The Cadillac Seville's two models were not as similar as their appearance might have suggested. The base model had a chassis tuned to the tastes of the most discriminating luxury-car buyer (that is, soft and cushy), plus a full array of safety, comfort and convenience features to reinforce that image. The Touring had all of the above, with the exception of a chassis that's been retuned to provide a sportier driving style, with tighter handling and a somewhat firmer ride. Both Sevilles competed head on with the Lincoln Continental, Lexus GS 300/400, Infiniti J30 and midsize Mercedes-Benz and BMW sedans.
Like the other Northstar-powered Cadillacs, the standard traction control system could be switched off if necessary. The computer-controlled suspension used suspension arm accelerometers and position sensors plus a steering-wheel angle sensor to adjust shock absorber damping for optimum handling and braking.
Year-to-year changes[]
| 1991 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | Discontinued |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base 4DR Sedan | SLS 4DR Sedan | 2004 | |||||||
| Touring 4DR Sedan | STS 4DR Sedan | 2003 | |||||||
1991[]
An optional CD player was introduced this model year.
1992[]
The original fourth-generation Seville was unveiled at the 1992 North American International Auto Show in January 1992. When the car went on sale in Spring 1992, it was available in two trim levels -- base and Touring, the latter powered by the 4.9-liter Northstar 32-valve V8. Both cars had the unusual ability to drive as far as 50 miles with no coolant in the radiator without permanent engine damage. It was done with engine management software that restricted power to a minimum and alternated the firing of adjacent cylinders to allow intake air to cool the engine internally in the event of a catastrophic loss of coolant.
1993[]
Like the Eldorado coupe, the 1993 Touring model of the Seville's new engine became a 4.6-liter with 295 horsepower.
1994[]
The base model was renamed as the Seville Luxury Sedan (SLS), while the Touring model now became known as the Seville Touring Sedan (STS).
1995[]
For 1995, a new plastic intake manifold raised the Northstar engine's output by 5 hp to an even 300 hp. It replaced nearly 100 parts with a single lightweight manifold that has a superior interior polish for increased airflow and power.
1998[]
The Seville was redesigned for 1998 with new SLS and STS trims. The SLS lasted through 2004, and the STS through 2003.
Retail prices[]
| Model year | Trim level | List price | Destination charge | Effective date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Base | $33,935 | February 10, 1991 | |
| 1991 | Touring | $37,135 | February 10, 1991 | |
| 1992 | Base | $34,975 | October 13, 1991 | |
| 1992 | Touring | $37,975 | October 13, 1991 | |
| 1994 | Base | $41,430 | $625 | May 9, 1994 |
| 1994 | Touring | $45,330 | $625 | May 9, 1994 |
| 1995 | SLS | $41,935 | $635 | August 1994 |
| 1995 | STS | $45,935 | $635 | August 1994 |
| 1996 | SLS | $42,995 | $640 | August 1995 |
| 1996 | STS | $47,495 | $640 | August 1995 |
| 1997 | SLS | $39,995 | $665 | July 27, 1997 |
| 1997 | STS | $44,995 | $665 | July 27, 1997 |
Gallery[]
.jpg "1998 Cadillac Seville SLS (1).jpg (75 KB)")
.jpg "1998 Cadillac Seville SLS (2).jpg (37 KB)")
.jpg "1998 Cadillac Seville STS (1).jpg (50 KB)")
.jpg "1998 Cadillac Seville STS (2).jpg (37 KB)")
.jpg "1999 Cadillac Seville SLS (1).jpg (49 KB)")
.jpg "1999 Cadillac Seville SLS (2).jpg (61 KB)")
.jpg "1999 Cadillac Seville STS (1).jpg (55 KB)")
.jpg "1999 Cadillac Seville STS (2).jpg (51 KB)")
