1997 Cadillac Seville Review
1997 Cadillac Seville Review
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
+5
Used Seville for sale
Appraise This CarSee Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Excellent Northstar powertrain
Cons
- Aging design
What’s new
All Sevilles receive body structure, suspension, brake system and interior enhancements. STS models get a new stability enhancement feature designed to correct lateral skids, and road texture detection, which helps modulate the ABS more effectively on rough roads. Enhanced programmable memory systems are new to both models, as is a revised rear seat back and the availability of OnStar, a vehicle information and communications service. SLS models get MagnaSteer variable-effort steering.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1997 Cadillac Seville SLS 4dr Sedan and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$230/mo for Seville SLS
Seville SLS
vs
$219/mo
Avg. Large Car
Vehicle overview
When Cadillac introduced the 1992 Seville to the motoring press, they reacted with such overwhelming approval you would have thought they had just heard an announcement that People had forever banished Princess Diana from appearing on its cover. They ooohed' and aahhed' and proclaimed the Seville the best American luxosport sedan ever produced.
Well, they were half right. It was another year before the Seville Touring Sedan (STS) was worthy of that honor with the introduction of the stellar Northstar V8 engine. The STS became a civilized hot-rod, and it wasn't long before the more subdued Seville Luxury Sedan (SLS) made the switch to a less potent version of the Northstar System.
For 1997, the SLS and STS benefit from more of the continual improvement that has marked the evolution of these sedans. Both models get a stiffer body structure to suppress noise and vibration, along with enhanced sound deadening materials. Front suspensions are revised to improve handling and reduce harshness, and front brakes are larger for enhanced stopping ability, better response, and improved pedal feel. Interiors receive revised climate system and radio controls for easier operation, and seating front and rear is slightly redesigned for improved comfort. Optional on SLS and STS is the OnStar services package, which includes a cellular telephone and services ranging from emergency roadside assistance to stolen vehicle tracking to remote door unlocking. Programmable features for 1997 include automatic door locks, remote flash lights, exterior lighting when doors are unlocked, and battery storage mode.
STS receives additional refinement in the face of fresh competition from the United States and abroad. The most visible, and most dubious, improvement is a revised Integrated Chassis Control System (ICCS) with stability enhancement and road texture detection. Stability enhancement is designed to control skids and force the Seville to respond more quickly to driver input in situations where the Seville is slightly out of control. Road texture detection measures road roughness and adjusts brake operation to maximize the efficiency of the antilock brake system. Cadillac has made the sound system an integral part of the STS's memory package for 1997, which means the sound system will remember which stations particular drivers prefer, as well as tuning preferences and even which track on the CD the driver was listening to last.
SLS models aren't completely ignored as far as individual model improvements go. MagnaSteer variable effort steering has been added, and the SLS also receives CV-RSS, which is a Cadillacronym for Continuously Variable Road Sensing Suspension.
The Seville has enjoyed several years in the spotlight as America's premier luxury-sport sedan. Lincoln's Continental is less expensive, but we prefer the Cadillac's distinctive styling over Lincoln's egg-shaped techno-cruiser. While this Cadillac is far from cheap, it is a worthy alternative to pricey luxury sedans from the U.S., Europe and Asia.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1997 Cadillac Seville.
5 star(62%)
4 star(20%)
3 star(15%)
2 star(3%)
1 star(0%)
34 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.38 out of 5 stars
1997 Cadillac Seville STS (96,000 miles)
vb4000, 03/09/2012
1997 Cadillac Seville STS 4dr Sedan
If you're going to buy this car used, you're about to get a lot of car for very little money. I purchased mine for $4000 two years ago and it is my daily driver. The car rides amazingly well and looks fantastic. After detailing it, people ask what it is and compliment it at the gas station, etc., all the time. The car looks and sounds fantastic and the engine throws you back in your seat … if you put your foot in it. The car was built very well (excluding using head-bolts instead of studs, see "Improvements") and looks 50,000 miles younger than it's age. The design does not look like its from the 90's and the interior is equally impressive; very comfortable.
4.5 out of 5 stars
great white shark
ken, 02/28/2002
1997 Cadillac Seville STS 4dr Sedan
The car looks and performs great.The Northstar V8 can really move this 4000lbs vehicle(0-60 in 6.4sec and 1/4 mile in 14.7sec).This vehicle is an excellent used vehicle purchase due to the high depreciation but make sure to have your prospective purchase checked out at your local Caddy dealer before you buy. My car was maintained by the book and is still under warranty but maintenance … can be very expensive if you buy a lemon. Be careful
4.13 out of 5 stars
Fun to drive difficult to maintain
Darrell, 10/01/2008
1997 Cadillac Seville STS 4dr Sedan
I drove a Cadillac a few times when I was in my teens and wanted a Cadillac ever since, then last year I brought a 1997 STS. I love the car, it's a hoot to drive very powerful and comfortable to drive. It's in great looking condition but my disappointment comes in with the reliability.The one time I had it any distance away from home my wife and I was on a bus. trip and after coming out … from the hotel when we checked in the alternator quit this was after I had replaced the starter but before the headlight control module gave out. last week we went to an anniversary dinner with our children and when we arrived at the restaurant the security problem code came up and two days later it refused to start. It's at the garage now with a fuel pump problem that the tech found while trying to fix that security code problem. I am sure when I get it back something else will go on it. I love the car and love to drive it's a real beauty.
4.63 out of 5 stars
Too bad it's FWD
Silvester, 02/26/2006
1997 Cadillac Seville STS 4dr Sedan
My 1997 Cadillac Seville provides fantastic value for the money, especially as a used vehicle. I bought mine in 2002 for $8,000 with 101,000 miles on it and traded it in yesterday for a '97 Infiniti Q45. I traded the car for an Infiniti because I wanted a rear wheel drive car again as I dislike FWD but I could not afford the newer RWD STS that came our in '04. My car needed a few … repairs over last two years, nothing out of the ordinary for a luxury car of its type. The Northstar V8 started leaking a lot of oil at 140,000 miles but it's not a reliability issue so I just added a quart every week, $3 a week is no big deal. Advice: If you need to get the struts/air ride replaced go with Arnott. They're a great aftermarket company and the cost for parts is $700 versus $2,000 through GM.
1997 Seville Highlights
SLS
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $230/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 14.4 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalPoor
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
Related Used 1997 Cadillac Seville info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Used Cadillac CTS Coupe 2014
- Used Lexus ES 300 2010
- Used Mercedes-Benz G-Class 2022
- Used Ford Shelby GT500 2010
- Used Lincoln Nautilus 2022
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- 2024 Audi RS 5
- Porsche Tay Can
- 2023 Ford Escape
- Jaguar I Pace
- 2023 Lamborghini Huracan
- Alfa Romeo Stelvio 2023
- 2023 BMW X7
- 2024 Dodge RAM 250
- 2023 X6 M
- Jeep Grand Cherokee4Xe
Research other models of Cadillac
- Cadillac XT4
- Cadillac CT 5 V
- 2023 XT6
- Cadillac Escalade
- 2024 Cadillac CT5
- Cadillac XT 6
- 2024 CT5
- 2023 CT5
- 2023 Cadillac Escalade
- Lyriq
Other models
- New Ford Mustang-Mach-E for Sale in Greenwood, SC
- New Genesis Electrified-G80 for Sale in Lumberton, NC
- New Kia Sportage-Hybrid for Sale in Rockville Centre, NY
- New Lexus RZ for Sale in Newark, OH
- Used Cadillac Brougham in West Des Moines, IA
- Used Infiniti QX50 in Lufkin, TX
- New Audi S7 for Sale in Silverdale, WA
- New Porsche 911 for Sale in Vestal, NY
- Used Audi SQ7 in Moorhead, MN
- Used Ford Bronco-Sport in Oshkosh, WI