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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  Love My STS - 1993 Cadillac Seville
  By David Selby - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I purchase my STS in Sept. 98. It had 93,000 mile now has 153,000 miles. I did the first tuneup at 120,000 miles. I have always followed the dealer service recommendations ( except the tuneup, the car was running greatbut got a little rough at 120K so did the tuneup) They are not cheap. Replaced the radiator at 140,000 miles. Other than that all other repairs were normal maintenance. Great car. I plan on purchasing another this fall.

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  My favorite cadillac - 1995 Cadillac Seville
  By cadillacman03 - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Very good car. I bought it for my teenage son. He loves it.

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  Excellent Car, minor problems - 1999 Cadillac Seville
  By RobertSa - May 23 - 2:00 am

  Love the car, well made, handles great. For a V8 has good MPG.

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  Elegant Yet Sporty - 1998 Cadillac Seville
  By Mastiff - May 22 - 2:00 am

  This is a departure from the traditional Cadillac look and feel. It drives and accelerates smoothly and comfortably without being dull or sluggish. The 300hp Northstar engine is a gem.

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  close but no cigar - 1998 Cadillac Seville
  By sneaky snake - May 21 - 2:00 am

  Car styling is great and quite a looker. STS commercials suggest you are getting something you are not: This car does not handle as well as deVilles, etc. It drinks oil like it is gas, yet the dealer says it is within specs: 1 qt per 1000 mi. Too many rattles, the drivers door has now developed the typical GM rattle and shake No more domestics for me, back to BMW and VOLVO (my 18 year old BMW drinks no oil and runs great at 200K miles.

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  Grand Dads Caddy - 1990 Cadillac Seville
  By jimS - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Seville was definitely THE car for my 94 year old grandfather when he bought it 9 years before he passed on at 103. This car is a bargain. In fact this car is a sleeper. Buy it for a song and sing all the way to the bank. And, it also holds its own at the country club and fancy restaurants. Very dignified. But otherwise, a big step up from buying a new XYZ for much more money. The "mature" drivers put only a very few gentle miles on these babies.

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  Build Quality - 1998 Cadillac Seville
  By Nice try - May 7 - 2:00 am

  The car is a great concept but poor implementation. Lot of rattles and problems because of build quality. Problems with brakes, A/C, suspension. No place for sunglasses, cannot see clock in daylight. Engine runs strong but drinks oil. Handling is good.

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  Car Fax? - 2000 Cadillac Seville
  By stlphil - May 5 - 2:00 am

  I checked this vehicle on Car Fax. Paid the 19.99 fee. Clear title reported, no problems reported. This car has mechanical problems out the wazoo. Only 25,000 miles on the car. The ABS doesnt work, the steering is sloppy, the accelaration is erratic. The console wood has been re-painted. This car is dangerous to drive. Be cautious of a Car Fax check. I dont think anyone would buy this car that was Cadillac Certified and Car Fax certified.

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  BMW killer - 1991 Cadillac Seville
  By Toming - April 25 - 2:00 am

  This is the only year that the small Seville had the 4.9 liter HO engine. Its a BMW killer -- which in an older Cadillac is a real surprise. It accelerates faster than the 3 series Beemers, and corners extremely agressively -- with its speed sensitive steering and shock rate, the car becomes a demon on the corners when pushed hard. Reliability has been outstanding, although fit and finish in these Cadillacs is only average -- not up to the standards of Lexus or Mercedes. Major components -- engine, transmission, AC -- keep on working. At 161k miles, its still going strong.

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  2000 seville - 2000 Cadillac Seville
  By roaree - April 24 - 2:00 am

  Grand style, easy to take care of, small gas tank not good for long trips, easy to live with, repairs and service very nice compaired with the BMW I had before this auto, nice power from the V8 that I never get tired of. The BMW fit like a leather glove, the Caddy is ALL AMERICAN- heavy duty and in your face!