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1996
Cadillac Seville

Starts at:
$42,995
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New 1996 Cadillac Seville
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr Luxury Sdn SLS
    Starts at
    $42,995
    17 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Touring Sdn STS
    Starts at
    $47,495
    17 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

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Expert 1996 Cadillac Seville review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By
Full article
our expert's take

People above a certain age will remember that, when something was the best, it was called the “Cadillac” of its class.

Alas, quality control problems and bad marketing decisions in the ’70s and ’80s turned that into an anachronism.

But things changed when the Seville STS was introduced in the early ’90s, and the new interior and drive train refinements of this year’s model enhance the experience it offers.

Start with looks. This crisply formed car stands out in a broad-shouldered, crisp manner that’s elegant and sporty at the same time. With its deep white paint and sparkling chrome wheels, it’s clearly distinguished in a sea of bland black blobs that pass themselves off as luxury cars. No, the STS looks more like Arnold in a tuxedo.

It drives that way, too. Thanks to the Northstar system (that’s Cadillac-speak for their 4.6-liter, double overhead cam V-8), the car really moves. From O-60 takes a mere 7.3 seconds because this Caddy packs 300 horsepower through the front wheels. Despite full-speed traction control, this front-wheel drive sedan gets squirmy on hard takeoffs — but then, reining in all this power is half the fun.

The muscle is put down through a four-wheel, independent suspension with front and rear stabilizer bars. Additionally, Cadillac has fitted the STS with road-sensing suspension, which reads the inputs from the steering wheel and adjusts the damping at all four corners, as well as adjusting brake modulation and cornering traction.

The results of all this computerization is a firm but well-controlled ride. There’s some isolation, but cornering can be done with confidence.

It proved invaluable while piloting through the blizzard of ’96. The STS handled snow-covered, icy roads with the confidence of a four-wheel-drive vehicle. The traction control was a real boon on ice. The quick steering, GM’s electromagnetic system, varies the effort needed as speeds increase or decrease, but hasa disconnected feel to it. However, you’ll definitely still take the long way home.

That’s because this car can play the sedate luxury cruiser role very well. You glide majestically all day. But ask it to pound through the corners and the dual exhaust lets loose with a muted but audible growl. It’s sophisticated, but with a muscle-car character. As the scenery starts rolling by you faster, the only thing you’ll do is smile.

And you’ll be coddled all the way. The interior is new this year. The center console is now home to ventilation, stereo system and minor controls. The look is not too far afield of Lexus, but it’s an improvement. The radio and climate controls sport big, easy to use knobs. The AM/FM-cassette-CD player with 12-disc changer offers superb sound. The plastics and real wood veneer used are of fine quality.

By moving some controls to the center console, space was freed up to make the speedometer, tachometer and other gauges larger and easier to re ad. It’s a big improvement over last year. Door-mounted controls for windows, locks and mirrors have a more ergonomic feel this year. There are steering wheel-mounted paddles for the stereo and climate control. They’re very convenient and easier to use than the center-console controls.

Of course, a Cadillac has to pamper, and the STS does. The leather seats are rich and supportive, proving very comfortable. Heat for those seats and a power moonroof are optional. Automatic headlights are back this year, joined by a new Caddy feature, Rainsense. A module located behind the rearview mirror sends out a laser beam. This infrared beam counts the raindrops as they fall and activates the windshield wipers for you at the appropriate speed.

This car is too sweet to allow anyone else behind the wheel. From its powerful drive train to its athletic looks, the STS has tons of character, something increasingly rare in today’s automotive world.

Cadillac Seville STS tandard: 4.6-liter V-8, four-speed automatic transmission, speed-sensitive steering, Goodyear Z-rated tires, anti-lock brakes, keyless entry, Twilight Sentinel, power trunk pulldown, cellular telephone wiring, leather seats, electronic climate control, full console with cupholders, power seats, AM/FM-cassette. Optional: Upgraded stereo with trunk-mounted CD changer, chrome wheels, white diamond paint, Goodyear Eagle GA P225/60ZR16 tires. Base price: $47,495 Total: $51,693 EPA rating: 17 mpg city, 26 mpg highway.

1996 Cadillac Seville review: Our expert's take
By

People above a certain age will remember that, when something was the best, it was called the “Cadillac” of its class.

Alas, quality control problems and bad marketing decisions in the ’70s and ’80s turned that into an anachronism.

But things changed when the Seville STS was introduced in the early ’90s, and the new interior and drive train refinements of this year’s model enhance the experience it offers.

Start with looks. This crisply formed car stands out in a broad-shouldered, crisp manner that’s elegant and sporty at the same time. With its deep white paint and sparkling chrome wheels, it’s clearly distinguished in a sea of bland black blobs that pass themselves off as luxury cars. No, the STS looks more like Arnold in a tuxedo.

It drives that way, too. Thanks to the Northstar system (that’s Cadillac-speak for their 4.6-liter, double overhead cam V-8), the car really moves. From O-60 takes a mere 7.3 seconds because this Caddy packs 300 horsepower through the front wheels. Despite full-speed traction control, this front-wheel drive sedan gets squirmy on hard takeoffs — but then, reining in all this power is half the fun.

The muscle is put down through a four-wheel, independent suspension with front and rear stabilizer bars. Additionally, Cadillac has fitted the STS with road-sensing suspension, which reads the inputs from the steering wheel and adjusts the damping at all four corners, as well as adjusting brake modulation and cornering traction.

The results of all this computerization is a firm but well-controlled ride. There’s some isolation, but cornering can be done with confidence.

It proved invaluable while piloting through the blizzard of ’96. The STS handled snow-covered, icy roads with the confidence of a four-wheel-drive vehicle. The traction control was a real boon on ice. The quick steering, GM’s electromagnetic system, varies the effort needed as speeds increase or decrease, but hasa disconnected feel to it. However, you’ll definitely still take the long way home.

That’s because this car can play the sedate luxury cruiser role very well. You glide majestically all day. But ask it to pound through the corners and the dual exhaust lets loose with a muted but audible growl. It’s sophisticated, but with a muscle-car character. As the scenery starts rolling by you faster, the only thing you’ll do is smile.

And you’ll be coddled all the way. The interior is new this year. The center console is now home to ventilation, stereo system and minor controls. The look is not too far afield of Lexus, but it’s an improvement. The radio and climate controls sport big, easy to use knobs. The AM/FM-cassette-CD player with 12-disc changer offers superb sound. The plastics and real wood veneer used are of fine quality.

By moving some controls to the center console, space was freed up to make the speedometer, tachometer and other gauges larger and easier to re ad. It’s a big improvement over last year. Door-mounted controls for windows, locks and mirrors have a more ergonomic feel this year. There are steering wheel-mounted paddles for the stereo and climate control. They’re very convenient and easier to use than the center-console controls.

Of course, a Cadillac has to pamper, and the STS does. The leather seats are rich and supportive, proving very comfortable. Heat for those seats and a power moonroof are optional. Automatic headlights are back this year, joined by a new Caddy feature, Rainsense. A module located behind the rearview mirror sends out a laser beam. This infrared beam counts the raindrops as they fall and activates the windshield wipers for you at the appropriate speed.

This car is too sweet to allow anyone else behind the wheel. From its powerful drive train to its athletic looks, the STS has tons of character, something increasingly rare in today’s automotive world.

Cadillac Seville STS tandard: 4.6-liter V-8, four-speed automatic transmission, speed-sensitive steering, Goodyear Z-rated tires, anti-lock brakes, keyless entry, Twilight Sentinel, power trunk pulldown, cellular telephone wiring, leather seats, electronic climate control, full console with cupholders, power seats, AM/FM-cassette. Optional: Upgraded stereo with trunk-mounted CD changer, chrome wheels, white diamond paint, Goodyear Eagle GA P225/60ZR16 tires. Base price: $47,495 Total: $51,693 EPA rating: 17 mpg city, 26 mpg highway.

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
5 years / less than 60,000 miles
Basic
New: 4 years / 50,000 miles bumper-to-bumper; CPO: One year / unlimited miles bumper-to-bumper
Dealer certification
172-point inspection

Consumer reviews

4.4 / 5
Based on 5 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.8
Interior 4.0
Performance 4.6
Value 4.4
Exterior 4.4
Reliability 4.2

Most recent

  • Great value for your money

    Attractive car with great comfort and a pleasure to drive. Huge trunk and great sound system. Love the seat warmers in the winter. They don’t make them like this anymore! I loved driving it around town.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    8 people out of 8 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Very nice running car. Best one i have had.

    I loved the car had heated seats. And the A/C blast well when hot to. Very well kepts car. And stylish to. Not at all disappointed.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Smooth sailing

    First time owning a cadillac and can't express how comfortable the seats are and how smooth the suspension is for such a large car. Handles curves superbly with a punch behind the gas pedal that will leave you with a smile every time
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Great Caddy

    I bought my 97 xxx with 83k miles on it. Now 2 years later I'm already at 143k miles and have only had 2 minor problems, radiator and alternator (both to be expected at that kind of mileage). Overall, it's been extremely reliable and I've loved every second of driving it!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • One fun car to drive. Comfort, Sporty and fast.

    You can drive this car to dinner and a show or take it on a mountain road and let it rip. This car is there when you need it. Very quiet and smooth ride with all the gagets you could ask for. Step on the gas pedal and hold on. This car can leave those little sport tuner cars in the dust. I would buy another caddy any time. I'm hooked
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 1996 Cadillac Seville?

The 1996 Cadillac Seville is available in 2 trim levels:

  • Luxury SLS (1 style)
  • Touring STS (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 1996 Cadillac Seville?

The 1996 Cadillac Seville offers up to 17 MPG in city driving and 26 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

Is the 1996 Cadillac Seville reliable?

The 1996 Cadillac Seville has an average reliability rating of 4.2 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 1996 Cadillac Seville owners.

Is the 1996 Cadillac Seville a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 1996 Cadillac Seville. 100.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.4 / 5
Based on 5 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.8
  • Interior: 4.0
  • Performance: 4.6
  • Value: 4.4
  • Exterior: 4.4
  • Reliability: 4.2
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