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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  Bad luck..Poor quality..or Lemon????? - 1999 Cadillac Seville
  By tv12345 - August 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought the vehicle with 49k. Within the first 2-wks I replaced the gear shifter, thermostat, power steering pump, passenger door speaker, struts, condensation build up in front and back lights, and one of the ac vents (all covered under wrnty). At 55k, the radio started to turn off on occasion and passenger heated seat doesnt work..never fixed..at 60k (all within one week) my service air bag light came on, water pump and battery went bad, cylinder needs replaced. I just replaced the brakes/rotors...Im finished with Cadillac and trading the vehicle in.

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  Poor - 1999 Cadillac Seville
  By Sandie - May 13 - 2:00 am

  I thought that the name Cadillac meant reliability but everything big and expensive has gone bad on this car. Just recently I had to replace the Briggs and Stratton steering system. Poor, poor, poor. Ill never buy another Cadillac.

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  Reliablity is a major issue - 2003 Cadillac Seville
  By Upset owner - January 8 - 2:00 am

  This car has got to be the worse car ever made. Problems with this car are never ending. First the gaskets all wear out so the engine pours out its oil all over my garage floor, supposedly common, a $4000 repair. Then there is the key getting stuck in the ignition, $200 repair. So far this car including all the repairs and the normal maintenace puts it in the range as a mercedes E class. Think twice before buying a cadillac. There are many cars that are more reliable and luxurious.

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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.

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  Very disappointed - 1997 Cadillac Seville
  By Sunny daze - May 13 - 2:00 am

  Always viewed Cadillac as a great car, but this experience has convinced me I will never buy GM again. The struts failed before 70,000 and they are unbelievably expensive to replace much more so than other "luxury" cars. The electrical system has caused numerous problems, the gasoline gauge cannot be trusted. Had I realized it was built so poorly, I certainly would have purchased an extended warranty. I cant even trade it in without loosing thousands of dollars.

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  Look Elsewhere For A Used Car - 1998 Cadillac Seville
  By Buzz Lightyear - April 29 - 2:00 am

  I put a lot of money into this car. When it worked, it worked well. It just didnt work well for very long or very often. Finally, 3 weeks after putting another $500 into maintenance (and telling dealer about idle problems and handling problems) the cars "Check Suspension System" warning came on and driving the car became like riding a bucking bull.

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  2001 Cadillac Seville STS Review - 2001 Cadillac Seville
  By Hudson Jeff - April 28 - 2:00 am

  Acceleration seems slow and the car feels too heavy. The front wheel drive with 300 horsepower causes the traction control to come on constantly in slick conditions. I replaced the factory Goodyears with Michelins and it improved. Lots of little problems need fixing, thank goodness it’s under warranty. The interior is nice and comfortable and the sound system is good. Lots of standard features. Definitely not a driver’s car. Huge first year depreciation hit. Consider a purchase it performance is secondary to comfort. Even smarter is buying one a year or two old and avoid the depreciation hit.

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  Poor quality! - 1997 Cadillac Seville
  By jfletc - March 31 - 2:00 am

  Its astonishing that a $45,000.00 automobile could be built so poorly. Ive had a pulsating brake problem that cant be fixed, at least not permanantly. The air conditioner compressor failed at 62,000. At 69,000 the engine comsume a quart of oil every 700 miles. I absolutely will never buy another GM automobile.

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  1992 Cadillac Seville STS - 1992 Cadillac Seville
  By Kevin345345 - March 18 - 2:00 am

  I received the car from te original owner and it has been a NIGHTMARE! I ahev replaced A gas tank, all 4 brake lines, front ball joints, brakes all around, all new tires, a new transmission, antenna motor and antenna, radiator, 3 waterpumps, trans cooling fan, shocks all around, and a whole new exhaust system. The car has overheated twice, its been terrible. Fun to drive when working right but otherwise never buy.

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  Even American Luxury Fails... - 1997 Cadillac Seville
  By sovereign - March 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car super clean at 24000 mi.in 1999 for $30500.I just traded it in for $10000, 3.4 years later.The car was a minimal attempt.It could be fun to drive, and was very comfortable.However, it was not put together well.I had this car in for work 18 times during its stay with me.As usual,GM built it just good enough to show well,but no longevity was built into the car.Unless you warranty the hell out of it,and you better,you re doomed.Without a warranty,this car would have been an additional $9000.A+ to service.Always had a free loaner to make up for their bumbling.