General Comments:

I picked up this Seville because it happened to be on the lot the day my Eldorado crapped out. So far, it's a fine car, safe, comfortable, and elegant. But I've owned a 97 STS and every minute I drive this SLS I'm aware of the difference - less power, different gear ratios, less precise steering, no stability control. The STS handled like a sportscar, the "envelope" on the SLS is a lot more limited, I keep feeling I have to hold back. If you want a Cad and have a choice between a "Luxury" and "Touring" model, by all means spend the extra money for the "Touring," they're much better cars.

Faults:

Trunk Pull-down Motor has failed.

Antenna motor has failed.

CD Changer no longer recognizes Cd's.

General Comments:

I love my STS. It has it's share of problems, especially with over 125K Miles, but all problems so far have been minor. Good maint./upkeep will help keep these cars running good for a long time. Runs great and sounds even better. And with every option available on a Cadillac is a VERY comfortable ride. A pleasure to drive.

Faults:

Worn out battery; replaced the 8 year old stock battery just last Nov.

Replaced starter. Took a little time because it is located beneath the intake manifold.

New intake manifold gasket.

New trunk pull down motor. Rusted out due to leaking water into the trunk.

The gear shifter is wearing badly (leather)

General Comments:

This car hauls! Surprises people on the road who think Cadillacs are just granny cars. Also, when accelerating, the exhaust note has no match. Sounds terrific.

Routinely get up to 29.5 mpg according to the trip computer in the car.

Gotta love the styling.

There is some chassis shudder when driving over potholes or bumps when turning at speed.

The stereo, the Bose 200 watt system, sounds great.

Fit and finish could use some improvement, but I am willing to overlook this because of the performance aspects of the car.

Faults:

Since about 30,000 miles there has been a malfunction with the cruise control system. It will not release when you touch the brakes. The dealers cannot find or correct the problem.

The brakes pads and rotors had to be replaced at 40,000 miles cost $1,200.00.

Fuel pump went out at 50,000 miles, cost $900.00.

At 60,000 miles the power steering pump has gone out, cost $600.00.

General Comments:

It is my opinion that Cadillac does not have the customer service that they want to be famous for.

Faults:

The head gasket failed at 57000, which resulted in an overhaul. Cost $8250.

The alternator failed at 68000. $748.

The water pump failed at 68900. $274.

The transmission failed at 82000. $3769.

General maintenance this car has received: Oil changes, Mobil1 synthetic every 4000m, Coolant flushes, every 20000m, Transmission fluid/filters service, every 24000m. Brakes replaced at about 70000m. The usual items are of no trouble, just wear related items.

General Comments:

This is the third STS we have owned. It has been the most problematic, also. The first was a 1994, which also had a head gasket fail at 82000. The second was a 1995, which was trouble free, until it was rear ended and totaled. Thinking confidence was established, we purchased this 96 STS. Again, the major troubles resumed, and they aren't cheap. When a head gasket fails on a 4.6L Northstar engine, it cannot be repaired, it must undergo an overhaul.

The performance of these vehicles is exceptionally great! The styling is very distinctive, sporty and elegant. The interiors are comfortable and refined. The mechanical issues have scorned us from desiring another product from this manufacturer. We have given them outstanding maintenance, but it hasn't helped. After researching the products of this auto maker, we were disappointed. They are excellent when working, but are very expensive to repair.