2002 Cadillac Seville

Only one Cadillac model vies seriously against the luxury-car competition from Europe and Japan: the Seville sedan. In fact, quite a few Sevilles are sold elsewhere in the world, attracting affluent buyers who might otherwise be tempted by a midrange Mercedes, a Lexus GS sport sedan, an Infiniti Q45, or a 5 Series BMW. Seville is the Cadillac model chosen by buyers who appreciate taut handling and a firm but satisfying ride, along with a full load of the expected comforts and conveniences that make driving life a little bit more enjoyable.

The Northstar system is one of the most-recognized bits of automotive jargon today. At 300 horsepower, the Seville STS version produces 25 more horses than its SLS sibling.

In the Seville, though, those extras take second place behind road-going performance. This is a luxury automobile built for serious driving, placing control and confidence above lavishness and old-fashioned Cadillac cushiness. Marketed in its present form since 1998, the 2002 Seville again comes in two forms: Seville Luxury Sedan (SLS) and Seville Touring Sedan (STS). Both are equipped with 4.6-liter V-8 engines that run on regular fuel. Beneath the SLS hood, the V-8 produces 275 horsepower, while the STS gets a 300-horsepower rendition. Each engine mates with a four-speed automatic transmission. Naturally, the Seville is no economy car, with an EPA mileage rating of 18 mpg in the city. On the highway, the estimate jumps to 27 miles per gallon, but most drivers won't achieve such appealing averages.


Sevilles look about the same as before, with the exception of a revised wreath-and-crest badge for 2002. Both models ride on standard 16-inch tires, but the sedan can be equipped with optional 17-inch rubber to derive an even stronger statement. Cadillac's StabiliTrak system helps keep the sedan stable during difficult maneuvers, while four-wheel antilock disc brakes bring it to a halt with a minimum of fuss.

Exterior changes are subtle and include updated badging. Also, STS models (shown) now have an optional 17-inch tire/wheel package.

Several of the notable changes for 2002 won't emerge until the new model year is partly over. At some point in 2002, though, dealerships will have Sevilles with a next-generation MagnaRide system, XM Satellite Radio, and an integration kit for a tri-band cellular phone. For the moment, the revisions include an advanced DVD-based navigation system, an extended oil-change interval (now 12,500 miles), and upgraded functionality of the Radio Data System (RDS) radio.


Most notable of the mid-model changes is the MagnaRide system. Operating by magnetic action on fluid within the suspension struts, Cadillac claims that the system responds within one millisecond to sensors that detect changes in road conditions—apparently 10 times faster than any other system on the market. MagnaRide replaces the old continuously variable road-sensing suspension, and can change damping properties up to a thousand times per second, delivering optimum ride and handling qualities on rough pavement surfaces.