Vehicle Overview
Only one version of Cadillac’s Seville sedan is available in the 2004 model year, and that one will be discontinued in December 2003. Cadillac halted production of the STS (Seville Touring Sedan) in May 2003, leaving only the lower-priced SLS (Seville Luxury Sedan) edition. The Seville is disappearing to make way for the company’s new STS performance sedan, which is based on Sigma architecture; it will go into production in the summer of 2004. Used for the first time in 1956, the Seville nameplate will be retired completely.
Nothing has changed for the final Seville SLS, which earned a freshening in 2003. The Seville is still loaded with technical features, including GM’s StabiliTrak electronic stability and OnStar communication systems, rain-sensing wipers and side-impact airbags. An Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist system warns of obstacles to the rear while parking. XM Satellite Radio and a navigation system are optional.
Exterior
Front-wheel-drive Sevilles have served as Cadillac’s primary export models due in part to their moderate size. Sevilles are 201 inches long overall, which is 6 inches shorter than the Cadillac DeVille. Unlike the rounded appearance of the DeVille, the Seville has retained a more angular profile. The Seville is less than 56 inches tall and rides a 112.2-inch wheelbase.
Interior
All Sevilles accommodate five people. Front bucket seats with 10-way power adjustment and power-operated lumbar support are standard. A power tilt/telescoping steering wheel is among the Seville’s convenience features. Standard equipment includes leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio and climate controls, heated front and rear seats, and a cassette/CD player.
A navigation system with touchscreen controls and a 5-inch color display screen in the dashboard is optional. GM’s OnStar communication system is standard, and two premium services are available. As a safety feature, Web-browsing and e-mail capabilities do not function unless the car is stopped.
Under the Hood
The 4.6-liter Northstar V-8 engine in the SLS produces 275 horsepower and 300 pounds-feet of torque. It drives a four-speed-automatic transmission. The engine will run on regular fuel, but Cadillac recommends the use of premium gasoline for the best performance and fuel economy.
Safety
The Seville has side-impact airbags for the front seats, antilock brakes and traction control. StabiliTrak is also standard.
Driving Impressions
Sevilles have long been considered the sportiest-handling Cadillacs; they deliver a satisfying highway experience with impressive control. Performance also is a bonus. Even with the lower-powered SLS engine, the Seville driver needs to merely tap the throttle to unleash vigorous responses that are aided by a smooth-shifting automatic transmission. Sevilles are loaded with technological extras that don’t diminish the car’s basic attributes.
