Road Tests: Long-Term Test

The results of our long-term Cadillac Seville STS test were about on par with our usual conclusions about GM products: beautiful powertrain, ugly build quality. Just about everybody loved mashing the throttle of the Seville's 4.6-liter Northstar V8, especially out on the open road, but complaints about the vehicle's craftsmanship were abundant. All of the nifty little electrical doodads packed into this luxo-sedan began to grate on our nerves, as well. Most notably when they stopped working. We took ownership of the Cadillac in June '98 and the next two years, while not exactly exciting, gave us some valuable insight into Seville ownership.

More so than any of our other long-termers, the Caddy polarized our staff. We loved it and hated it simultaneously. There were those who were sufficiently wooed by the plethora of creature comforts and the throaty, performance-ready engine, but others were left wondering where Cadillac got off proclaiming the fifth-generation Seville, with its proclivity to malfunction while displaying shoddy assembly, to be the car which would regain the Cadillac marque its lost "Standard of the World" appellation.

Our Caddy's compelling V8, boasting 300 horsepower,excited all of our drivers, prompting them to name the Seville as the ideal car for high-speed, cross-country cruising. A creature comfort-laden interior also made this vehicle highly suitable for long-distance road trips. However, some asserted that the automatic adjusting front seats actually worked against their comfort. Which brings us to an important point. Our Cadillac Seville, at $52,337, came replete with a Performance Algorithm Shifting automatic transmission, Stabilitrak integrated yaw control system, Continuously Variable Road Sensing Suspension (CVRSS), Integrated Chassis Control System (ICCS), RainSense automatic windshield wipers, OnStar Communications, voice-activated phone technology, the aforementioned adaptive seats and various other illustrations of what our staff not-so-affectionately dubbed "techno-wizardry," all of which really got to be a huge headache at times. As we found out, there were too many features on this car that were just waiting to either aggravate or malfunction.

Said our editor-in-chief in September '98 about the CVRSS, "It reacts strongly to broken or undulating pavement, stiffening suddenly, which feels unnatural. One minute you'll be enjoying a nice ride; the next it feels as though someone has stolen the tires and you're riding on the rims...I'd prefer a more conventional suspension set-up to this software-fueled and easily fuddled Cadillac extravaganza." But he raved about the Seville's road feel, asserting that there was plenty of communication through the steering wheel and the driver's seat. He didn't like the auto tranny, though, claiming that it didn't react to inputs with enough alacrity during normal driving. He was quite fond of the Performance Algorithm Shifting feature, on the other hand, which recognizes aggressive driving techniques and selects gears to maintain speed accordingly. It made for some sweet canyon carving, although it did not perform flawlessly 100 percent of the time.

A few people were a little displeased with steering feel, though. One driver noted that the continuously variable power assist was a little jerky at times, which was unnerving when coming around turns at a moderately sporty pace. The car would round the corner following a consistent arc, but the steering wheel would tug and waver disconcertingly. This is typical of GM's MagnaSteer magnetic speed variable-assist steering, which, much like a magnet, pulls with a steady force up to a certain point, when it suddenly "catches."

Our Caddy experience was riddled with glitches. With a mere 15,000 miles on the odometer, the A/C started to putter out and then we lost power steering assist altogether. Both of these problems were attributed to a bad power steering pump, which was repaired under warranty. In August of 1999, we started to have problems with the remote keyless entry fobs. Using the key fob labeled "Driver 1" would, belligerently and without provocation, activate the seating position programmed for "Driver 2." In September '99, our Detroit editor detected a slight front-end shudder under light throttle. At first, people accused him of being a tad off his rocker, but they all ate crow after the problem was finally diagnosed as a broken engine mount in May 2000.

The Bose 4.0 audio system produced excellent sound, but was rather a nuisance to operate with its myriad controls and features. The Digital Sound Processing (DSP) feature on the stereo was programmed to the key according to a specific driver's preference, and we never figured out how to deprogram it, even after reading the owner's manual. Very obnoxious, indeed. Plus, the six-disc CD changer took up valuable interior storage space. We also found the hands-free telephone, trip computer and climate controls to be overwrought - a technophobe's worst nightmare.

There were a few tantrums about the Seville's automatic lighting system, with some drivers yearning to have more control over the headlights. Driving through tunnels and backing out of garages would make the Caddy think it was dark out, and so the headlights would come on, thus making it nearly impossible to read the dimmed electroluminescent gauges and digital displays for about a mile in bright sunlight. Also, the headlight illumination wasn't brilliant enough to inspire peace of mind during nighttime driving. We wished for HID headlamps. The chubby left A-pillar also inhibited visibility, posing difficulties when pulling into an intersection or merging.

The OnStar Communications system was a bit disquieting for some, who thought it was a little eerie that some stranger in Detroit had the capability to determine their location at any given time. Actually, the OnStar system proved extremely helpful in locating Cadillac dealers, but was less reliable when it came to finding restaurants and such. One passenger found it much more efficient to call information on her cell phone in order to locate a desirable dining establishment. Still, if you're caught in the woods, we imagine the OnStar would bring some peace of mind.

The Caddy's well-intentioned interior design received mixed reviews. The materials were silky to the touch and attractive to the eye, but they tended to fall apart. We also took issue with the light beige color scheme, which was nearly impossible to keep clean and therefore demanded an inordinate amount of upkeep. Another annoying interior design cue was the position of the seat memory controls, located on the door in a spot that led to frequent inadvertent activation. One of our colleagues in particular found herself accidentally resetting the seat positions whenever she pushed open the driver's door.

March '99 was the worst month for build-quality gripes and electrical bugaboos. The rearview mirrors on both sides weren't functioning properly, the stereo was shorting out intermittently, and various unexplained noises started to emit from throughout the vehicle. Our driver that month had a field day grumbling about the less-than-stellar assembly of our Caddy. He cited the loose weatherstripping on the doors, the sagging headliner and discoloring chrome wheels as primary offenders. The exterior paint didn't hold up too well, either; it was permanently damaged back in October '98 by some wet leaves that weren't wiped off right away - this isn't what we expected from a 50K-plus vehicle. Evidence of shoddy build quality continued to accumulate during our remaining year with the vehicle. For a complete run-down, check out the "Problem History" below.

Of course, the stalwart Caddy earned some fans during its two years with us, as well. Several of our staffers were pleased by its sexy V8, pampering interior and pure snob appeal. Front-seat occupants in the Seville were treated to dual-zone climate controls, generally comfy leather seats with adjustable lumbar support, classy-looking real Zebrano wood trim, a roomy glove box, a handy trip computer and an in-dash CD player with a console-mounted six-disc changer. The RainSense automatic wipers were well loved, as well. Rearward riders got cushy seats, three-point seatbelts and adjustable headrests, provided there were only two occupants. Whoever got stuck in the middle was pretty cramped and protected only by a lap belt, with no headrest. We liked the large storage area that can be folded down in the middle, as well as fan-speed controls, map lights and a 12-volt power point. Those in the back were certain to be aggravated by rear windows that didn't roll all the way down, though.

We turned in the Seville to Bewley Allen Cadillac in Alhambra, Calif., at the end of our lease without incident; we hadn't even incurred any excess charges, probably because we had the car serviced and cleaned up prior to the lease return. One interesting and unexplained issue presented itself, however: We found the engine to be down three quarts of oil, although no leaks were detected, so it's possible that a new problem was brewing with the Caddy. Fortunately for us, we never had to deal with it.

Our editor in chief was pretty much able to sum up our feelings about the Seville all the way back in March '99: "The Seville has been in our long-term fleet for nearly a year, yet no one is ready to say whether they love it or hate it. Should we drool over the powerful engine or lament the poor build quality? Should we praise the spacious interior or bemoan the inefficient use of space? Shall we stand in awe at the striking display of modern technology or laugh in our sleeves every time it fails to work?" We struggled incessantly with these questions, but were able to answer one with ease: Standard of the World? Oh God, we hope not.

With its abundance of thoughtful amenities, mighty engine and sophisticated looks, the Cadillac Seville managed to make a positive impression here at Edmunds.com during our two-year affair. However, the majority of our staffers would be hard-pressed to choose to own this vehicle over, say, a BMW 5 Series or Lexus GS 400, both of which would offer superior steering feel, handling and build quality. But then, we tend to appreciate cars that stay screwed together. Call us crazy.


What Edmunds.com says about the Cadillac Seville:

Pros: World-class engine, contemporary styling, superbly equipped.

Cons: History of not retaining value as well as rivals, electronic doodads could be costly to repair.


Best Logbook Quotes:

"Saw a new STS in a no-haggle showroom in Flagstaff, AZ. With no chrome wheels, no OnStar, no adaptive seats, and no CD changer, the no-haggle price was under $45K. That makes more sense to me than the price we paid for this gadget-laden frustration booth."-Christian Wardlaw

"Overall, the Caddy has spent its first few weeks in Detroit impressing us with its superb ride, power, comfort, features, sound system, and general feeling of upscale luxury. This car seems to shrug off Detroit's infamous potholed streets and frost-heaved freeways with equal disinterest. Yet it can feel downright athletic when pushed hard around town or on the highway."-John Clor

"I knew this wasn't my kind of car when a kindly elderly woman at the car wash told me how much she liked my Caddy."-Scott Jacobs

"OK, I really hate the Seville's lighting system. With DRL, Twilight Sentinel, electroluminescent gauges and a manual headlamp switch, it can be very difficult to tell what lights are on at any given time. I pulled up to a Burger King in Albuquerque after dark and the damn headlights weren't on, just the side markers and the fog lights. Who's the doofus at GM that came up with this system?"-Christian Wardlaw


What Owners Say About the Seville:

E-mail Commentary

I am a 22-year-old climbing the corporate ladder in Orange County, CA, and I purchased a 1998 STS back in March of 1998. I have since put over 65,000 trouble-free miles on my car. I have experienced none of the problems that you have mentioned in your long-term report. I have also owned a 1997 Lexus ES300 and can say that the Cadillac is not up to Lexus standards, but it is definitely the world standard as far as American automobiles go. I do have some complaints, though; wind noise in the rear of my car is greatly pronounced while on the freeway and I wish my idle were just a little smoother. I love my car, but I can tell you this, I think I love Lexus better and simply because of its quality of service. Cadillac treats you like a Cavalier owner, while Lexus treats you like a Lexus owner. Cadillac still has some catching up to do, but it is definitely on its way to becoming the standard of the world. - M. Calvillo, Santa Ana, Calif.

I have followed your evaluation of this automobile with interest. My comments parallel your observations. The best feature is, without a doubt, the engine. I do not consider this vehicle to be a world-class car due to the gosh-gee-whiz gizmos Cadillac loaded it with in order to justify the $45,000+ price. The interior is rather cheap-looking and I too am seeing the paint come off buttons, seatbelts that hang up, road noise and a front end that squeaks and moans. I had the car in three times under warranty due to the front-end noise. It is acceptable now, but periodically I can hear the squeak. The paint has held up quite well under the hot Georgia sun and the pollution of the Atlanta area. - B. Shaw, Marietta, Georgia

If I can remember back, there were complaints written from the Denver crew about the adaptive seats feeling "weird" and being "useless," or words to that effect. Well, duh, the adaptive seat technology comes from hospital beds used in burn centers on burn patients; the concept being that for a patient in bed for a long time (key words: long time), the air cells constantly adjust the pressure of the bed on the body, thus minimizing fatigue (or bed sores) over the long haul. So, same concept for long road trips in the STS. It minimizes butt fatigue. This technology has no meaningfulness during short trips to the grocery store and back home. It would feel weird in that case, just as a "burn bed" would probably feel weird when first getting on it. Get it, guys??? - R. Hill, Long Beach, Calif.

Editor's note: Does that mean that this Cadillac Seville STS was designed exclusively to be driven on extended road trips? That seems odd. So, no - I guess we don't get it.

Town Hall Commentary

I bought this car new with just 123 miles. The transmission failed and was replaced, then the fog lights, the door switches, the front suspension, the rear suspension, the steering wheel switches, the third brake light, the rear suspension again, the brake rotors, the water pump, the engine was overhauled because of oil usage, the body seam was faulty and the trunk filled with water, the engine was replaced because of oil consumption, the front seat frame was improperly riveted, the front exhaust pipe was replaced, the transmission shift linkage replaced, and there is more! When will it be enough? Does Cadillac care? NO! - owner7512

I also had many problems with a new 1998 STS. Many engine-related problems, and heating/air conditioning problems. In the first year the vehicle spent over 30 days in service. As a result, after 12 months of problems, and 9,000 miles, I submitted an extensive summary of the problems to Cadillac Customer Service, and with the help of an excellent dealer (Brown Brothers in Louisville KY), Cadillac REPLACED the vehicle with a new 1999 model of my choice AT NO COST! No questions, and no hassle! The 1999 model has been totally trouble-free for over one year, and is an excellent car. Customer service does not get any better than this. My experience has been if you work with the customer service people in a professional manner, and you have a supportive dealer, you can get the problems resolved. Good luck. - barkingpumpkin

As a 31-year-old owner of a 1998 Cadillac SLS, I would like to join in with the "I love my Cadillac and I'm not an old fart" chorus, along with the "I'm too much of an individual to buy a particular kind of car just because it's the hip thing to do" refrain. -- coolcaddy

I think the car is very sharp-looking and, as always with Cadillacs, it has one of the nicest interiors of ANY production car. I recently had the opportunity to drive a '99 STS, and what a ride! To begin, the Bose 4.0 sound system is the best OEM auto sound system, period! 425 watts! The wood trimming the steering wheel looked like it came from a Jag and the power tilt and telescoping adjustments were a nice addition. On the road, the car drives like a dream. It is no BMW 540, but that's what I like about it. It handles very well, yet still retains a very smooth and quiet ride. Smooth? Yes. -- etharmon


Summing Up:

Current Market Value*: $35,990
Depreciation: $16,347, or 31% of original MSRP at time of lease (June 1998)

Final Odometer Reading: 37,672
Best Fuel Economy: 24.3 mpg
Worst Fuel Economy: 9.5 mpg
Average Fuel Economy: 16.9 mpg

Total Body Repair Costs: $1,683
Total Routine Maintenance Costs: $304.48
Additional Maintenance Costs: $1,144.30

Warranty Repairs: 3
Non-Warranty Repairs: 6
Scheduled Dealer Visits: 6
Unscheduled Dealer Visits: 7
Days Out of Service: 11
Breakdowns Stranding Driver: 0

Recalls:

None.

Problem History:

When we received the Caddy in June of 1998, we noticed a loose A-pillar molding. The next month turned up loose weather seals and peeling paint on the steering wheel controls.

September '98 found a cracked steering-wheel-mounted hands-free phone button and a broken tailpipe mount.

In October '98, the paint on the hood of the Caddy was permanently damaged due to etching from some wet leaves. We should have wiped the leaves off, but we would have appreciated a more durable paint job.

November '98 saw the beginning of our electrical woes when the stereo and hands-free phone began shorting out, and the passenger-side rearview mirror began to lose its memory. Also, the weatherstripping on the driver's door came loose.

We were pretty good until March of '99, when the car ding-ding-dinged for an hour at one point for no apparent reason (all doors were shut tight), the power-adjustable seats started to make popping noises, the stereo system continued to short out, we found the carpet to be pulling away from the center console, other interior materials were sagging in various places, and the front suspension started to rattle and feel loose. Whew.

May '99 was the month of the faulty steering pump, which caused the power steering assist and air conditioning to malfunction.

In June '99, the driver's door was squeaking, the paint started to flake off the steering wheel-mounted radio controls and the trip computer started to act up, giving inaccurate mileage calculations.

In August '99, the key fob saga began, as the remote device started to activate the incorrect seat-memory position.

The following month, our Detroit editor noticed a front-end shudder during low-speed takeoffs and the seatbelt retractor housing on the driver's side came loose.

In November '99, with 27K miles on the clock, we thought it seemed a bit soon for the front brake reline we had to have done.

As we were getting ready to hand the keys back over to the dealer at the end of our lease in May of 2000, we noticed that the brakes felt weak with little pedal feel, the car was idling roughly, and one of the brake light bulbs was burnt out. We finally diagnosed the driveline shudder that had begun back in September as the result of an engine mount that had separated and started to leak. Also, the engine itself was short three quarts of oil, but no leaks were detected. Very curious.

Dealer Service Commentary:

Rickenbaugh Cadillac-Volvo in Denver, Colo.

"I arrived right on time after a helpful OnStar representative redirected me from Littleton to Rickenbaugh's actual location near Capitol Hill in downtown Denver. The service bay was packed full, but they got the car done quickly. Better yet, they didn't try to sell me anything I didn't need, and a fluid check, tire pressure check and belt check was part of the deal."

Red Noland Cadillac in Colorado Springs, Colo.

"Again, Anderson was disappointed. The problem this time was that he was told it would only take 30-45 minutes to get the Seville serviced, when in reality it took two hours. Complimentary hot cocoa and doughnuts smoothed Anderson's feathers as he sat wasting time in the dealership reception area, but he did muse that part of the reason people buy luxury cars is for V.I.P. treatment, and that nothing makes him feel like less of a V.I.P. than waiting around needlessly for service work."

Coral Cadillac in Pompano Beach, Fla.

"Since the power-steering problem occurred on a weekend, Schapiro was pleasantly surprised that he was able to get an appointment scheduled for the following Monday morning. The car was written up quickly by the service manager, who also arranged for a free loaner car while the Seville was being repaired. The loaner was a 1999 DeVille. After a few days with the DeVille, Schapiro had the following to say, "Drive one of these and you will realize what an improvement the Seville is."

Talarico Cadillac in Manchester, N.H.

"This scheduled maintenance stop (22,500-mile service) was supposed to include a tire rotation along with an oil and filter change, but the dealership didn't perform the tire rotation. The stated reason was that the front tires were in better condition than the rears, and it was best to keep the best tires in front given the front-wheel-drive layout of the STS. John reports that the Talarico staff was friendly and efficient."

Don Gooley Cadillac in St. Clair Shores, Mich.

"The new pads and turned rotors worked fine, and the bill said a new remote receiver and transmitter was installed under warranty. Cool beans. Even better, the fob actually seemed to be working properly. Key fob "1" made the info center read "Driver 1," so Clor set the seat and mirrors and drove off. And, almost as great as a functioning fob, Mrs. Clor discovered new Velcro helping to keep the waste bin mounted to the kick panel."

Martin Cadillac in Los Angeles, Calif.

"The staff at Martin Cadillac was professional but not always responsive. To their credit, they did call us to suggest that since we had new tires, we should not be having them do the standard tire rotation. It is always impressive when a dealer suggests that you don't spend some money."


Changes to the Cadillac Seville Since 1998

1999: Cadillac's new massaging lumbar seats are offered as an option on the STS. Heated seats become part of the adaptive seat package, whichis now available on both SLS and STS trim levels. And the optional OnStar mobile communications system will automatically notify the OnStar customer assistance center in the case of any airbag deployment, front or side, so that the center can dispatch emergency services to the scene. Previously, notification occurred only with a front airbag deployment. There are also three new exterior colors, Cashmere, Parisian Blue and Sterling Silver, and one new interior shade called Oatmeal.

2000: The Northstar V8s have been improved, and all models get a new airbag suppression system and the revised version of GM's StabiliTrak. A new ultrasonic rear parking assist feature and an advanced navigation system is optional on STS and SLS. There are also two new exterior colors, Midnight Blue and Bronzemist.

*based on Summer 2000 edition of "Edmund.com's Used Cars and Trucks," and expressed in U.S. dollars.