Segment:
Near-Luxury / Luxury Sedan
Target Audience:
Buyers seeking a comfortable, stylish, and technologically advanced American luxury sedan.
Key Competitors:
Lincoln Continental, Chrysler LHS/300M, Lexus ES, Acura TL, BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Defining Characteristics:
Front-wheel drive (standard) or optional all-wheel drive (Northstar V8), Magnetic Ride Control (optional), StabiliTrak stability enhancement, comfortable ride quality, luxurious interior appointments.
Trim Levels:
Standard Seville, Seville SLS (optional performance package), Seville STS (performance-oriented).
Powertrain:
Engine operation, transmission basics, fuel and exhaust systems.
Chassis:
Braking system, steering, suspension, wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Lighting system, instrument cluster, warning indicators, battery, basic electrical features.
Comfort And Convenience:
Climate control, audio system, power accessories (windows, locks, seats), interior lighting, keyless entry.
Safety And Security:
Airbags, seat belts, anti-lock braking system (ABS), traction control, security system.
Basic Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire inflation, bulb replacement.
Do It Yourself Tasks:
Minor repairs, adjustments, and common troubleshooting steps as deemed suitable for owner intervention.
Towing Considerations:
Guidance on towing weights, trailer hitch installation basics, and safe towing practices.
Safety Considerations:
Proper use of safety restraints, child seat installation, emergency procedures, and driving in adverse conditions.
Depth:
Designed for the vehicle owner, focusing on operational knowledge, routine maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Does not cover in-depth diagnostic procedures or component-level repairs typically found in a service manual.
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (driver and passenger)
NHTSA Side Impact:
5-Star (front and rear passengers)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System
Stability Control:
Optional StabiliTrak Stability Enhancement
Airbags:
Dual front airbags, front side-impact airbags, optional rear side-impact airbags.
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters for front occupants; three-point belts for rear occupants.
Audio System:
Bose premium audio system with CD player, optional navigation system, and steering wheel audio controls.
Dashboard Display:
Digital climate control display, analog gauges, and a driver information center with trip computer.
Parking Assist:
Optional Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist.
Keyless Entry:
Remote Keyless Entry system with illuminated entry and ignition.
Onstar:
Optional OnStar telematics system providing safety, security, and information services.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil.
Tire Rotation:
Every 7,500 miles
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed.
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace every 15,000 miles or annually.
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (GM dexos1 Gen 2 or equivalent)
Coolant:
GM P/N 89022443 (DEX-COOL Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant)
Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III/VI Automatic Transmission Fluid
Power Steering Fluid:
GM P/N 1050017 or equivalent (Dexron-VI ATF)
Engine Oil Leaks:
Potential for oil leaks from valve cover gaskets or rear main seal due to age and mileage.
Suspension Components:
Wear in strut mounts, ball joints, and control arm bushings leading to noise or handling issues.
Climate Control:
Issues with HVAC blend door actuators or blower motor resistor causing inconsistent temperature control.
Door Lock Actuators:
Failure of power door lock actuators.
Magnetic Ride Control:
Potential for leaks or failure of the adaptive suspension system components.
Cadillac Legacy:
Cadillac, established in 1902, is a renowned American luxury automobile manufacturer with a long history of innovation and premium vehicle production.
Seville History:
The Seville was introduced in 1975 as Cadillac's first front-wheel-drive car, evolving over generations to become a more technologically advanced and performance-oriented luxury sedan, often sharing platforms with Oldsmobile and Buick models.
Manufacturing Location:
Hamtramck, Michigan, USA (General Motors Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly Plant)
Production Period:
1998-2004 (Ninth Generation)
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Varied ratings depending on the specific year and components; generally praised for comfort and quietness, with mixed reviews on reliability in earlier generations.
Jd Power Awards:
Cadillac often received awards for dependability and overall quality in the luxury segment during this era.
Emisiones Standards:
Compliant with EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) emissions standards for the model year.