000 for this car with less than 35,000 miles. It was in near new condition and certified. I miss having a sunroof.

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  Nice, Sporty Family Luxury Vehicle - 1996 Cadillac Seville
  By Darlene - January 1 - 6:00 pm

  My 1996 Cadillac Seville is fast. It is a pleasure to drive. The front spoiler is low to the ground and when driving one has to take care in turning in to high curb driveways. This car had a recall for a fuel line problem which Cadillac promptly took care of in 2004. This is the only non-maintanence issue or repair that I experienced besides a starter I had to replace. The car is equipped with remote start, which I use often accounting for the extra ware on the starter (or so I was told). Otherwise this is the sharpest sedan I would ever care to drive. It is an unassumingly, beatiful car in pearl white. I love it.

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  1996 Cadillac Seville - 1996 Cadillac Seville
  By Americanluxo-sport - December 18 - 1:24 am

  My gold 1996 Seville STS has been regularly serviced at the dealership from day one in 1996. This Cadillacs transmission was replaced at 99,000 miles and the repair cost was almost $4,000. Make sure you get a transmission check before buying this car because repairs of any major mechanical flaw will cost you some serious money.

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  what-a-car! - 1994 Cadillac Seville
  By lars linden - December 17 - 8:58 am

  The Northstar motor in my 1994 Cadillac Seville STS is terrific! Smooth and powerful. I have 145,000 miles and between changes it uses only the oil to lower the level on the dipstick to "add". But why add when it is time to change anyway. The oil life remaining in percentage is a neat feature. Much highway driving will yield as much as 7,000 miles between changes. Gas mileage is between 18 and 22 m.p.g. (city or highway). The cruise control feature I use extensively and is slick. Set it for 8 m.p.h over the speed limit and I am in no danger of getting a ticket. The leather is nice, trunk space is abundant, and the dashboard display is good.