2001 Cadillac Seville STS

There aren't many American cars today with nameplates that have been around as long as several Cadillac models. The Seville, however, dates back to '56, although not continuously in production since. Cadillac's '01 Seville has nothing in common with the hardtop Eldorado Seville of more than 40 years ago, save its name. What remains is Cad's modern-day take on a front-drive midsize luxo/sport sedan, which was most recently redesigned for the '98 model year.

Whether in SLS (Seville Luxury Sedan) or STS (Seville Touring Sedan) trim, it appears leaner than the full-size DeVille, while retaining the muscular cues more indicative of a driver's car. With slightly higher horsepower, a firmer suspension, and new 17-in. rolling stock, the STS is the more performance-oriented version. The 300-hp Northstar V-8 is subtle and quiet during gentle urban maneuvers, but moderate to heavy throttle applications provide kick-in-the-pants acceleration and a very authoritative engine/exhaust note.

The Driver Information System on the STS is representative of the sophisticated accessories the car offers. It displays all the expected trip-computer information, such as instant/average mpg, distance to empty, etc. It also tells you, for example, how much life is left in your engine oil and transmission fluid.

Onboard tire-pressure monitoring is also optional, allowing readings of each tire at any time; you'll automatically be warned of excessively high or low inflation. More automatic features abound: programmable door locks, windshield-wiper-activated headlamps, memory seats, Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist, OnStar communications, voice-controlled infotainment with Bose audio system-get the picture? Our STS was by far the least expensive player in this test, starting at $48,045 and ending up at $53,895-nearly $25K cheaper than the Mercedes S-Class.

Historically, new General Motors power and convenience features have often debuted on Cadillacs. Although not all the features and options on the current Seville are new to GM, on the whole, the '01 Seville STS represents one of the company's technological tours de force in a smartly sized, fine-driving sedan.