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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  ETC Eldorado - 2003 Cadillac Seville
  By BlondeLion - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I have had 2 ETCs. Best cars I have ever driven and would buy another one if it was still made. Same line as Seville - only 2 door. A van pulled out in front of me on a rainy night with slick roads. The van stalled. I had no place to go. Without the extra protection built into the cadi and the large heavy motor, I feel I would have been in the hospital or dead, when I hit the van at 45 miles an hr straight into the side. I could not stop, she turned so close to me and I had 2 other vehicles on each side, so I had no place to go. Thank you cadillac and "YES" I will be a return customer again and again.

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  Unexpected Problems after 20,000 miles - 2001 Cadillac Seville
  By jkvccrc - September 23 - 2:00 am

  Perfect for first 20k miles. Then Crankcase sensors, front end problems, and now the battery post broke and fell off.As the battery is under the rear seat, who knew? and the acid filled the well under the seat.Mechanic said it is not unusual and the acid may eat thru the metal. Love the car, hate the reliability. Thank goodness for the warranty, but it has to go.

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  Never again - 1996 Cadillac Seville
  By teleman - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I have never owned a vehicle that gave me as much irrating trouble as this one. What kind of trouble you ask? How about the oil consumption, 3-4 quarts between oil changeS. You would think they would recal the things for the fix. Instead, they want us to pay for it. Then there is the notorius oil leak. Then there are the ever present sensor problems and the Cadillac electric window problems. My brother just bought a CTS. After only 10K miles, had to have a new rack put on it. Then the elec problems started. What a joke! I would NEVER OWN ANOTHER CADILLAC! Cadillac sucks as far as a quality automobile...IMHO

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  Seville SLS (get an extended warranty) - 1994 Cadillac Seville
  By dsm1lge - September 17 - 2:00 am

  Would highly recommend extended warranty if you buy. Purchased with 62,000 Replaced, alternator, transmission, struts, within three years. Also had major oil leak a 3K repair. Thanks to extended warranty I paid 800.00 out of pocket on 7k worth of repairs. All repairs are expensive expecially at the Cadillac dealer.

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  FAN - 2003 Cadillac Seville
  By GLWOLFERT - September 14 - 2:00 am

  The car is generally fine for a car its size. My main objection is the fan noise. At lower speeds( of the fan) it has a "gurgling" sound. Somwhat like a coffee perculator.Not so for the 1998 models.WHY?????

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  2002 Cadillac Seville STS - 2002 Cadillac Seville
  By lemko - September 11 - 2:00 am

  This is my third new Cadillac. I bought it to replace my 1994 Cadillac DeVille base model. What else can I say but that the Seville STS is easily the most attractive luxury sedan on the marker - foreign or domestic. The performance of the 4.6 litre Northstar V-8 is legendary. The Delco-Bose stereo system alone is worth the price of admission as it sounds even better than my home system. The car feature som many nice amenities theres not enough bandwidth to list them. I had considered a Lexus LS430, but the Seville offers better styling, performance, and value.

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  Seville SLS - 2001 Cadillac Seville
  By Icefish4 - September 8 - 2:00 am

  This is an awesome car with a few major exceptions. First and foremost, the suspension is so sensitve, you cant keep the tires balanced. Michelins are essential, as the factory Goodyears are junk and have no business on this car. Also, too many electronic "doodads" that fail. Mine has been in the shop several times for failed sensors. A great car to drive overall, especially when the tires are balanced!

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  Best Car I Ever Owned - 1992 Cadillac Seville
  By karl Dahlen - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Fast, powerful, timeless styling (my 92 has been taken for a 97 or 98), roomy, fun to drive.

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  Spectacular Driving - 2003 Cadillac Seville
  By Bobby J 36 - August 25 - 2:00 am

  This is my fourth cadillac, second Seville. It is the best car on the road. The car turns heads, I like that. The ride is comfortable yet road responsive - a true pleasure. I had only one repair about seven years ago. cadillac roadside service arrived in about half an hour and fixed the car on the spot - WOW!!! Get dressed and go out the car helps you feel special. Put the pedal to the metal and you can fly, physically and emotionally. A car should do more than travel it should make you feel good. Seville is all that and more.

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  Served me well....until warranty ran out - 1995 Cadillac Seville
  By brenda clark - August 20 - 2:00 am

  Was treated royally by dealership until warranty ran out. Air conditioner problems were "treated" with the most expensive options and finally solved with an $89.00 outside temperature sensor. Now the temperature adjusts to the setting rather than blowing out hot air at a 65 degree setting. Have had blower motor replaced twice and compressor twice, both not the solution at my expense of over $3,000, as I was told this would "fix the problem". Not so...the $89 part fixed it. Dont go to dealers with your problems.