1997 Cadillac Seville SLS Northstar

Summary:

I definitely know I made an excellent purchase

Faults:

The car had a terrible clunk upon acceleration from a standstill. The "dog bones" cost about $130 for the pair, and some guy charged me $40 to replace. It has made all the difference in the world.

Right now, I see little erratic things related to the electrical system in my opinion. Erratic gas needle, for example.

Sometimes the volts read low, but when taken to Sears, they say everything is OK. If Sears does not want money, then I believe them!

I also hear a little suspension noise, but the ride is definitely not affected.

Tiny oil leak (gasp) as it is the rear main seal!

General Comments:

This Seville is extremely smooth.

Acceleration is awesome. I really do not push it because after all it's an older car with 90k+ miles.

The front seats are soft as butter. I could drive it all day!

When driven conservatively, the engine is whisper quiet, and can get close to 18 gallons in city driving.

I'm surprised, however, that the dash display, though functional and easy to read, does not offer the elegance one expects in a Cadillac, much less a Seville.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th September, 2004

11th Sep 2004, 11:00

This is actually an update to the article above, which I submitted. One day,after several hours of city driving, I pulled up to my driveway, but had to leave a few minutes later. Upon turning the key, the car did not star. Instead of dealing with the dealer or a national chain, I took the Seville to my backyard mechanic. He told me my starter had gone bad, as opposed to the alternator which Sears had told me had gone bad. It would be somewhat costly to replace due to the difficult position where the starter sits. A few hours later my car was running. All those little glitches are gone, too. I thought $290 was a little more than what a backyard mechanic should charge, but that was about $180 for the part and $110 for labor although the dealer would not have been cheaper.

12th Sep 2005, 10:25

It's about my review again. After 14 months and approximately 10,000 miles of driving this Seville, it has come time for me to put it up for sale. I have had MANY of the problems stated by so many reviewers on this sight, namely overheating, oil leak, and mysterious power drainage. Now, the automatic headlight won't go when it's dark out! I actually have to turn them on manually. Recently, during heavy rains, the steering feels like it lost its power assist. I'm attributing this to something having gotten wet due to the torrential downpour. To make matters worse, the driver's side power window got stuck on the down position, during the same torrential downpour. It will be a sad day when I sell it, but it's the best thing to do, financially. If you want a cadillac by all means get one. However, befriend a mechanic, or go to automotive school!!

18th Oct 2005, 07:27

It's me again. I wrote the article and the two reviews for this particular Seville. Here's the latest news: I sold it!!

27th Feb 2012, 21:23

I have the same starting problem with my 97 SLS. What did your mechanic do to fix it?

1997 Cadillac Seville STS 4.6 Northstar

Summary:

Muscle car in an Armani Suit

Faults:

Front Right Hub Assembley.

2 Wires in my stabilitrak sensors.

Mass Air Flow Sensor Got Dirty.

Seats Wear Fast.

One of the clamps to hold my passenger vanity mirror broke.

Battery died quick.

Bose back speakers blew.

General Comments:

This car performs great. I would call it a muscle car in a Armani suit. I haven't had the oil consumption problem like everyone else seems to have had. I am happy with the appearance and love the wheels. The car is great it just is really picky. The matience is expensive, it take a little more than 7 quarts of oil. It is fun to smoke the rice burners though, I have beat a 2004 Acura RSX Type S, Ford Mustang GT, Pontiac GTP, and a Cadillac Deville.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 25th August, 2004