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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Da best Caddy - 1996 Cadillac Seville
By Tom cruse - April 22 - 2:00 amOur caddillac seville STS is the best car ve owned.Its style and Cadillacness shine to the other pepole who wach it Cruse down the street. Its preformance is great 0-60 in about 7 sec.4,6 l 300 Hp. is incredebly fuel Econom.14-16l in town and it would probobaly get down to 12-13 l on the higway.Its interior is great,wood int. Its BOSE sound system is great 12 disc cd player. Ower all cool car.
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Classic Muscle Wrapped In Luxury - 1992 Cadillac Seville
By jlwisu - April 22 - 2:00 amA Home Run From Cadillac... I am not necessarily in Caddys Target Market being an early 20s male, But I have a soft spot for Gadgetry, and more importantly muscle... and this car has both!!! Now dont get me wrong... It is not a 70 Charger R/T, or a 427 Cobra... But it has a Big, Smooth V8, and a throaty exhaust, inside of an eleganet luxury car with GREAT lines. I have a 92 (The 1st year of the redesign), and the STS has only improved since then... But 92 was the Pioneer year that got us where we are today in STS technology!!! I plan on buying a second STS next year, probably a 98 or a 99 to add to the collection!!! I am an STS fan for life!!!
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Genuine Road Car - 2002 Cadillac Seville
By Bill Hooven - April 22 - 2:00 amThis car is safe, reliable and, above all, just plain fun to drive. Cant believe road-handling .. . point it and it goes there. Cornering is secure and confidence-building. Mileage excellent, and on regular unleaded! Seats especially comfortable - all day drives no problem. This one is for the person who loves quality and road manners.
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Only knock is the alignment - 1998 Cadillac Seville
By rj3415 - April 21 - 2:00 amThis STS has been the best car Ive owned. The performance in rain or snow has been outstanding. MPG on the highway has been closer to 25. My only negative has been the constant attention required for tire rotation and alignment. The alignment on all four wheels needs review every 90 days during winter and spring months.
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92 Seville-Nice car but plenty of minors - 1992 Cadillac Seville
By iadrew - April 15 - 2:00 amIve owned this car for 7 1/2 years. It had 7k when we bought it and just turned over 70k. For the most part, its been reliable. I love the power and the ride, but Ive had plenty of minor problems that annoy me and add up over time. Ignition problems, power window & antenna problems, CD player problems, an oil leak... Repairs for these items ranged from $80-400 each making none of them too major, but they add up and diminish faith in GM & Cadillac. Now I have an A/C problem with a quote of $1100 to repair. That may be the end of this relationship.
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"Should I" or "Shouldnt I" ? - 1999 Cadillac Seville
By Kevin B - April 15 - 2:00 amLike many other car buyers I like to do a little research. I checked on the vehicle recall list (nothing). Checked "carfax" (nothing). I read quite a few reviews, and for every review that gave it favorable remarks, there were 2 comparing it to foriegn cars, and knocking the Caddy. I like the style, but didnt want something I would be dissatisfied with-in a few months ("should I" or "shouldnt I")? This voice kept playing over and over in my head. I figured with only 26K miles, it was still under warranty, so I took the plunge. I am glad I did, I am very happy with the car.
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Good ride, But it would goes BOOM - 1993 Cadillac Seville
By man - April 8 - 2:00 amGreat riding car I enjoy the powerful motor. But the fuel injection continues to explode. And cadlilac tech could not tell me why but they charged me $1800. to put some type of kit on the fuel injection housing. But it still back fires while starting.
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Great Car - 1997 Cadillac Seville
By PAB - April 8 - 2:00 amThe large 1997 and earlier Seville is a smooth operating machine that is fast and comfortable. The gas milage is excellent on the road and the car just floats along. The time to buy one of these cars is now because of the huge hit the market has had. The lower the miles the better. Remember however that at 100,000 miles the car is just due for its first tune-up. The only real weakness that I see is the need to replace some very high priced struts when the car reaches about 70k.
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Once You Own A Cadillac... - 1995 Cadillac Seville
By Mike Printz - April 3 - 2:00 amOnce I changed the tires over to the Bridgestone Potanza 950s I was very happy with the handling and ride of the 95 Seville. Still rather see all that horsepower driven by the rear wheels.
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GREAT CAR NEW OR USED - 1995 Cadillac Seville
By KATIE - April 3 - 2:00 amMY CAR HS OVER 100,000 MILES ON IT LOOKING TO GET A NEW ONE.BECAUSE WE TRAVEL ALOT IN THIS CAR.GRAET CAR TO DRIVE IT HAS ALOT OF PROWER.
