AMGoff
09-11-07, 03:08 PM
Let me first preface all of this by saying that this Cadillac is without a doubt, the nicest car I've ever owned.
I’ve been enamored by these automobiles since a very young age, having subsequently developed a lifelong infatuation with them. A Cadillac had always been the car I aspired to own; they were to me, the pinnacle of motorcars; they were in every sense of the term, "The Standard of the World." In trying to figure out how I cultivated this impression, I think it stems from the fact that as a child, those I knew who drove Cadillacs were adults whom I both respected and admired. There was the sheer grandeur surrounding the chance to ride in one. When in fact one is four feet tall and riding in one of these great machines, everything is downright spectacular. The large swaths of leather and wood, all of the tiny little chrome buttons and switches, and the wonderfully cavernous interior all amounted to an occasion as special as one's birthday, or Christmas, or waking up on an Easter morn to a giant basket of chocolate and candies.
I consider myself lucky to be in the position now where I can own and maintain one, but after three weeks of ownership I'm afraid the infatuation may have been for naught, but through the looking-glass.
Let me tell you the reality of the situation - birthdays mean you're only a year closer to your death, there is no Santa Claus, and the Easter Bunny is really only a big, burly truck driver named "Duke" or "Butch," that delivers the candy to your local supermarket. What's even worse than all of that? I'm afraid that Cadillac is not the "Standard of the World," not by a mile.
Even with my illusions shattered and hopes dashed, the Cadillac Seville is one hell of a good looking car.
Looking toward the exterior, a quick glance shows this generation Seville to be no different than its immediate predecessor. While still appearing to be chiseled from a solid block of metal, this Seville is a bit softer around the edges despite coming across as both leaner and more athletic overall. The lines running along the side panels are more pronounced than before, and flows nicely into it’s redesigned back-end. Around back one will find one of two external Cadillac wreaths affixed proudly into it’s LED brake light, which runs almost the full width of the car’s deck lid, nestled above the new, larger taillights. Around front, the trademark egg-crate grille is a touch lower than on it’s previous incarnation and is flanked by more rounded, integrated headlight clusters, anchored by the optional fog lamps installed beneath. Having been finished with the optional monochromatic package leaves overall brightwork limited to the Seville’s badging, window trim, and it’s also-optional 16” wheels.
All of this combined with it’s wide, hunkered stance provides this Cadillac with an inherent look that’s both aggressive yet conservative, powerful while being subdued. An appropriate appearance because, boy is it fast too.
I have yet to take the car to its electronically governed speed of 112MPH, the point where this Cadillac says, "No son, you've already eaten your cake," and proceeds to stop sending fuel to the engine. One can tell however, that with the proper rated tires and the removal of the electronic nanny, this car wants to run well beyond into territories occupied by marques that begin with "Ps", "Fs," and "Ls." Despite the fact I haven't quite reached that point of electronic chastising, the Seville feels as poised and collected at extra-legal speeds as any car with sporting pretenses should feel. Although there are some who think that a sporty, front drive car is an oxymoron, this Cadiilac really handles the task with aplomb.
GM has gone a long way in ensuring the Seville's sporting aspirations with it's continued development and incorporation of the Northstar System, an integrated powertrain, chassis, braking, and steering system that together provide a truly world-class ride. The crown jewel of the Northstar System is of course, the Northstar engine - an all-aluminum, 32-valve, DOHC V8 engine that produces a silky-smooth 275hp at 5600rpm and an earth-moving 300lb-ft of torque at a low 4000rpm. Cast for the role of handling all that power is GM's venerable "HydraMatic" 4T80-E transmission.
While only being a four-speed automatic, this gearbox is excellent at it's job, providing both near transparent operation during lazy-Sunday cruises as well as aggressive shift points for more spirited driving. It's inclusion of the Stabilitrak system helps to keep the 4000lb Seville pointed in whichever direction the variable-assist steering wheel tells it to go. This system, which has independent control over the Seville's four disc brakes also ensures that the car remains composed if the driver gets overly-confident with his driving abilities, within reason of course.
While the General may have outdone itself with this Cadillac's powertrain, one step inside reveals an interior more suited for the likes of say, Dame Edna than for actual royalty.
It's as if the original design team was on the right track and then suddenly, out of nowhere struck by some horrible, unknown illness leaving the unsuspecting victims bereft of all visual and tactile senses. To make matters worse, General Motors, scrambling in a panicked state, seemingly chose to replace them with those who could only be but a handful of mid-level accountants from Hyundai, some Chrysler junior marketing execs, and a janitor from Lexus for good measure.
The results were less than stellar.
Gone is all of the excessive, ornate ostentation from the land-yachts of yore. In it's place is an interior befitting a generic, non-descript, Japanese, entry-lux sedan. There hasn't possibly been a space this devoid of character since the 2000 Republican convention.
Take the wood trim for example, Cadillac went through all the trouble of trudging through the rainforests of Cameroon to chop down the revered and endangered Microberlinia bisulcata in order to adorn their cars with tasteful bits of real Zebrano wood, only to have mismatched pieces. Perhaps this is just an anomaly specific to my car, but it's noticeable, and it's irritating.
Then there are those seats, good in theory but bad in execution. It boggles my mind that even with eight-way directional control, adjustable lumbar, and adjustable height headrests, I for whatever reason cannot find a truly comfortable driving position.
And those map lights, what’s the point of even installing them?
There was a time when Cadillac used to install map lights bright enough to land a Cessna. Everyone remembers which one’s I’m speaking of – the one’s that were large enough to be pushed without even looking at them, the one’s which put off so much light that even Stevie Wonder could find what he was looking for. Soft light may be appropriate for ambient lighting, but not for a map light, not for a light with a purpose.
While there is more, I dare not delve any further for the sake of my own sanity, but this is not to say that there aren't some genuinely nice touches inside the Seville.
For starters, as someone who has never owned a vehicle equipped with both a tilt and telescoping wheel it is a welcome option, especially when trying to find that elusive driving position. Then there is the parking brake that self-releases once the gear shifter is moved out of Park - ingenious. As is the ultra-sonic rear-parking assist.
The one downside though is that I can never plead ignorance after backing over my neighbor's annoying dog, or children, ever again. I jest of course…
The automatic climate control is also top-notch. Anyone with a significant other who seemingly dwells along a different line of latitude than one’s own will especially appreciate its dual-zone operation.
The other "automatics" are welcome features as well, such as the optionally-equipped RainSense II automatic wiper system and the Twilight Sentinel automatic headlight system.
I have however discovered a slight annoyance when using the two in tandem. It seems that the automatic headlights come on whenever the wipers are on. To have the RainSense system active they have to be left on in the “intermittent” position. This all means of course that if I wish to take full advantage of the rain-sensing wipers, the automatic lights automatically become redundant. Needless to say I've opted to enjoy the automatic headlights as I, like many others use them much more frequently. This means I have resigned myself to manually operating my wipers.
How twentieth-century.
When all is said and done I really like this car, as the Cadillac Seville is without a doubt a fine automobile, but does this fine car stack up against expectations, against the illusion of what a Cadillac should be?
Not so much.
While GM went the extra mile with all of this car's underpinnings, they failed to back up their statement on the superficial level. Sure it's a handsome car and it's powered by a world class engine, but it is on that superficial level, that level dominated by all of man's senses, that one begs to ask a fundamental question.
What about this car makes it better than the rest of the competition?
For a car that is supposed to represent "The Standard of the World," I’m afraid the most telling answer is it's obvious lack of one.
2002 Cadillac Seville SLS Quick Look:
Four door, front-wheel drive, luxury sedan.
4.6L, 275hp, 32-valve DOHC V8
4-speed, automatic transmission.
Original MSRP - $48,209
Current Market Value* - $11,000-$14,000
5 year average depreciation value – 73%
EPA Mileage Estimates – 19/28mpg
Real world mixed-driving average – 20mpg
Performance - *****
Ride/Handling - ****
Comfort - ****
Interior - ***
Exterior - ****
Amenities - *****
I’ve been enamored by these automobiles since a very young age, having subsequently developed a lifelong infatuation with them. A Cadillac had always been the car I aspired to own; they were to me, the pinnacle of motorcars; they were in every sense of the term, "The Standard of the World." In trying to figure out how I cultivated this impression, I think it stems from the fact that as a child, those I knew who drove Cadillacs were adults whom I both respected and admired. There was the sheer grandeur surrounding the chance to ride in one. When in fact one is four feet tall and riding in one of these great machines, everything is downright spectacular. The large swaths of leather and wood, all of the tiny little chrome buttons and switches, and the wonderfully cavernous interior all amounted to an occasion as special as one's birthday, or Christmas, or waking up on an Easter morn to a giant basket of chocolate and candies.
I consider myself lucky to be in the position now where I can own and maintain one, but after three weeks of ownership I'm afraid the infatuation may have been for naught, but through the looking-glass.
Let me tell you the reality of the situation - birthdays mean you're only a year closer to your death, there is no Santa Claus, and the Easter Bunny is really only a big, burly truck driver named "Duke" or "Butch," that delivers the candy to your local supermarket. What's even worse than all of that? I'm afraid that Cadillac is not the "Standard of the World," not by a mile.
Even with my illusions shattered and hopes dashed, the Cadillac Seville is one hell of a good looking car.
Looking toward the exterior, a quick glance shows this generation Seville to be no different than its immediate predecessor. While still appearing to be chiseled from a solid block of metal, this Seville is a bit softer around the edges despite coming across as both leaner and more athletic overall. The lines running along the side panels are more pronounced than before, and flows nicely into it’s redesigned back-end. Around back one will find one of two external Cadillac wreaths affixed proudly into it’s LED brake light, which runs almost the full width of the car’s deck lid, nestled above the new, larger taillights. Around front, the trademark egg-crate grille is a touch lower than on it’s previous incarnation and is flanked by more rounded, integrated headlight clusters, anchored by the optional fog lamps installed beneath. Having been finished with the optional monochromatic package leaves overall brightwork limited to the Seville’s badging, window trim, and it’s also-optional 16” wheels.
All of this combined with it’s wide, hunkered stance provides this Cadillac with an inherent look that’s both aggressive yet conservative, powerful while being subdued. An appropriate appearance because, boy is it fast too.
I have yet to take the car to its electronically governed speed of 112MPH, the point where this Cadillac says, "No son, you've already eaten your cake," and proceeds to stop sending fuel to the engine. One can tell however, that with the proper rated tires and the removal of the electronic nanny, this car wants to run well beyond into territories occupied by marques that begin with "Ps", "Fs," and "Ls." Despite the fact I haven't quite reached that point of electronic chastising, the Seville feels as poised and collected at extra-legal speeds as any car with sporting pretenses should feel. Although there are some who think that a sporty, front drive car is an oxymoron, this Cadiilac really handles the task with aplomb.
GM has gone a long way in ensuring the Seville's sporting aspirations with it's continued development and incorporation of the Northstar System, an integrated powertrain, chassis, braking, and steering system that together provide a truly world-class ride. The crown jewel of the Northstar System is of course, the Northstar engine - an all-aluminum, 32-valve, DOHC V8 engine that produces a silky-smooth 275hp at 5600rpm and an earth-moving 300lb-ft of torque at a low 4000rpm. Cast for the role of handling all that power is GM's venerable "HydraMatic" 4T80-E transmission.
While only being a four-speed automatic, this gearbox is excellent at it's job, providing both near transparent operation during lazy-Sunday cruises as well as aggressive shift points for more spirited driving. It's inclusion of the Stabilitrak system helps to keep the 4000lb Seville pointed in whichever direction the variable-assist steering wheel tells it to go. This system, which has independent control over the Seville's four disc brakes also ensures that the car remains composed if the driver gets overly-confident with his driving abilities, within reason of course.
While the General may have outdone itself with this Cadillac's powertrain, one step inside reveals an interior more suited for the likes of say, Dame Edna than for actual royalty.
It's as if the original design team was on the right track and then suddenly, out of nowhere struck by some horrible, unknown illness leaving the unsuspecting victims bereft of all visual and tactile senses. To make matters worse, General Motors, scrambling in a panicked state, seemingly chose to replace them with those who could only be but a handful of mid-level accountants from Hyundai, some Chrysler junior marketing execs, and a janitor from Lexus for good measure.
The results were less than stellar.
Gone is all of the excessive, ornate ostentation from the land-yachts of yore. In it's place is an interior befitting a generic, non-descript, Japanese, entry-lux sedan. There hasn't possibly been a space this devoid of character since the 2000 Republican convention.
Take the wood trim for example, Cadillac went through all the trouble of trudging through the rainforests of Cameroon to chop down the revered and endangered Microberlinia bisulcata in order to adorn their cars with tasteful bits of real Zebrano wood, only to have mismatched pieces. Perhaps this is just an anomaly specific to my car, but it's noticeable, and it's irritating.
Then there are those seats, good in theory but bad in execution. It boggles my mind that even with eight-way directional control, adjustable lumbar, and adjustable height headrests, I for whatever reason cannot find a truly comfortable driving position.
And those map lights, what’s the point of even installing them?
There was a time when Cadillac used to install map lights bright enough to land a Cessna. Everyone remembers which one’s I’m speaking of – the one’s that were large enough to be pushed without even looking at them, the one’s which put off so much light that even Stevie Wonder could find what he was looking for. Soft light may be appropriate for ambient lighting, but not for a map light, not for a light with a purpose.
While there is more, I dare not delve any further for the sake of my own sanity, but this is not to say that there aren't some genuinely nice touches inside the Seville.
For starters, as someone who has never owned a vehicle equipped with both a tilt and telescoping wheel it is a welcome option, especially when trying to find that elusive driving position. Then there is the parking brake that self-releases once the gear shifter is moved out of Park - ingenious. As is the ultra-sonic rear-parking assist.
The one downside though is that I can never plead ignorance after backing over my neighbor's annoying dog, or children, ever again. I jest of course…
The automatic climate control is also top-notch. Anyone with a significant other who seemingly dwells along a different line of latitude than one’s own will especially appreciate its dual-zone operation.
The other "automatics" are welcome features as well, such as the optionally-equipped RainSense II automatic wiper system and the Twilight Sentinel automatic headlight system.
I have however discovered a slight annoyance when using the two in tandem. It seems that the automatic headlights come on whenever the wipers are on. To have the RainSense system active they have to be left on in the “intermittent” position. This all means of course that if I wish to take full advantage of the rain-sensing wipers, the automatic lights automatically become redundant. Needless to say I've opted to enjoy the automatic headlights as I, like many others use them much more frequently. This means I have resigned myself to manually operating my wipers.
How twentieth-century.
When all is said and done I really like this car, as the Cadillac Seville is without a doubt a fine automobile, but does this fine car stack up against expectations, against the illusion of what a Cadillac should be?
Not so much.
While GM went the extra mile with all of this car's underpinnings, they failed to back up their statement on the superficial level. Sure it's a handsome car and it's powered by a world class engine, but it is on that superficial level, that level dominated by all of man's senses, that one begs to ask a fundamental question.
What about this car makes it better than the rest of the competition?
For a car that is supposed to represent "The Standard of the World," I’m afraid the most telling answer is it's obvious lack of one.
2002 Cadillac Seville SLS Quick Look:
Four door, front-wheel drive, luxury sedan.
4.6L, 275hp, 32-valve DOHC V8
4-speed, automatic transmission.
Original MSRP - $48,209
Current Market Value* - $11,000-$14,000
5 year average depreciation value – 73%
EPA Mileage Estimates – 19/28mpg
Real world mixed-driving average – 20mpg
Performance - *****
Ride/Handling - ****
Comfort - ****
Interior - ***
Exterior - ****
Amenities - *****