1998 Cadillac Seville Review
1998 Cadillac Seville Review
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Used Seville for sale
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Engineered for world markets. Smooth V8 power. Full load of standard equipment. Contemporary styling. Plenty of electronic doo-dads to wow friends and neighbors.
Cons
- Still too much evident cost-cutting in terms of materials to rival Japanese luxury cars. Poor retained value history. Plenty of electronic doo-dads to ring up big future repair bills.
What’s new
Cadillac redefines the American luxury car by debuting an all-new Seville that boasts the performance, style, refinement and technological innovation necessary to play ball on a global level.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1998 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 $3.46 per gallon for regular unleaded in Georgia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Georgia
$227/mo for Seville SLS
Seville SLS
vs
$214/mo
Avg. Large Car
Vehicle overview
Since its rebirth at the 1991 North American International Auto Show, the Cadillac Seville has enjoyed premier status as the best American luxury sedan on the market. Imagine how the engineers and stylists selected to improve upon that award-winning design must have felt as they undertook the mission to create an all-new Seville for the 1998 model year. Thrilled? Terrified?
The goal was to produce a world-class performance car that offered consumers sumptuous luxury and all the technological goodies available today. At first glance, it appears as though the goal was met, and exceeded. The 1998 Seville once again embodies the best America has to offer. What's different this time is that in many ways, it also embodies the best of what the world has to offer.
For example, there are two engines available for the new Seville. Both are dual overhead cam engines, rated by critics who know about such things as among the best on the planet. A 275 horsepower-version of the 4.6-liter Northstar V8 goes into the Seville SLS. The Seville STS gets an additional 25 ponies under the hood. But this motor is smoother and quieter than the second-generation Northstar from the 1997 Seville. Induction and exhaust noise is muted, and engine-driven accessories are bolted directly to the engine block to tone down vibration and harshness.
Both Seville models have a slick shifting four-speed automatic transmission, but the STS comes equipped with a feature titled Performance Algorithm Shifting (PAS). PAS uses sensors to evaluate a driver's intentions, and programs the gearbox to behave like a manual transmission during spirited driving. For example, while approaching a corner and standing hard on the brakes, the transmission will select the proper gear for taking the turn before the car begins to change direction. Then, it will hold that gear in the corner, eliminating an upshift that could unsettle the Seville's balance.
StabiliTrak is standard equipment on Seville. What is it? According to Cadillac, it's like having a co-pilot on board. Sensors hooked to a microprocessor monitor steering angle and other driver inputs to determine what the driver is going to do. If the Seville responds in such a way that is inconsistent with the computer's expectation of what the driver intends, the system selectively applies the front brakes to help keep the car on the intended line. In snow or on ice, this can make the difference between remaining on the road or sliding off the pavement and into the woods.
Under the sheetmetal, the Seville is tethered to the ground by a Continuously Variable Road-Sensing Suspension (CVRSS) and an Integrated Chassis Control System (ICCS). CVRSS employs dampers at each corner to instantly adjust the Seville's ride and handling setup to accomplish the task at hand. Think of CVRSS as an active suspension without all the heavy high-pressure hydraulic hardware. ICCS reads the road surface and selects the optimum shock absorber setting within milliseconds. Together, these two systems are designed to provide optimum suspension control at all times, regardless of driver input or road surface.
Inside, passengers find luxurious leather appointments, Zebrano wood trim and an ergonomically functional control panel highlighted by electro-luminescent analog gauges. Interior storage is outstanding, with a glovebox that accommodates a Franklin planner, a clamshell-design center armrest console, and an umbrella tray under the front seat. Standard on the STS is a new Bose 4.0 audio system, which excels at providing crystalline sound reproduction through eight speakers and a trunk-mounted subwoofer. Available on the STS is an adaptive seating package: a network of inflatable air cells is installed in the seat cushion, seatback and side bolsters. The system automatically measures pressure in these areas and adjusts the amount of cell inflation to provide optimal comfort and support.
Styling is evolutionary, and it only looks dramatically different from the previous Seville when new and old are parked side by side. The 1998 model has a wider stance and a lower hood, resulting in a more aggressive appearance. The edges have been softened, and the contemporary look should wear well.
We could go on about the optional OnStar Communications system, the RDS stereo system, the second-generation front airbags, and other Seville goodies, but space is limited. What we have here is an outstanding example of American design and engineering. Our first impression is that the Seville is well worth every penny.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1998 Cadillac Seville.
5 star(33%)
4 star(46%)
3 star(18%)
2 star(3%)
1 star(0%)
30 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.38 out of 5 stars
Looks good but u should pass
John, 02/04/2009
1998 Cadillac Seville STS 4dr Sedan
Just three weeks into buying I started getting "check coolant level" I thought no biggie. I put some in but after a few weeks boom same problem again. Went online and seen Head gasket leaking was a common problem. I heard it's expensive. Still putting coolant in it. Now it says "servise suspension" tired of car. In process of selling it or trade in. Only had car for 11 months now.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Cadillac Rules !
cdiamond2@socal.rr, 01/20/2003
1998 Cadillac Seville STS 4dr Sedan
This 98 STS is the best. Got all the
options. Had to look hard for the wood
steering wheel and 4 heated seats. I get
outstanding MPG on the highway or hot
rod V-8 power. Love the Diamond/white
paint and comfy interior. Have other
fast cars but this one rocks !!!
5 out of 5 stars
1998 Cadillac Seville STS
Swift98, 06/10/2009
1998 Cadillac Seville STS 4dr Sedan
Best automobile I've ever owned, wouldn't want anything else, great power, very confortable, has all the options you need, great stereo system, heated front and rear seats, love everything about this car
3.88 out of 5 stars
98 Seville SLS
Mr. Bean, 11/20/2003
1998 Cadillac Seville SLS 4dr Sedan
My wife and I purchased this vehicle
used in 2000. We have had to replace
the drivers seat heater (the whole
cushion)that was warrantied. One
electric window motor; warrantied. Oil
changes are more than normal; the
Northstar V8 holds about 9 quarts of
oil. Great comfort and conveniences but
an expensive vehicle overall to
maintain.
1998 Seville Highlights
SLS
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $227/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 15.7 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 – Original0
- 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
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