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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  1998 SLS - 1998 Cadillac Seville
  By TaxNBowl - June 21 - 9:53 pm

  Bought this from a proverbial "little old lady" with 60k miles. Shortly after air ride went out - a $4k fix. Installed Strutmasters passive shock system instead, $800. Maintenance is constant and interior fabrics and knobs, etc do not hold up. After constant service, at 93k miles A/C is bad, check engine light is on, rack and pinion is leaking and motor mounts are broken. Thats just sad! Ive had 4 Northstar Cadillacs and the motor mounts have broken on each. Too much torque in these cars for the weak mounts! I recommend against this model unless they got a lot better in 01-02. Just bought a 04 Deville with 42k miles. Well see how this turns out/

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  Sold on Seville - 1995 Cadillac Seville
  By Mark G - June 3 - 11:03 am

  Excellent car overall. Had a little trouble with computers at first, but the dealer backed it 100%. It really turns heads going down the street! Lots of power but could have higher fuel economy.

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  good purchase - 1998 Cadillac Seville
  By pj - May 31 - 12:52 pm

  I have owned this car for over 2yrs and couldnt ask for a better vehicle. It has all the bells & whistles and very comfortable & great reliability. a truly great ride and decent gas mileage. i would purchase another in the future

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  Great Car, Even With The Broken Parts - 2000 Cadillac Seville
  By Allen - May 8 - 5:47 pm

  There are a lot of problems with this car, but I attribute this to the high mileage. It has over 180,000 miles. Although the ABS is broken, Traction Control is broken, AC/Heat in drivers vents is broken, trunk leaks, rear cig lighter is gone, burns oil, the covers for the rear turn signals fell off (in the car wash), trunk popper is broken, I still LOVE this car. I love the sound system. I love the ability to overtake most anything on the road. It is very comfortable. I love how it can take unleaded fuel (thank God for that). When people say how "so much stuff is broken", I say it just has a personality.

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  1994 cadillac sts - 1994 Cadillac Seville
  By walter van horn - March 23 - 9:08 pm

  purchased car with 94,000 miles, now have 116,000 did normal services, tires, brakes,cooling system, repaired wires that shorted out going to fuel injectors. Car runs well gets 17 to 26 miles a gallon. Bose stereo is great, handles well, ac compressor went out have to be replaced. car is driven to work 25 miles a day but performs well on the road at 70 to 75 mph

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  Caddy-lac - 1992 Cadillac Seville
  By Gangster - March 20 - 1:03 pm

  This (was) a pretty great car. I sold mine 2 years ago because it had 175k miles on it. It still ran but was near the end of its life. Even at the end, this car cruised along surface streets and highways a like, in a smooth, comfortable manner. I had problems with the thermostat and subsequent overheating problems. But other than that, there were never any serious problems. The V-8 could really get up and go, especially considering the weight of the car, and even got 25+ mpg on the highway. Very impressive. Handling past 90mph became worrisome as the car began to sway. But this car was never meant for out running cops, it was meant for cruising in comfort, and it did that very well.

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  A Wow Car for 1999 - 1999 Cadillac Seville
  By Marshall - February 24 - 7:10 pm

  I purchased this automobile from a dealership in July 2007 with only 19700 miles on it. My first used car, been driving Buicks for years. This car turns heads, mint condition with black on black. Rides better and has options that the 2008 Buick Lucerne still does not have. A wonderful ride and great power. Gas mileage is poor, but I already knew that. Have put 4000 troble free miles on it. Trying to keep it mint. Was able to pick up a two year $100 deductable policy due to low mileage. Never will buy a Buick again. Love this machine.

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  Cady STS - 2002 Cadillac Seville
  By ET - October 6 - 2:53 pm

  Great car until it hits 100,000 miles. Suspension is getting mushy and various loose parts and ticks. Great car design and wonderfull utility

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  It made me want to test drive a new one - 1992 Cadillac Seville
  By 213inc. - August 24 - 2:34 am

  I bought this car with 112000 miles. The man I bought it from took it to the Cadillac dealership every 3k to have serviced. I love the car on the freeway, I can get 30 mpg on premium fuel, it rides like a champ(still has o.e. suspension)and its as quiet on the inside as the new luxury cars I have recently rented.(lexus,benz,bmw) The power from the 4.9 is great.Too much from a dead stop,(fwd), but great when passing. I do have a small oil leak to fix,looks like its from the timing chain cover(typical gm). The air conditioning compressor just went down(300$ fix for dyi).Other than the factory Bose CD player skipping in cold weather I have no complaints and would consider buying another Cadillac

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  PrincessSLS - 1999 Cadillac Seville
  By PrincessSLS - July 17 - 9:57 am

  Bought used and have owned this auto for 6 years now. 2 set of tires, 1 set of brakes, oil sending unit, front engine mount, center console lid, minor coolant leak and of course the extra quart of oil between oil changes. She has been a great car. Exceptional power to gas mileage ratio. Very quiet on the highway. Leather is the best quality that I have seen. Styling is still head turning. I have recently noticed that in turns the steering is sluggish and between 65 and 75 mph the car trembles. I have not had this trouble investigated. Occasionaly the computer system acts up with a variety of curious issues. Overall dependable, enjoyable, powerful well worth the price I paid.