Trim Levels: SLS, STS
MSRP range: $42,495-$46,995

Notes: Cadillac's sport/luxury sedan was redesigned for 1998; for the first time since the 1980s, it did not share its platform with the Eldorado 2-door coupe. Instead, the new Seville, available in SLS and STS trim levels (as before), shared its platform with Oldsmobile's Aurora, and the new Buick Park Avenue from 1997. This was GM's G-body: at its time, one of the most rigid cars built in America, hence well-suited to sporting applications. Intended to make an impact in international markets, the new Seville was also slightly shorter than previous models, in keeping with world tastes -- around the globe it was about five inches shorter due to the absence of 5mph bumpers. A revised interior was nevertheless larger and more comfortable, with a higher roofline to benefit taller passengers. Both models continued to use the Northstar V8/4-speed automatic drivetrain, the STS featuring a taller final drive ratio for better performance. Poised as a competitor in the mid-luxury field, the Seville was one of the few front-drive entrants to the class. Although it clearly was aimed at the sports sedans of Germany and Japan, the Seville was also GM's answer to the large, front-drive Lincoln Continental (and Chrysler's temporarily discontinued LHS). These were neo-classic American sedans, featuring an abundance sophisticated technology, whose front-drive configurations were well-suited to snowier climes. The new Seville was exactly 0.1 cubic feet short of being classed as a large car by the EPA.

Series: 1998-2004

PERFORMANCE