Used 1996 Cadillac Seville Consumer Reviews
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Nice but move on...
stsnotagain, 10/26/2004
1996 Cadillac Seville STS 4dr Sedan
16 of 16 people found this review helpful
I always liked Cadillacs since I use to work for the dealership. I finally got a used STS in so to be great shape. Gorgous car with all the luxury and rides great. But beware of all the little things that WILL go wrong and will be expensive to repair. I bought mine one day and the next day the water pump gave out. $250 later from the Caddy dealer I had it back. After owning for about 3 weeks now and only 250 miles...half block seal needs replacing at $1900! Rack and pinion,struts,power window switch,still leaks antifreez and check engine light is now on for emissions. I would just look and avoid this car. These are known problems and thats coming from a ASE Master Tech from a Cad dealer!!!
Beautiful Car, But.........
Jim, 12/17/2004
1996 Cadillac Seville SLS 4dr Sedan
13 of 13 people found this review helpful
I bought my 1996 Cadillac SeVille from its original owner with 76,000 miles. I've driven it during the winter in Arizona. I started getting a "service transmission" on the message center, so I serviced the transmission by having the fluid and filter changed. The message continued, so I brought the car into a service facility, the code told the tech that it was a turbine speed input sensor, the part is under $100 but it's the last part to come out of the transmission so we're looking at 15 hours of labor. I was told by three national transmission repair chains that it is a common problem and a "design flaw". I got the word today that it's a $3,050 job. Cadillac basically told me that I'm on my own. BE CAREFULL!
1996 Cadillac Seville for sale near you
Showing 3 of 3 listings
- STS SedanMSRP: $2,995899 mi away
- STS SedanMSRP: $6,5001,203 mi away
- SLS SedanMSRP: $6,9951,236 mi away
A nice car
I LOVE MINE, 08/10/2008
1996 Cadillac Seville SLS 4dr Sedan
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
I've always wanted a caddy but never could afford a new one. So I found this one on Craigs list and fell in love with it. The power is amazing and all the features work well, with the exception of hesitation of the drivers side power window. Maybe I'm a lucky one but this car uses no oil between changes. It has aproximately 129,000 on it at this time. I'm glad they depreciate as they do, otherwise, i would not be able to own a car this nice.
Love the Northstar, hate the gremlins
Robert King, 02/13/2004
1996 Cadillac Seville SLS 4dr Sedan
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
Bought this car used in 1999. Have taken trips to California, Colorado and New York. I have enjoyed the car's engine performance and comfortable ride. I have always been impressed that a car that weighs this much can average over 29 mpg at high speed. I have however made many costly trips to the dealer for repair; water pump rear suspension air compressor, heater/AC blower motor, O2 sensor, the last and most irritating was in my garage when the security system failed. No cure other than towing to dealer for $400.00 worth of Ignition switch, keys and harness wiring. I love this car but will not be owning another Cadillac.
Rebuilding a 1996 Cadillac Seville SLS
GoldenRod, 07/26/2005
1996 Cadillac Seville SLS 4dr Sedan
11 of 12 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used with 65k miles on it. 3k miles later the engine needs to be replaced at 69k miles at a cost of $3,000. I also had to fix two window motors $600, ignition switch $400, alternator $600, and fuel line split (covererd under recall). Things that broke that I refuse to fix: transmission currently at 100k for $4,000 and air conditioner for $1,500 plus another dead window motor for $300. The new motor has roughly 35k on it and burns oil. I will NEVER buy a Cadillac again, and I honestly question the entire GM line up for quality. This car has been nothing but a constant stream of dealer drop offs.
Love looks-many problems
Cheryl, 08/22/2009
1996 Cadillac Seville STS 4dr Sedan
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
Purchased with 9000 miles.Bought extended warranty to 86,000 miles (lucky for me.Had engine replaced 40,000 miles-5 truck latches-4 sets of brakes-alarm-6 oxygen sensors-water pump-fuel inject-steering column smoked-heater core-air condition does not work-brakes wear uneven-brake light switch-blinker light switch. Told all problems are common for this car. Maybe we would think about improving.Also ABS and engine light always on now-whats up with that? I love the style and comfort. What a nightmare of a car.I now need to new headlight assemblies that are about $700.00 from Cadillac.I have 179,000 miles on it at this time.Oil use is still more than normal. Mileage 19-20 in town,24-28 on highway.
1996 Cadillac Seville
Americanluxo-sport, 12/18/2004
1996 Cadillac Seville STS 4dr Sedan
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
My gold 1996 Seville STS has been regularly serviced at the dealership from day one in 1996. This Cadillac's transmission was replaced at 99,000 miles and the repair cost was almost $4,000. Make sure you get a transmission check before buying this car because repairs of any major mechanical flaw will cost you some serious money.
Easy Rider
Jezk, 06/03/2008
1996 Cadillac Seville SLS 4dr Sedan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I bought this vehicle brand new and have used it for just short of twelve years. The car rides and performs well, but is expensive to service and maintain. I estimate that to own and operate this car (less gas and tires) over 137 months was $68,500 or roughly $500 per month. All service work was performed by the dealer and the car still performs well with the exception of check transmission and check engine lights which occasionally come on and then go off. From the Edmunds Web site I learned that the fault is a defective "turbine speed input sensor" a $100 part that takes 15 hours of labor to replace at a cost of $3050 or $4000 for a rebuilt transmission.
My Caddie, my comfort.
Milano, 08/25/2008
1996 Cadillac Seville SLS 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Bought the car from dealer with 40,000 miles on it. Dealer has free 90 days warranty. Brought it back week before warranty expired, and dealer fix the problem of leaking oil. Also dealer did all recalls. Some minor electrical glitches which I was able to fix with the help of code reader, and parts from local junk yard. Today the car has 105,000 miles with just oil and gas. Driving often to Vegas 800 Miles one way. It is blast to go over mountains or Utah plains, super AC, plenty of power, Bose music system with CD exchanger is mobile concert hall. In town 19 mpg, out of town 28 mpg. I will go with Seville again even they do not make them anymore.
Never again
teleman, 09/20/2003
1996 Cadillac Seville SLS 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I have never owned a vehicle that gave me as much irrating trouble as this one. What kind of trouble you ask? How about the oil consumption, 3-4 quarts between oil changeS. You would think they would recal the things for the fix. Instead, they want us to pay for it. Then there is the notorius oil leak. Then there are the ever present sensor problems and the Cadillac electric window problems. My brother just bought a CTS. After only 10K miles, had to have a new rack put on it. Then the elec problems started. What a joke! I would NEVER OWN ANOTHER CADILLAC! Cadillac sucks as far as a quality automobile...IMHO
Never Again!!
MoveOn, 05/01/2005
1996 Cadillac Seville STS 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I have always loved Cadillacs...until I bought one. This car has been an electrical nightmare! Bought a very clean low mileage Seville STS...I have the ABS, Traction Control, and Check Engine lights on. It needs oil every 1,000 miles, new struts,new bushings, a new oxygen sensor, ABS module...ehh I could go on but you get the idea. Oh and the car only has 58k miles. Toyota here I come!
Not so great
nomoreCad, 10/26/2004
1996 Cadillac Seville STS 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Bought the car for trip purposes and it rides well. Great power from the Northstar. Less than a year later Im ready to get rid of it. Alot of problems with this car which will cost you dearly at the dealership!! You pretty much have to carry around several courts of oil since it does eat it often. Numerous problems with sensors and electrical gremlins and suspension. Its fools gold....avoid it!!
$$$$$$$$$
J.D.Loud, 11/27/2002
1996 Cadillac Seville SLS 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I have loved this car for the last 4 years!! and then the extended warranty ran out!! Just got it back after a transmission overhaul at 64,000 miles. My last two Cadillacs had far more miles and no problems. Mechanic told me the North Star has oil leaking problems, as does mine. Think it's time to switch.
A SWEET RIDE!!!
GRIZZ2, 12/17/2002
1996 Cadillac Seville STS 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
MY BLACKCHERRY STS, WAS PURCHASED WITH 37500 MILES AND CAME WITH THE GOLD PACKAGE, VOGUE GOLD STRIPE TIRES RATED @ 140 MPH. THE NORTHSRAR PULLS HARD ALL THE WAY TO 145 MPH [I RAN OUT OF SPACE IN N.D.] AND THE FRONT END OF THE CAR STILL ROSE WHEN I FLOORED IT AT 145 MPH! THE STS RUNS FLAT @ HIGH SPEEDS AND FEELS VERY STABLE. HOWEVER, DO "NOT" RUN ANYTHING LESS THAN Z RATED TIRES AS THE STEERING IS SO TIGHT THAT MY S RATED TIRES WILL SLIDE 2-5 FEET IN A HIGH SPEED CURVE AND IT'LL GIVE YOU A REAL RUSH!! UPDATE YOUR AIR FILTER TO A K&N FILTER AS YOU WILL GAIN 250 RPMS @ SHIFT POINTS AND INCREASE FUEL MILEAGE 2-4 MPG.[I GET 23 MPG @ 75 MPH ON CC. --TRY ONE--
Oil Thursty Caddy
Tonyl, 11/29/2003
1996 Cadillac Seville STS 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Just before the warranty ran out, I noticed the car "using" oil. I was told that it was normal for a Northstar engine with over 50,000 miles on it to "use" oil at a rate of 1qt. per 1,000 miles. When I asked them to define "using", they of course could not. I understand that the car may actually be burning that oil and that it is not immediately noticable because the tell-tale blue smoke that is usually associated with burning oil is captured in the catalytic converter. For those of you who are being sold a decarbonization process for $500, don't agree to it unless GM is paying for it. The process does not do a thing for the oil "usage"!!
more than a few problems
ppd1969, 08/05/2002
1996 Cadillac Seville SLS 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I've had to replace A/C compressor, have had electrical problems w/ windows, doors(remote) and trunk actuator, check oil level light never clears. Other than that is fine.
Nickel and Dime
Wammie, 09/05/2002
1996 Cadillac Seville SLS 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This car can nickel and dime you to death. In 2 years of owning this car I have had problems with... Suspension, Transmission, Driver Seat Conroll Module, Passenger Door Lock, Trunk Pull Down (Worst car feature ever), Starter, Electric windows.
Nice STS
Mike White Cadillac , 08/14/2003
1996 Cadillac Seville STS 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have enjoyed this car. I have had the usual mechanical things happen. Fuel pump, water pump, belts, spark plug wires ect. This started around 125,000 miles. I am now at 178,000. She runs great. Very fast, good handling. Still looks great. Bad cup holders.
Da best Caddy
Tom cruse, 04/22/2002
1996 Cadillac Seville STS 4dr Sedan
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Our caddillac seville STS is the best car ve owned.Its style and Cadillacness shine to the other pepole who wach it Cruse down the street. Its preformance is great 0-60 in about 7 sec.4,6 l 300 Hp. is incredebly fuel Econom.14-16l in town and it would probobaly get down to 12-13 l on the higway.Its interior is great,wood int. Its BOSE sound system is great 12 disc cd player. Ower all cool car.
Great car!
stsgirl96, 02/17/2008
1996 Cadillac Seville STS 4dr Sedan
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I have a 96 STS pear white. I bought it used with 160,000 miles. I am its 4th owner. I have owned alot of cars and I have to say by far that this one is the best. Yes, maintenance on these are quite expensive, but so are lexus and bmw maintenance. I think this is a great quality car. I have had alot of the same problems as others but I still love this car! Its a personal preferance. Either you love it or you hate it. I love it!
Garbage
Joannie, 08/10/2003
1996 Cadillac Seville STS 4dr Sedan
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
My service engine light has been on continuously for 3 years. The air conditioning does not work and I have spent thousands of dollars attempting to rectify whatever may be wrong with the electronic system of the car. I was told by one mechanic, "There were problems with the computer systems of the 1996 Cadillacs but your car is not under warranty."
Nice used car with lots of comfort
Brian Baker, 09/29/2018
1996 Cadillac Seville SLS 4dr Sedan
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Large car with smooth ride
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Nice, Sporty Family Luxury Vehicle
Darlene, 01/02/2005
1996 Cadillac Seville STS 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
My 1996 Cadillac Seville is fast. It is a pleasure to drive. The front spoiler is low to the ground and when driving one has to take care in turning in to high curb driveways. This car had a recall for a fuel line problem which Cadillac promptly took care of in 2004. This is the only non-maintanence issue or repair that I experienced besides a starter I had to replace. The car is equipped with remote start, which I use often accounting for the extra ware on the starter (or so I was told). Otherwise this is the sharpest sedan I would ever care to drive. It is an unassumingly, beatiful car in pearl white. I love it.
Fabulous Car in All Aspects
Kent Bennet, 01/23/2007
1996 Cadillac Seville STS 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Back in '96 I paid $52,000 for this car brand new with all the options and it has been worth every penny. The ride is very smooth and there is hardly any road noise. I really like the exterior styling and the chrome wheels looked nice as well. The interior was possibly my favorite part of the car, heated seats and the Bose system was awesome. The fuel economy was maybe my least favorite part, but the mileage was decent for a V8. The only problems was premature brake wear and a slight burning of oil. I had to add a quart every 3,000 miles. Other than that I had no problems with this car. I hope the new STS I bought will be just as good as this STS Seville. It had 181,000 miles and still ran very well.
96 STS
Betty, 08/29/2002
1996 Cadillac Seville STS 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
The car feels, looks and drives luxurious. The outside mirrors are huge, but don't give visibilty to warrant their size. I've had a Rolls Silver Spur and several Lincolns,I really prefer this size wise. The ride is great.
Love this Car
Me, 12/25/2006
1996 Cadillac Seville STS 4dr Sedan
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
I just recently bought this car back in November and am glad that I did. It has so many features you would not expect in a car that is this old. The Northstar is an awesome engine and burns a little oil. The styling of the car is really nice as well.
A Great Car
Seal Man, 06/11/2002
1996 Cadillac Seville STS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have a 96' STS. I've enjoyed the car since day one. I bought it with 45000 miles on it in 98'. It now has 145000 miles on it. The power of the northstar engine is amazing! It will try and slip on you between 1st and 2nd at full throttle. I have yet to find the top end. The car handles well. Some bounce at this point but it holds the road when asked. The interior is set up well. Nice Bose system with changer. Automatic windshild wipers are very cool. The air conditioning works great even in the summer heat. You will love this car!
Satisfied Caddy Owner
J.Davidson, 06/17/2002
1996 Cadillac Seville SLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This 96 Cadillac SLS has been to the shop only 2 times both under warranty. one of them on tranny. other insignificant. Recent mileage on the road, 25.5. Very lively for its bulk. Quiet and comfortable. Drawbacks. Difficult to read instruments in daylite High initial price and high depreciation
Best Car I've Ever Had
Satisfied Caddy Man, 07/06/2002
1996 Cadillac Seville SLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've owned 8 cars in 25 years and this is the best one so far. Comfort is great and the gas mileage is wonderful for a big powerful car - 30 MPG @ 75 MPH with 1000 lb of passengers and luggage! The only real problem so far has been a leaking rack & pinion at 65,000 miles - cost alomost $1,000 to replace. My prior car was an '86 Lincoln Continental. The Caddy is ten times better.
2nd owner blues
ron Stecker, 08/01/2002
1996 Cadillac Seville STS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought the car used in 98 with 35k miles now ahve 72k. Car looks great run good but had to replace struts at 65k miles. Cost $3k, yes $3000 also had the battery go bad and the dealership charged us $100 to read the computer...our fault we don't deal with them anymore. The car also depreciates more than average
Awesome Motor
caddy lover, 12/25/2002
1996 Cadillac Seville STS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought used, already had a/c comp. and 1 strut changed. Has been great to me so far, by far the best ride and motor I have ever owned
Civilized HotRod
Ash, 12/05/2004
1996 Cadillac Seville STS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
What more can I say? You have to drive this car in order to appreciate its comfort, performance, and the service at your caddy dealership. The motor runs strongand feels new. I have hit close to 120 mph and there was no vibration of any kind. Watch out for repairs! A new tranny can run close to $4 K at the dealership. Mine was replaced at 99K by the dealership so I dodged that bullet. If looking to buy, make sure the tranny has been serviced regularly, or its big bucks out of your pocket. Other than that I prefer my cadillac over the Euro Luxo group.
Good riding car, great performance
Carol, 01/21/2005
1996 Cadillac Seville STS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I was dragged kicking and screaming to purchase a cadillac by my spouse. Our 1996 Cadillac Seville has been a wonderful car with few problems. The AC leaked and we had to replace the compressor while it was under warranty. Also, we recently had to replace the switch on the trunk closing mechanism and get new brake rotors. At 122,000 miles, that is an excellent record. I do have to add oil about every three times that I fill up with gas though. We purchased our Seville as a three year old car with 26,000 miles. It is an excellent car.
Used 1996 Cadillac Seville STS
rob42240, 02/10/2005
1996 Cadillac Seville STS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my 1996 Cadillac Seville STS in 2001 and it had approximately 37,000 miles on it. I also purchased an extended warranty for it for $1,800, which at the time I thought was a little expensive. It actually ended up paying for itself. All of the problems with this car were fairly minor, but they seemed to add up. A water pump went bad and was replaced. One of the power window motors had to be replaced. I had all of the hoses and belts changed out, new brakes put on and I replaced the blower motor for the air conditioning (I wouldn't do it again myself - take my word for it, you don't want to do it). Oh, the compressor for the air conditioner went out and was replaced under the insurance. I have 107,000 miles on the car and I haven't had any problem lately.
Great car
WENCES LOPEZ, 03/07/2005
1996 Cadillac Seville STS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has everything that most of people look in a car. (style, name, great sound system,and performance.)
Great Car
Arthur, 10/31/2006
1996 Cadillac Seville STS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I paid over $45,000 for this car brand new so I hoped that it would be worth it and it was. There are so many features it is amazing and they all work well. The Northstar engine still runs like it is new with 139,000 miles on it. I have been very fortunate and not had any problems with the oil burning.
Nice Car
Freddy L., 12/09/2006
1996 Cadillac Seville STS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have never had any problems with my Seville except for minor oil burn, about one quart every 1,500 - 2,000 miles. Other than that nothing. This car is extremely responsive and takes high speed turns very well for a 3800 vehicle. The Bose stereo system sounds nice but is not spectacularly loud. The low beam headlights do not have great range, but high beams are fantastically bright.
Very Nice Car
Dave, 12/24/2006
1996 Cadillac Seville STS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just recently bought this car. I was going to buy a newer LS but saw this car for sale and decided to drive it. I was really impressed. Its handling is great and EXTREMELY responsive. The car has 145,000 miles on it and it runs fine. I probably will only have it for another year, but it will keep me satisfied. I might stick with another Cadillac for my next car.
seville
TWF, 07/27/2003
1996 Cadillac Seville SLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
its fun to drive and has pleanty of pickup. The heated seats are just great after a round of golf and a sore back.