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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Black Beauty STS - My Dream Car - 1997 Cadillac Seville
By marina - July 26 - 9:13 pmThis car is totally awesome. Performance and handling is fantastic! Cadillac put together a complete package when they built this one. The sound system (Bose) is the best. The leather seats still smell leather. The only problem and this will only pertain for guys who are over 64", you dont have a lot of head room, believe me, my husband knows... but he still enjoys riding in it. Overall, Ive had some routine maintenance issues with it, but for an almost 9 year old car and the money I paid for it, Im totally satisfied. Hopefully, shell last me several thousand miles and when it comes time to replace her, Ill be looking for STS #2. Im an STS lover forever.
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STS review - 1994 Cadillac Seville
By guy jones - June 29 - 4:51 pmbest front wheel drive sedan I have owned.
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Hot Rod with Comfort - 1995 Cadillac Seville
By BIG BOY - June 4 - 8:37 pmI bought this car used with 102,000 miles and it runs great has good power and great comfort.The only bad think is the fwd make torque steer a little annoying when you punch the trottle and there isnt hardly any aftermarket performance parts for the Northstar motor. The STS is a great highway cruiser though and you gotta love the exterior look it does not have the grandmother look that some other cars in its class.
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High Miles - 1999 Cadillac Seville
By Caddy STS - May 29 - 10:28 pmI got my STS when it had 95,000 miles on it. I paid $9,500 and it was in great condition. I had some concerns about it breaking down and being expensive to repair. I put 20,000 miles on it this year and I have only had small problem. It needed new spark plugs and wires at 10,500 and a new water pump at 114,000. I had a small problem with the heater core getting clogged up, but I used some cleaner and it was fine. I keep blowing the speakers listening in music very loud, but I replace this with great after market speakers. It rides great and performs wonderfully. I rough idea and oil burning is to be expected. O love this car and I paid pocket change for it. Everyone thinks I spent $30,000
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What are you waiting for . . . - 1999 Cadillac Seville
By rob - May 23 - 1:28 amIf youve never driven one of these beauties, I suggest you do so. They are so awesome, you might never sit on your couch again. I feel like royalty cruising in this machine. The worst part is arriving at your destination.They are one of the best cars for the money. Buy it used and you wont get the beating. These cars are priced to sell when they get turned in. Most of the original owners didnt know how to smoke the tires, so they are barely broken in. My STS loves to go, and you dont even feel like you are moving. Despite the rumors of the faulty engines and bad transmissions, ive never had a problem with either!
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These are nice cars! - 2002 Cadillac Seville
By STS Lover - May 17 - 6:34 pmThis car is simply awesome. We have had the car for 6 months now and no issues. Drives and Looks great! Love the power, and comfort. Mileage for this much power and size of car is amazing. Front wheel drive and Stabilitrak makes driving in snow a joy. Interiors and engines in these cars seem to last forever! At speed and Ive had mine will over 100 MPH on several occasion these cars a stable and smooth. Would recommend one to anyone.
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Incredible Car - 2001 Cadillac Seville
By Christine Hunt - April 6 - 2:50 amI bought this car about 9 months ago. I look for reasons to drive it. It truly is a driving dream in every sense. I felt especially safe during the Chicago winter season due to the suspension, traction control and stability control. It truly is an amazing car to handle. The interior is extremely luxurious, and very well put together. The heated seats just add to the driving pleasure. I will definitely buy another certified Cadillac.
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Impressive Car - 2003 Cadillac Seville
By Wonderful Car - February 18 - 11:39 amThe 2003 Cadillac Seville SLS is a solid, well performing and handling luxury car in every respect. Its smooth, powerful V8 engine is a delight as is the smooth but controlled ride. It is a thrill every time you drive it. This car makes you feel special. I love the exterior styling, especially when compared to the new STS, which is bland and not distinctive. Its iInterior ergonomics are excellent and its design is great. The Seville SLS is a very comfortable car and a plesaure on a long trips. Also, its size is perfect, not too big and not too small. This is Cadillacs best car ever. It rides better than a Lexus LS400.
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Good riding car, great performance - 1996 Cadillac Seville
By Carol - January 20 - 6:07 pmI was dragged kicking and screaming to purchase a cadillac by my spouse. Our 1996 Cadillac Seville has been a wonderful car with few problems. The AC leaked and we had to replace the compressor while it was under warranty. Also, we recently had to replace the switch on the trunk closing mechanism and get new brake rotors. At 122,000 miles, that is an excellent record. I do have to add oil about every three times that I fill up with gas though. We purchased our Seville as a three year old car with 26,000 miles. It is an excellent car.
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Nice, Sporty Family Luxury Vehicle - 1996 Cadillac Seville
By Darlene - January 1 - 6:00 pmMy 1996 Cadillac Seville is fast. It is a pleasure to drive. The front spoiler is low to the ground and when driving one has to take care in turning in to high curb driveways. This car had a recall for a fuel line problem which Cadillac promptly took care of in 2004. This is the only non-maintanence issue or repair that I experienced besides a starter I had to replace. The car is equipped with remote start, which I use often accounting for the extra ware on the starter (or so I was told). Otherwise this is the sharpest sedan I would ever care to drive. It is an unassumingly, beatiful car in pearl white. I love it.
