1998-2004 Cadillac Seville: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
2004 Cadillac Seville
View the Photo Gallery
View the Photo Gallery
1998-2004 Cadillac Seville ▼
- Price Range: $3,400 - $11,300
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 1998-2004 Cadillac Seville and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Automatic-transmission performance
- Interior materials
- Acceleration
- Handling/roadholding
- Interior storage space
Cons
- Rear visibility
- Fuel economy
Vehicle Highlights
Cadillac's sport-luxury sedan got a serious revamping for 1998, again equipped with front-wheel drive and a Northstar V8 engine. Striving to recapture the "Standard of the World" title that once applied to the marque, Cadillac sought to step beyond the quality and value of such brands as Lexus and Mercedes-Benz. Some of Seville's underbody structure was shared with the Buick Riviera and Park Avenue, and the Oldsmobile Aurora. Styling was evolutionary rather than a dramatic turnaround, but overall body length shrunk by 3.1 inches, while wheelbase stretched by 1.2 inches. All Sevilles were built in Michigan, but about 20 percent were earmarked for overseas markets. Standard features that were carried over from the previous generation included StabiliTrak, which improved control in evasive maneuvers by selectively applying the front brakes. An electronic suspension, also continued from before, could read the road surface and continually adjust itself to soften the ride and control body motion. The Northstar V8 engine was rated at 275 horsepower when beneath a base SLS hood, versus 300 horsepower in the sportier STS model. Front-seat-mounted side airbags went into a redesigned interior. New safety belts attached to the seat frame and included the first belt pretension system in a U.S.-built automobile. STS sedans could be equipped with a new Adaptive Seat System, in which 10 air cells in the front seats adjusted automatically to accommodate to various people's bodies.Radio data system (RDS) capability was standard on the STS and optional on SLS. RDS displayed song title and other broadcast information, and could interrupt programming with emergency messages. GM's OnStar satellite emergency/communications system also was available, as a dealer-installed option. Seville's rivals included the BMW 5-Series, Infiniti Q45, Lexus LS 400, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Cadillac Seville STS Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 7 | |
| Quietness | 7 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 5 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 56 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1998-2004 Cadillac Seville. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1998-2004 Cadillac Seville.
Year to Year Changes
1999 Cadillac Seville:
Front seats that give back massage were new this year, but little else changed on Cadillac's sport luxury sedan. The optional system used "rolling" lumbar bolsters that massaged the lower back of a front-seat occupant in 10-minute cycles. Either the SLS or STS model could have Cadillac's optional "adaptive" front seats, with internal air bladders that continuously adjusted to the passenger's body contours. This year's version was heated.
2000 Cadillac Seville:
Both engines now ran on regular fuel, not premium. Both Seville models also gained a revised version of GM's OnStar emergency communications/assistance system. The Continuously Variable Road Sensing Suspension now selectively varied shock absorber firmness for both up and down wheel motions, working with StabiliTrak to minimize body lean and front-end "plow" in turns. The StabiliTrak system could now briefly increase steering effort when needed, and brake the front wheels to recover from a 4-wheel-drift type of skid. A new front-seat sensor could deactivate passenger airbags when the presence of a child--or no occupant--was detected. New options included an onboard navigation system and Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist, which warned of obstacles while the car was backing up.
2001 Cadillac Seville:
Seville got an optional e-mail system and auto-reversing power front windows. SLS versions were upgraded with the monochrome appearance introduced at midyear on the short-lived TX7 variant.
2002 Cadillac Seville:
A new DVD navigation system with voice recognition was added this year. Newly standard were heated seats and a rear-obstacle-warning system. Added during the 2002 model year was a satellite radio that played commercial-free programs for a monthly fee.
2003 Cadillac Seville:
Appearance alterations include a body-color grille for the SLS and standard chrome wheels for the STS. The SLS also gains a standard driver-seat memory and, like the STS, now comes with a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel. Rain-sensing windshield wipers are newly standard for STS.
2004 Cadillac Seville:
During the sedan's last model year, the '04 300-hp sporty Seville STS model was dropped to make way for the all-new 2005 STS.
Our road test for the 1998-2004 Cadillac Seville includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1998-2004 Cadillac Seville and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1998-2004 Cadillac Seville is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
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.
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.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Cadillac Seville STS Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 7 | |
| Quietness | 7 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 5 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 56 |
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.
Audio system:
The company is replacing radios that have poor AM reception or FM bleed into the AM band. (1998-99)
Brake noise:
The front brakes make noises (squeals, grinding, groaning, etc.) requiring new brake pads and redesigned rotors. (1998)
Engine knock:
The engine makes ticking noises and knocking noises that sound like main bearing knock, often due to cylinder carbon buildup. (1998-99)
Engine knock:
Engine knock, especially when cold, may be due to carbon buildup in combustion chambers. (2000-01)
Engine temperature:
Overheating and coolant loss may be due to rough surface on radiator filler neck. Neck should be sanded smooth and cap replaced. (1999-2000)
Fuel gauge:
The fuel gauge reads empty or swings between empty and full due to problem with the in-tank sending unit. (1998)
Oil leak:
Beware rear main seal leaks on Northstar engine. (1996-99)
Paint/body:
On white cars, the door handles turn yellow from the lock cylinder grease staining them. The company will replace the cylinders under warranty and there is a colorless grease available for service. (1998-99)
Poor transmission shift:
Transmission is slow to engage between drive and reverse, often accompanied by a clunk requiring a transmission rebuild under warranty. (1998)
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 | $730 |
| Alternator | $735 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,350 |
| Brakes | $570 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,050 |
| Exhaust System | $595 |
| Radiator | $520 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,350 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $1,090 |
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 |
|
|
|||
| 2004 | |||
| Seville SLS | $11,000-12,500 | $9,900-11,300 | $5,900-6,800 |
| 2003 | |||
| Seville SLS | $8,800-10,000 | $7,900-9,000 | $4,600-5,200 |
| Seville STS | $10,000-11,300 | $9,000-10,200 | $5,200-5,900 |
| 2002 | |||
| Seville SLS | $7,000-8,000 | $6,200-7,100 | $3,300-3,800 |
| Seville STS | $7,900-9,000 | $7,100-8,100 | $4,000-4,600 |
| 2001 | |||
| Seville SLS | $5,900-6,800 | $5,100-5,900 | $2,500-2,900 |
| Seville STS | $6,600-7,500 | $5,800-6,600 | $3,000-3,500 |
| 2000 | |||
| Seville SLS | $5,200-6,000 | $4,400-5,100 | $2,100-2,400 |
| Seville STS | $5,900-6,600 | $5,100-5,700 | $2,500-2,800 |
| 1999 | |||
| Seville SLS | $4,600-5,400 | $3,900-4,500 | $1,700-2,000 |
| Seville STS | $5,100-5,800 | $4,300-4,900 | $2,000-2,300 |
| 1998 | |||
| Seville SLS | $4,200-5,000 | $3,400-4,100 | $1,400-1,700 |
| Seville STS | $4,700-5,400 | $3,900-4,500 | $1,800-2,100 |
|
|
|||
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. | 112.2 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 201.0 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 75.0 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 55.7 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3972 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 15.7 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18.6 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.1 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.5 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.0 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 38.2 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Cadillac's 4.6 liter Northstar V8 engine, with dual overhead camshafts, came in two flavors: 275 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque for the base SLS, or 300 horses and 295 pound-feet of torque when fitted beneath an STS hood. Both models used a 4-speed automatic transmission. The STS was dropped in '04, the car's last model year in production.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc V8 | 4.6 / 279 | 275 | 300 | 4-speed automatic: 17/26 | 4-speed automatic: 19.4 |
| dohc V8 | 4.6 / 279 | 300 | 295 | 4-speed automatic: 17/26 | 4-speed automatic: 14.9 |
|
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 1998-2004 Cadillac Seville directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1998:
Windshield wiper "Low" speed function can become inoperative if motor is switched from "High" to "Low."
1998-99:
Electrical short can develop in generator, even when engine is off.
2000:
Due to internal fluid leakage in some cars, rear-brake proportioning, ABS, traction control or stability control may not perform as designed.
2000:
Inner tie-rod nuts on some cars are loose and can result in separation of tie rod, which can cause unexpected steering input.
2001 w/235/55R17 tires:
These vehicles can have an incorrect tire-pressure label.
2002:
Steering-gear attachment bolts may be undertorqued or missing, resulting in uneven steering response or unusual noise during turns.
2002-03 V8:
Faulty fuel tank sensors may have been installed in certain vehicles, leading to fuel leakage. Dealer will inspect and replace all affected parts.
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.
