Cadillac
is one of the most recognizable luxury brands in the U.S., and with good reason. It was the first automaker to offer enclosed cabins, all the way back in 1910. Cadillac was also responsible for some notable mechanical innovations, including the electric starter and smooth-sailing Magneride suspension used in many modern vehicles.
As a testament to their popularity, most Cadillac cars also have very long production runs. In fact, the Cadillac Seville was on the market for over 30 years! Money Inc
takes us through the Seville's historic evolution from a classic lowrider to a modern sedan. Appreciating the 1976 Cadillac Seville
In 1975, GM released the Seville to directly combat luxury imports from German automakers. The Seville is a smaller version of the DeVille sedan, which was entering its fifth generation when the Seville came out. Despite their differences in both size and styling, both of them had nearly identical power outputs.
The 1976 Cadillac Seville made 180 horsepower thanks to its fuel-injection 5.7-liter V8. However, because of its lesser curb weight, it had better acceleration and improved handling compared to its larger sibling.
The 1976 Seville was also packed with the most luxury features available at the time. It had automatic air conditioning, power windows, a power antenna, AM/FM radio, and a digital clock made from quartz. Power brakes and power steering were also included.
The interior was made of luxury cloth that could be had in several colors, including dark blue-green and white-gold. The first 2,000 units all had the same exterior color, which Money Inc describes as "Georgian silver".
Was the 2004 Cadillac Seville STS the best one?
During its final model year, the Cadillac Seville continued to impress consumers. Despite having a smaller V8 compared to its ancestor, it could now make 275 horsepower. Its smooth-shifting four-speed automatic transmission is one of its highest points, according to Cars.com
. It also exhibits satisfying performance on the highway and is considered more reliable compared to its stablemates. That's because GM fixed many complaints that plagued the older models including a malfunctioning gasket issue, and more work being done on the head bolts.
Drivers got to ride in style on leather bucket seats accented by Zebrano wood. You'll usually pay around $10,000 for a used model, a great bargain for a car that still exudes luxury despite its age.
MORE: American Vs German Automakers: The Cadillac STS-V
Other interesting models through the years
Early in its production run, GM partnered with Gucci to create one of the fanciest examples of this car. From the exterior to the interior, there are plenty of Gucci badges and patterns. The Gucci Seville was so popular that it was immortalized in the form of a Hot Wheels toy.
The Seville Convertible is another beautiful model, but much harder to find because it was never available as a production car. The 2000 Cadillac Seville gained popularity for its massive redesign, with more tech and a new nose.
Regardless of which Seville is your favorite, all of them offer exceptional performance and aesthetic appeal.
MORE: The Cadillac Seville was a unique timepiece of the 1980s.
What can you expect to pay for Cadillac Seville insurance?
Our research
shows that most drivers pay about $1,440 a year in Seville insurance premiums. That's more than 50% off the insurance cost of a brand new Cadillac! Luxury cars actually have faster depreciation rates compared to the average vehicle, which makes them much cheaper to purchase and insure secondhand.You may be able to save an extra 22% off your Cadillac Seville insurance when you shop for a plan through Jerry
. That's because one in-app search instantly finds the best quotes from top insurance carriers in your area. 
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