1998-2004 Cadillac Seville: Road Test

Seville again ranks among the class leaders in acceleration, courtesy of the unaltered Northstar V8 engines and little-changed curb weights. Behavior of the smooth 4-speed automatic transmission is beyond reproach--smooth and responsive. The SLS sedan focuses on low-speed acceleration, whereas the STS emphasizes high-speed responses. Both engines are on the thirsty side, achieving only 14.8 mpg in our tests. At least, the 2000 models manage on regular gasoline. The SLS feels appropriately soft without being sloppy--nicely composed during directional changes. With its tauter suspension, aggressive tire tread, and lower ride height, an STS responds more quickly to steering inputs and corners with a greater degree of flatness. The STS also is prone to irritating steering-wheel tug in hard takeoffs, and its magnetic power steering can lag behind driver inputs. Cadillac has claimed that Seville was as quiet as a Lexus LS 400. That's almost true, but not quite. Despite the 5-passenger claim, four adults is the comfortable limit inside a Seville. At that, back-seat riders must tuck their legs and swivel their ankles to negotiate narrow door bottoms. Front-seat space is generous. Rear-seat room ranks only as adequate. Tall riders' heads are likely to brush the headliner. Optional adaptive seats in the STS are comfortable, if not vastly more so than the regular seats. A new instrument panel, illuminated by fluorescent backlighting and LED needles, gives the gauges outstanding definition. If desired, the driver can eliminate the illumination, leaving only a digital speed display. Switchgear is logically arranged, except that the climate controls sit low. Wide rear roof pillars and a tall trunk limit the driver's view, both aft and over both shoulders. The trunk is spacious. Inside, the Seville boasts a class-leading array of 19 separate pockets, boxes, and a pouch.

Value for the Money
Sevilles seem solid and well-assembled, and interior materials are top-notch. However, one test model suffered a wind leak around the driver's window, ill-fitting rear-door seals, and a wiring harness dangling beneath the driver's seat--not quite what's expected in this price league. Were it not for such questionable details, Seville would be easy to recommend on the grounds of performance, features, and solidity. We give a higher rating to the SLS, which does a fine job balancing performance and comfort.