1998-2003 Cadillac Seville STS

Cadillac intended the reworked 1998 {{{Seville}}} to be a world-class sport/luxury sedan, as evidenced by its being the first Cadillac since WWII built in left- and right-hand-drive versions. What it lacked in rear-drive European-handling acumen and Japanese refinement, it countered with computer-controlled suspension, drivetrain wizardry, and electronic conveniences. Most of the high-tech stuff delivered tangible results, but the last Seville still failed to win over driving purists.

SLS (Luxury) and STS (Touring) designations continued from the 1992 to 1997 Sevilles. The 1998's exterior was a subtle evolution of the previous design: softer and more refined, yet with a wider stance (a look that remained virtually unchanged for the final six model years). Underpinning the new skin was a stiffened chassis and refined steering/suspension, which gave this two-ton Caddy a heightened level of poise in hard cornering and quick maneuvers. Thanks to more aggressive rubber and a 25-horsepower bonus, STS buyers enjoyed even more capable handling and 6.8-second sprints to 60 mph.

Nearly every power-convenience Detroit fantasy was standard or available on the STS: A highly touted option was Adaptive Seating, with 10 automatically adjusting air cells in each front bucket to minimize driving fatigue. In real-world driving, it proved a complex and less-effective alternative to a well-designed conventional seat.

In model-year 2000, the Northstar engine was modified for lower emissions and to run on regular fuel, the StabiliTrak stability-control system was improved, and a CD-based navigation system was offered. For 2001, a sport package included 17-inch W-rated tires and suspension tweaks to match, tire-pressure monitoring, HID lighting, and rear-parking assist--a good package to seek out. Midyear, the quicker-responding Magneride System replaced the Continuously Variable Road-Sensing Suspension. The 2002 models could be optioned with XM Satellite Radio and an improved DVD nav system, and chrome wheels became standard on the STS in 2003.

A less-than-stellar service history and complex electronics make this car a good candidate for extended-warranty protection. Available through most Cadillac dealers, the Cadillac Certified Pre-Owned program offers an additional two-year/100,000 total miles beyond the original four-year/50,000-mile factory protection.

While the heyday of the midsize and large front-drive sedan has passed, the STS, being particularly well-suited to navigating in snow, is still a viable choice for certain buyers. With its computer-controlled suspension, highly evolved safety features, and sumptuous leather and wood-lined cabin, the STS remains a confident, luxurious driver for all seasons. In spite of sticker prices that easily topped $50K, its rapid depreciation and the appearance of a new rear-drive STS make this one a reasonable value in the preowned marketplace.