1992-1997 Cadillac Seville: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
1997 Cadillac Seville
View the Photo Gallery
View the Photo Gallery
1992-1997 Cadillac Seville ▼
- Price Range: $1,500 - $3,900
Reviews & Ratings
Pricing
Explore
Specifications & Safety
Related to Cadillac Seville
Related Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1992-1997 Cadillac Seville and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration
- Steering/handling
- Standard antilock brakes and traction control (later models)
- Passenger and cargo room
Cons
- Fuel economy
- Ride (later STS)
- Climate controls (early models)
- Rear visibility
Vehicle Highlights
Though riding the same platform as the Eldorado coupe, Seville's '92 redesign showed radically different styling. On a 111-inch wheelbase, Seville sedans measured a foot longer than before, which translated to extra leg room inside--3.5 inches. Width grew as well. Antilock braking and a driver's airbag were standard. A sport interior option included analog gauges to replace the customary digital units, along with a console-mounted gearshift--which otherwise sat on the steering column. Hottest member of the line was the STS (Seville Touring Sedan), flaunting monochromatic body paint, quicker steering, and thicker stabilizer bars. Each STS held analog gauges and leather seating surfaces (optional on base Sevilles).
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Cadillac Seville SLS Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 8 | |
| Fuel Economy | 2 | |
| Ride Quality | 7 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 7 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 8 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 60 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1992-1997 Cadillac Seville. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1992-1997 Cadillac Seville.
Year to Year Changes
1993 Cadillac Seville:
Dual airbags went into '93 Sevilles. So did a brand-new Northstar V8 engine. Standard in the STS, the 4.6-liter dual-cam Northstar developed 295 horsepower. This year's 4-speed automatic transmission adopted electronic controls. A new STS traction-control system applied brakes and reduced engine power to deliver top tire grip on slippery surfaces. STS sedans also gained a new Road Sensing Suspension, which used a computer to "read" the road surface, then adjust firmness. Base Sevilles added Speed Sensitive Suspension, which alters suspension settings according to speed.
1994 Cadillac Seville:
Both models carried Northstar engines in '94. The 270-horsepower V8 of 1993 now served as base engine for the Seville Luxury Sedan (SLS), while the STS kept its 295-horsepower version. All Sevilles had traction control and a Road Sensing Suspension.
1995 Cadillac Seville:
Engines added a little power, and an Integrated Chassis Control System arrived to improve braking, handling, and traction control. Headlights turned on automatically with the wipers.
1996 Cadillac Seville:
Sevilles got daytime running lights and a new dashboard with larger analog gauges, plus climate and stereo controls grouped in the center. Radios added redundant controls in the steering wheel, where climate controls also could be found.
1997 Cadillac Seville:
The addition of new high-tech systems were the primary changes for 1997. New features added to the STS included Cadillac's Stabilitrack emergency-traction system and Rainsense automatic wipers. Seville was redesigned for 1998.
Our road test for the 1992-1997 Cadillac Seville includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1992-1997 Cadillac Seville and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1992-1997 Cadillac Seville is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
More than prior Sevilles, the 1992-96 edition displays fine road manners and a rock-solid feel, thanks to a stiffened chassis. Road noise was reduced, and improved engine-mounting better isolated the V8 from the passenger compartment. Despite the extra bulk, acceleration is brisk with the initial 4.9-liter engine, never lacking for strength whether in the city or on the highway. Shifts are almost imperceptible. The Northstar V8 added for 1993 is smoother and faster yet, but limits its most impressive acceleration to engine speeds above 3500 rpm. That gives the STS terrific performance on the open road. Speed-dependent Computer Command Ride adds to the secure feel of early Sevilles. Sure, the base-model ride is a bit soft at lower speeds (under 45 mph or so), but the bounce is nearly gone at highway velocities, and the sedan cruises with commendable stability and comfort. At low speeds, the 1993-up STS's Road Sensing Suspension floats less than the base setup. It's also more absorbent at higher speeds, and handles better on bumpy pavement. Steering is firm and precise, and the sedan remains stable through corners. Stiff tires give the later STS impressive handling, but a harsh, even jittery ride. Softer tires on the base (SLS) sedan transmit less impact and generate less noise. The '96 STS adopted softer tires, reducing the contrast between models. Head room is ample, front and rear. Adult knees aren't likely to press into the front seatback. Wide rear doors make entry/exit a snap, but thick roof pillars hamper over-the-shoulder visibility. Dashboards are well laid out, but climate-control buttons are hidden to the right of the steering wheel. That flaw was corrected in the 1996 STS, but the SLS kept the prior layout. The roomy trunk has a flat floor that's wide at the rear and stretches well forward. Its lid opens nearly from bumper height for easy loading.
Value for the Money
Especially in STS trim, the Seville is Cadillac's best premium sedan in ages, scoring strongly against such imported rivals as the BMW 740iL, Lexus LS 400, and Infiniti Q45.
Especially in STS trim, the Seville is Cadillac's best premium sedan in ages, scoring strongly against such imported rivals as the BMW 740iL, Lexus LS 400, and Infiniti Q45.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Cadillac Seville SLS Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 8 | |
| Fuel Economy | 2 | |
| Ride Quality | 7 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 7 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 8 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 60 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Cadillac Seville includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Cadillac Seville .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Automatic transmission:
4T60E transmissions may drop out of drive while cruising, shift erratically, or have no second, third, or fourth gear because of a bad ground connection for the shift solenoids. Poor grounds also allow wrong gear starts. (1991-93)
Dashboard lights:
Wiring problem could cause "Traction Engaged" light to illuminate. (1997)
Engine noise:
A rattling noise at startup is often caused by automatic-transmission pump starvation or cavitation, or a sticking pressure-regulator valve. (1992-93)
Steering noise:
The upper bearing mount in the steering column can get loose and cause a snapping or clicking, requiring a new bearing spring and turn-signal cancel cam. (1994-96)
Transaxle leak:
440-T4 automatic transmissions may shift late or not upshift at all. The problem is a stuck throttle valve inside the transmission. (1992)
Transaxle leak:
The right front axle seal at the automatic transaxle is prone to leak and GM issued a revised seal to correct the problem. (1992-93)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $465 |
| Alternator | $295 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,085 |
| Brakes | $210 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $810 |
| Exhaust System | $998 |
| Radiator | $375 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,360 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $265 |
Our price chart for this generation Cadillac Seville details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1997 | |||
| Seville SLS | $3,700-4,400 | $3,000-3,600 | $1,100-1,300 |
| Seville STS | $4,100-4,800 | $3,400-3,900 | $1,400-1,600 |
| 1996 | |||
| Seville SLS | $3,300-3,900 | $2,600-3,100 | $800-1,000 |
| Seville STS | $3,600-4,200 | $2,900-3,400 | $1,000-1,200 |
| 1995 | |||
| Seville SLS | $3,000-3,600 | $2,300-2,800 | $700-800 |
| Seville STS | $3,300-3,900 | $2,600-3,100 | $800-1,000 |
| 1994 | |||
| Seville SLS | $2,700-3,300 | $2,000-2,500 | $600-700 |
| Seville STS | $3,000-3,600 | $2,300-2,800 | $700-800 |
| 1993 | |||
| Seville | $2,400-3,000 | $1,700-2,200 | $500-600 |
| Seville STS | $2,700-3,300 | $2,000-2,500 | $600-700 |
| 1992 | |||
| Seville | $2,100-2,700 | $1,500-1,900 | $400-500 |
| Seville STS | $2,400-3,000 | $1,700-2,200 | $500-600 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Cadillac Seville include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 111.0 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 204.1 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 74.2 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 54.5 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3832 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 14.4 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 20.0 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.0 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.0 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.3 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 39.1 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
For the 1992 season, a 4.9-liter 200-horsepower V8 fed an electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission. A year later, the 32-valve dual-cam, 4.6-liter Northstar V8 debuted, delivering 295 horsepower when installed in the Seville Touring Sedan (STS). For 1994, a less-potent (270-horsepower) Northstar rendition became the base engine. Both engines gained five horsepower for '95, and the STS version added five pound-feet of torque.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc V8 | 4.6 / 279 | 270-275 | 300 | 4-speed automatic: 17/26 | 4-speed automatic: 15.9 |
| ohv V8 | 4.9 / 300 | 200 | 275 | 4-speed automatic: 16/25 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc V8 | 4.6 / 279 | 295-300 | 290-295 | 4-speed automatic: 17/26 | 4-speed automatic: 16.8 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Cadillac Seville include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1992-1997 Cadillac Seville directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1992:
Intermediate shaft to steering rack lower-coupling pinch bolt may be missing on some cars; disengagement of shaft produces loss of steering control.
1993 w/4.6-liter V8:
Fuel feed and return lines to fuel injection system could work loose, causing fuel leakage in engine compartment.
1993-94 w/4.6-liter V8:
If air-conditioner compressor-clutch assembly contacts auxiliary engine-oil-cooler outlet hose, the hose may wear through.
1994:
Throttle cable can disengage and interfere with cam mechanism; car could accelerate unexpectedly.
1995:
Airbag could deploy inadvertently, due to water intrusion.
1995-97:
The fuel line tubing on certain vehicles may crack causing fuel leakage. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.
1996:
Analog instrument cluster on some cars could have internal short circuit disrupting Pass-Key system, causing failure of gauges and most telltale indicators, and possible no-start condition; panel could go black while driving.
1997:
Brake/traction-control module can cause antilock system to cycle in non-ABS braking; could increase stopping distance.
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
