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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  Cadillac not so great - 1999 Cadillac Seville
  By Hubert L Cox - May 12 - 2:00 am

  Bought the vehicle with 25K on it. Had to have speakers, fog light assembly, fuel pump and driver side interior door pannel replaced all within 6 months. It was still under warranty so there was no cost. At 51K miles, the engine went out and had to be replaced at a cost of $8,000.00. They ran tests and could not determine why the engine blew. At any rate, Cadillac and the dealer refused to help with the replacement cost or any portion of it since it was over the 50K mile limit.

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  2002 sts - 2002 Cadillac Seville
  By D Marandolo - March 30 - 2:00 am

  handling and outside and inside appearance. rear leg room is very tight. Performance is outstanding.

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  rock - 1990 Cadillac Seville
  By kary - March 22 - 2:00 am

  buy this car if it runs and is under 3500!!

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  168k & still kickin - 1991 Cadillac Seville
  By DenColie - March 14 - 2:00 am

  After 168k miles, shes still kickin. Boasty v8, great ride and roomy for a mid-size. Interior starting to show its mileage. All in all... very pleased with my first caddy.

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  STS dangers. - 1997 Cadillac Seville
  By MarkAaron - February 28 - 2:00 am

  The car is sharp, has a lot of power, and handles well. One huge problem! The seals start to go bad in the engine, particularly the oil pan. We have owned ours for a year and we are getting rid of it. It started leaking oil @ 80k miles. @ 90K miles the air compressor went up and our oil pan seal is bad. Without a warranty we would endure an expense of $5000 to fix both. We cleaned the engine very well and are certain the dealership was unaware of the oil pan seal. They gave us a low figure and said the car is notorious for worn seals and gaskets and wholesalers are hesitant to touch them. Could have been a line, but awfully coincidental.

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  Love the Northstar, hate the gremlins - 1996 Cadillac Seville
  By Robert King - February 13 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car used in 1999. Have taken trips to California, Colorado and New York. I have enjoyed the cars engine performance and comfortable ride. I have always been impressed that a car that weighs this much can average over 29 mpg at high speed. I have however made many costly trips to the dealer for repair water pump rear suspension air compressor, heater/AC blower motor, O2 sensor, the last and most irritating was in my garage when the security system failed. No cure other than towing to dealer for $400.00 worth of Ignition switch, keys and harness wiring. I love this car but will not be owning another Cadillac.

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  great used car purchase - 1995 Cadillac Seville
  By spoonie - January 18 - 2:00 am

  needed a new fuel pressure regulator and some TLC, but with a set of Michelins added,, it has been a great car. Will buy another. At 140,000 miles , it is going strong.

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  Adult Transportation - 2004 Cadillac Seville
  By dwbergmann - January 18 - 2:00 am

  With the discounts given by Cadillac this vehicle is a good value. I was looking for an automobile to provide easy interstate crusing and comfort. My goal was as much sensory depravation as possible. I now have that although there is a little wind noise aroung the outside mirror. Now is the compass just was always accurate all would be well.

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  Car - 1992 Cadillac Seville
  By hockey5chick - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I love driving this car, it is so much fun, and fast. I like to take it on long trips.

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  Am I Satisfied ? ? - 2001 Cadillac Seville
  By Gerrie Griffin - December 30 - 2:00 am

  I truly love the car. Very responsive. Cant believe it from a car of this weight and size. Very impressive from the start of the engine. However, I use a quart of oil every 2500 miles. I also have a 2000 DeVille that uses a quart every 1500 miles. Great engine, if you can keep oil in it.