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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  A good deal. - 2001 Cadillac Seville
  By lawman - July 19 - 3:58 pm

  I enjoy driving this car. Never owned a Caddy before. I have owned a 2000 Lexus GS300 and this a close runner up so far. The car had been garaged indoors for over 3 years. I bought it used with 23,000 miles on it. So far this well maintained car is a pleasure to own. City mpg is only 11.5. I have not had it on the highway yet.

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  Dont sleep on this one ! - 2001 Cadillac Seville
  By PMP - July 18 - 2:24 pm

  Bought used with 120k from a guy who didnt really keep up on the maintenance but I got her back to 100% in no time. Replaced the crank sensors (very common) I suggest you replace them before they go @ around 100k miles. Also replaced the cat (common as well) $300 so again not a big deal on a $53k car. The car uses about 2qts of oil every 3k miles which is common on northstars. Again not a big deal, just keep up on your oil changes. Ive owned alot of high end cars (audi,mercedes,jaguar,bmw) and must say this caddy is right up there with them ! I get compliments everywhere I go and its 8 yrs old ! Navigation is also easier to use than most factory units. Stop thinking go buy one !

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  Great highway commuter car - 1997 Cadillac Seville
  By Karl - July 6 - 1:30 pm

  I just got this car from Ebay a month ago with almost 170K miles. However, everything works as it should and the 300HP engine is still going strong when I paunch it to the floor. Used primarily as commute car to out-of-state job and have found it can do 28-29MPG on highway. For a 4600CC engine and 4000lb car, this is incredible. So far Ive put on 2000 miles and there is no issue at all. I have never thought a cheap 2nd-hand car can be this much fun and economical.

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  high maintenance - 2001 Cadillac Seville
  By covergirl - July 1 - 12:35 pm

  this car is high maintenance. this is my second cadillac and they both leaked oil. the low profile tires are horrible for chuck holes and the winter months. i dont get good "premium" gas mileage because of the engine. whenever you get repairs done its extra because a lot of the parts are "cadillac" parts. it takes more oil and more of everything. and i always end up paying for new parts that wasnt even broken. but they have to take out to fix the problem.

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  Great car - 2000 Cadillac Seville
  By Mike M - June 28 - 1:34 pm

  I bought this car used with 45000 miles on it. Purchased a 100,000 mile extended warranty. This was a great car to own until the mileage hit 100,000. Then it started to cost me a lot of money. The car had constant oil leak problems which apparently are common with the Northstar engine. Some of the interior components are low in quality for what you expect from a Cadillac e.g. cup holders, garage opener knobs, seat adjustment controls. All broke. Other than the reliability issues, this was a great car to own. Powerful and smooth drive. Nav system, rear parking sensors, wiper sensors, leather seating are all great. Some parts are no longer available after 10 years.

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  Love THis Car - 1999 Cadillac Seville
  By David - June 18 - 4:40 pm

  My SLS is the first luxury car Ive owned. It has 109,000 miles on it.This car is quick, responsive and performs very well. Ive had it for about 9 months and love driving it. Since I bought it I have only had to take care of mminor maintainance. Since moving to Colorado I notice that it starts running much warmer when going up steep grades. The Temp control unit for the heat and a/c has recently gone out and the trunk leaks. I get great gas mileage with this car and have gotten it as high as 26 mpg avg.

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  1998 Cadillac Seville STS - 1998 Cadillac Seville
  By Swift98 - June 10 - 12:46 pm

  Best automobile Ive ever owned, wouldnt want anything else, great power, very confortable, has all the options you need, great stereo system, heated front and rear seats, love everything about this car

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  3 year review... of used sls - 2000 Cadillac Seville
  By indianavince - April 20 - 2:15 pm

  Follow up to my review of buying a 66k used SLS in 2006. I am getting 32mpg on 300 mile highway trips. I now have 108,000 miles only issues since 66k is a blown speaker, new aftermarket front struts ($400) and a coil pack ($500). I am getting a little bored with the car but I still love the great highway MPGs and climate control that is so easy to use. This car eats up the miles. I am still happy.

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  Money Pit - 2000 Cadillac Seville
  By Mike M - April 18 - 8:42 pm

  Bought this car used with 20,000 miles on it. Loved the looks and it was my first experience with a Cadillac. After the first two weeks the car wouldnt start and to have two starting sensors replaced. Then the tilt steering went bad, with those two items being covered by warranty. It was downhill from there. Have spent over $8,000 on car repairs in 5 years, not counting the potential cost for replacing a blown head gasket because I just traded it today. It has been by far the worst car I have ever owned...and oh yes, the car would shift into neutral when I drove it through water puddles when it would rain. I have a friend who is a cadillac mechanic and he couldnt figure it out.

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  8 out of 10 - 2002 Cadillac Seville
  By Black on Black - April 1 - 12:28 am

  This car has great looks,smooth decent power,and lots of unnecessary goodies like steering wheel controls,rain sensing wipers,memory seats and radio presets,back up sensors,etc. The handling is pretty good for a 4,000 pound car although you can definitely tell its 4,000 pounds when you push it in corners. Its too bad that you cant completely disengage the stability control which slows you down in the turns. I like driving fast and the Northstar responds as happily as 300 hp can although I do wish they threw in about 30 to 40 more hp and torque. I might get Corsa exhaust but still deciding if I want my Caddy to sound like a Z/28. Awesome used car value. Bought 3/09 for $9,244 53k No snrf,nav