Cadillac DeVille

jblanch · August 2001

My wife and I test drove a '97 Deville the other day. I really liked it and my wife did too until she went to drive it. She complained that she had too pull up way too close to the steering wheel to be able to reach the pedals. She's 5 ft and she didn't like being so close because of comfort and she was worried about the airbag. So, do any of you have similar problems and solutions, or would I have to rig some kind of pedal extender? Thanks.

sonjaab · August 2001

Are u car smart ? A couple years back my 96 wouldn't start.
I checked for spark (had it)
sprayed either down the plenium (spl) started
up and died....fuel pump.......
.Caddy dealer $900 to fix ie: pump , strainer, and some
other part...3 pieces.. too far back can't remember.
Towed to local repair shop i know....
BROKEN WIRE that goes into pump assembly .
Common problem with aging rust belt Caddies
sez Larry the mechanic.......140 bucks incl. towing.....
2 years later still going........Geo

tedduncan · August 2001

reply to message 591 about windshield howling;
I have a 00 deville that had same problem at 55 MPH or higher. Dealer "resealed" windshield and everything's ok now.

cadillac1 · August 2001

Well it ends up that the problem was a faulty battery, not a dead battery. In regards to the oil, I know that this happens in quite a few northstar engines, but does that make it "normal"?

Now that I know their are some caddy knowledgable people in this forum, I have a few more questions. One is for Deville Concours owners(or anyone knowledgable on them), does your car bottom out easily. It seems that lately the bottom of my moms deville will bottom out entering any kind of driveway which isnt completely flat, regardless of whether she slows down. This has almost casued a few accidents because she is forced to slow to almost zero when entering a parking lot, leaving her car in the middle of the road. Is it normal for a car to get so lose? Or do you think their is something wrong with the computer controlled suspension? I dont remember this being such a problem when she first bought the car.

9899olds · August 2001

Just replaced the battery in a 96; however the problem may be something else as it was in my wifes..The fuel pump was going and due to excessive cranking the battery weakened..I told them to replace the battery after they found the problem..

It's your mothers car and the suspension is controlled; but she may be driving through situations that are different; hard to tell..Go with her and see what is happening..

sonjaab · August 2001

My 96 bottoms out on speed bumps and such
too. Don't bother me at all. Should have
100k plus by next year. Then it will be
new car time again.
Checking 01 prices sticker 42K with GM
employee discount 37K....
Minus rebate and Caddy loyalty....if any
Used 00 deville syracuse ny area 29k...
Woman wants little Blazer...Nooooooooooo !!!!!
.....Geo
But she sez; IT WILL HOLD YOUR CLUBS TOOO......

9899olds · August 2001

Ex-GM employee???? In Michigan or adjoining state??? The 96 Deville is a great handler when loaded for the southbound Fla trip with 4 months worth of garbage.. Otherwise it is a handling dog..The mileage of 57k miles is growing at the rate of about 30 miles of city driving a day and she will have that car wore to a frazzle before long..

My drive to Fla and the Caddy dealer is the only seat time I get in it..

No SUVs for this kid; most of them just noisy trucks with 4 drs and a big price tag..

sonjaab · August 2001

Syracuse NY
My mom and uncle worked for YEARS at the
Fisher Guide plastics plants there.
They closed 1991...Mom and uncle got their
GOLDEN PARACHUTES AND FAT GM PENSIONS
Happily retired summers in Alexandria Bay NY
and Daytona in winter......
Mom has 98 Deville..Uncle toyota.........
I LOVE GM they bought us everything from our
cars and boats to our businesses........Geo

g1994sts · August 2001

I can't believe it, there is somebody out there who has experienced this horrible problem with cadillacs. This Is one of many reasons why I hate my 94 Seville.

It's not the shorter driver that is the problem. The old fashioned steering column sticks out too far away from the dash like a flag pole and the pedals are positioned too far away from the steering wheel. Especially the gas pedal, it's about 4 inches lower than the brake. Even with the seat all the way back on the track the steering wheel is still too close to my body and I can just barely reach the gas pedal.

I had to put a 2 inch thick strip of wood on top of the gas pedal for better confort. The steering wheel is also positioned too high. If you want It tilted to a normal stance the steering wheel is in line of sight, dangerously blocking the view of the road. My suggestion is stay clear of anything GM. No other Marquee In the world has such bad driver ergonomics. Cadillacs also have wallowing, waddling, bobbling suspensions. Cadillacs are truly the laughing stock of the world.

robh3 · August 2001

That's funny, George, I didn't start laughing until I read your post.

If the steering wheel is too high, and then when you lower it, it is in your line of sight blocking your view of the road, then I would say you haven't lowered it enough! And/or, you haven't raised the seat up all the way.

Furthermore, did you not test drive the darn car BEFORE you bought it, so as to see how it and you FIT together? My gosh, friend, it seems to me that a couple of trips around the block with a few changes of the steering wheel height (and seat) and you'd have quickly drawn the conclusion that this wasn't the car you should be stepping up to. :>)

Your post falls short of containing any substance of worthy criticism of the 1994 STS or GM. I owned and drove one for three years, and then sold it to my friend who is lots shorter than I am. She bought it 'cause she fell in love with it when I had it.

Get yourself a Miata or a new BMW Mini Cooper.

9899olds · August 2001

Another happy GM family that has reaped the benefits..

As a manufacturers rep., small auto supplier have been involved with several parts and ongoing business..

Made offer on the 11k mile 99 Concurs, didn't get a favorable response; however time will tell. Offered 20 cash versus 23900 asking--only a little shy..May sweeten the pot...

Not a neat color so nothing lost..

sonjaab · August 2001

MY MOM SEZ THE SAME ABOUT HER 98 Deville.
She is only 5-2 . Too close to the wheel
too far from the pedals. Can only see her
EYES and BLUE HAIR coming down the road. LOL
She hates the seats sez too big. Her 89
had the small seats and headrests. that one
was ok....You should see her drive my dads KIA !
Sez its just RIGHT !!!!!!!!!!OUCH........Geo

9899 What no Z-28 ? I had 2 Trans Ams..But
now I'm old so caddy 4 me.............

arcoates · August 2001

robh- what is the point of your post? Obviously q1994sts was adding his input into the discussion about uncomfortable seating position, and you rip him apart. We don't need posters like you here to make fun of others when they are helping in this discussion. Get a better attitude~ A.R.

robh3 · August 2001

Coming down hard like that is not my style at all if you have read any of my other posts here in Edmunds, but in reading his comments (and I have read it more than once) it is evident to me that there is a definitive tone of intentional negative condescension toward both GM and Cadillac, and that he had no intention of "adding to the discussion".

I mean when he says "...My suggestion is stay clear of anything GM. No other Marquee In the world has such bad driver ergonomics. Cadillacs also have wallowing, waddling, bobbling suspensions. Cadillacs are truly the laughing stock of the world." and all that based on the fact the HE bought a car that he doesn't fit in (did somebody hold a knife to his throat and make him buy the car?).

First of all, this is 2001, so to talk about a 1994 car and make a statement like that to imply that it holds any water in the present tense is ignorant and ridiculous and it has no place here.

Secondly, I owned and drove a 1994 STS for three years (and I got it pre-owned in 1996), and if anything, the suspension is too tight, not "wallowing, waddling, and bobbling". For as large and heavy a car as it was, that car cornered like a slot car on a track. All of his comments just added up to sounding like a jerk who has never even sat in any Cadillac let alone does he own and drive one.

I say he was just here to spam this topic.

I may be dead wrong, and in truth I hope I am, but I do find it interesting that he has not shown up again on this topic to say anything in defense of his comments that I have challenged, let alone call me on my comments toward him. Bring it on, prove me wrong, and I will apologize and stand corrected on my judgement of his intentions here.

carnaught · August 2001

I agree with you. I feel that knocking all of GM, much less Cadillac based on a '94 Seville is nothing more than opinion, certainly not the gospel. I think that the poster SHOULD have test drove the car to see if it was compatible with him. Moreover, as a current owner also of an LS 430 Lexus and past owner of Acuras, Audis, Mercedes, and Jag., I happen to think that Cadillac's ergonomics are not only comparable with the best marques, but hold their own!

robh3 · August 2001

Thanks Carnaught.

I know that you have had a few issues with your '00 DTS. Have you experienced any of the problems other owners of the LS430 have had, with your LS? Bad welds!? I mean, that's virtually unbelievable in this day and age of robots and computer controlled welds, especially with the top of the line car from the top automobile company in Japan!

mosaix · August 2001

Man, you have been complaining about that 94 STS for some time. It's obvious you don't like it so why don't you trade it in on a 98 or newer Seville. I think you'll like the driving position MUCH better. The pre 96 Sevilles didn't have the best ergonomics in the world, but the newer Caddies are excellent. I love the instrument panels on the current Sevilles and Devilles and the new CTS looks very interesting.

carnaught · August 2001

about my LS430, no, I have had none of the problems mentioned on the LS board. In fact, I've had no problems..... thus far, flawless. I realize that the LS cost about 10k more than my DTS, however.

g1994sts · August 2001

Mosaix you are right, It's getting a little old complaining about the seats & suspension in my 94 STS. It,s because post #616 by robh3 that I have to rip into Cadillacs and GM one more time.

Cadillac uses the RSS suspension system that only works in the tighter bends, It,s at higher highway speeds that devilles & sevilles on windy stretch of road, If it hits a dip that they waddle & the front suspensions bobble dangerously up & down like the large barges that they are.

Stay clear of anything GM! Here's why, the Buick lesabre is the ultimate wobbler bobbler. So GM makes Buicks by design that handle like JOLLOPYS. this is trully amazing, more like imcopetent engineering.

Oldsmobile made some of their best and appealing products and so why did they phase it out? I,ll tell you why, no prestige value. It,s not that I,m some kind of machoscist, It,s reallity. Buick and Pontiac will be gone in about 15 years after the 60 & dear customer base is depletted, even that JOE SIX PACK will not want to be seen in a GM car.

9899olds · August 2001

My son dumped his 94 STS after 137k miles and never did like the seats; but the car survived and some turkey paid 7500 for the privilege of driving it to the end..

He was the original owner and now has a 01 Seville which is not an STS by any stretch..

Buick is probably the worst suspension setup in the GM camp..The Caddy electronic is great but don't let your warranty expire for the dealer will clean your clock..The computer controlled suspension is not forever; for when the dash board lights come on, head for the bank..

Struts are 650/850 ea..X 4=too damn much.

Never will I pay for a Caddy strut..

g1994sts · August 2001

It,s very enbarresing when your on the highway and other drivers observe and being laughed at, the wobbling handling on the older Sevilles and Devilles. There's hundreds of testimonials here In Edmunds Town Hall that Cadillacs bottom out very easily and in general most GM sedans.

Resale value is another problem, I,ve had my car in the papers for about 9 months and nobody calls. I,ve had It priced in increments of 12,500, 11,500, 10,500,. I had one response and was offered $8,000. So were saying this $48,000 car with 89,000 in like new condition Is worth about the same as a 94-95 Honda Accord.

Foreign import sales are up anywhere from 50% to 10%. GM's market share Is 28% down from 70% in the 70's. Simple implements like good ergonomics that anybody can feel confortable, good handling and design and GM Is again 20 years too late with their very slick looking cars. GM's sedans are simply not desireable. I rest my case.

mosaix · August 2001

Again, look at a 98 or newer Seville. Or even a 96 or newer STS. In 96 the STS went to CVRSS which is a major improvement over the RSS which earlier models had. Aagin, quit basing your decisions on an old design. Buick have a soft suspension because this is what their target demographic wants. You need to drive some CURRENT GM sedans before making assumptions. And if people are laughing at your STS on the highway, just give that Northstar some gas and let them laugh at your taillights as they get further and further away. Anyway, you mentioned you though Oldsmobile had the best designs at GM. After CURRENT Cadillacs, I'll agree with you on that and in fact I recently purchased an Oldsmobile Intrigue. Excellent car. Olds may be gone in a few years, but right now they have the best line of cars ever and they are discounting them big time and giving you a free 5 year 60,000 mile warranty. I'd suggest checking out an Intrigue or an Aurora.

sonjaab · August 2001

If you think the resale is bad on your 94
We have a 99 Kia around our house. Can't
give it away...I wouldn't be caught DEAD
driving it. But my mom loves it..........Geo

sonjaab · August 2001

When we tried to trade our 90 Deville with
120k plus miles on our 96 dealer would only
give $1000 bucks. Put it in paper.. people
fought over it and got $4200.
Thats why we bought a used 96.... great deal
Even with our gm discount a year old one was
a better deal. But my gm xcab 4x4 trucks are
different. I buy new every 3 years and the
dealer drools and WANTS it in trade for top
money.....................Geo

sweetjeldorado · August 2001

Somebody's complaining about their STS in the Deville topic about it's old tech. suspension and wants everybody to stay clear from GM while there car never game him any significant problems? Like whatever, give me a break.

Anyway, if anyone one of you read the luxury sport sedan comparo in Car and Driver's Sept. issue, they had a DTS that did from 0-60 in 6.4 seconds from standstill and from street start 6.8 seconds from 5 to 60 mph.

Anyway, the comparo was BS and the DTS stacked up pretty well and said it was one of the best luxury machines out there although it was a wrong nature of automobile they chose. Other than that, the comparison was ridiculous while some cars had sport and non-sport packages.

J "CaddyLac"

robh3 · August 2001

Thank you for resting your case since it makes no sense.

Frankly, I think the seats in the '94 were more comfortable than in my '99. The suspension in the '94 is firm, not wobbley and bobbley, in fact for '96 Caddy softened up the suspension because the feedback from customers was that it was too firm.

The ergonomics were pretty much standard fare for the day. Everything was where it was supposed to be. Take a look in a contemporary Mercedes Benz and tell me that is good ergonomics!

Are you sure they were laughing at your car? I had people role down their windows at stop lights to give me the thumbs up and say "nice car" when I had my '94. That is the truth. I did have some aftermarket wheels on it which gave it a more youthful flare, and that thing attracted positive attention. My peers laughed when I told them I bought a Cadillac, that was, until they actually saw my STS! The laughing stopped and the compliments started.

You have lived in a different world and had a much different experience than the majority of us g1994sts. Therefore, your call to stay away from anything GM falls on deaf ears and comes across as pure ignorance. Citing declining market share just shows that you know nothing about market dynamics when increased competitive brands become available.

Why don't you just dump your much maligned STS and save us all the grief.

pdc4 · August 2001

I have a '97 DeVille. I've noticed that the brakes "grab" as I come to a stop or if I let off the brake ever so slightly while at a complete stop and in gear. I just drove a 2000 Eldorado for a couple of days (has 10k miles on it) and noticed the same thing. Is this normal behavior?

mosaix · August 2001

My sentiments exactly. I think g man needs some new struts if his rides bobbley as the 93-95 versions were cited as having rather firm suspensions. And your correct about MB ergonomics. Take a look in the E-class. It has the same instrument cluster that MB has used for over 20 years. The radio is a tiny DIN sized unit like a Honda Civic has. And the console and center dash are peppered with buttons.

sonjaab · August 2001

Over at the Real World Trade in Values.,
Bill and co. are hitting a 94 sts at about
8000......

sonjaab · August 2001

Hello all
Was at my Alexandria Bay Ny place this
weekend and took a trip to Casino D'Hull
in ontario canada to do some gambling.
96 northstar 1500 miles since last oil
change and ONLY used 1/2 ot.
Holy cow !! Engine must be breaking in
at 78500k cuz it usually uses 1 qt or more.
Left some $$$$ there too..........Geo

carnaught · August 2001

This past week I had my DTS in to fix the idle, malfunction of the massaging seats and leaking fluid. I had my loaner, as promised at the time of original delivery. The car has been in since last Thurs., and I'll probably get it back at the end of the week. The problem....while returning back from a trip to the airport Sunday, I SAW my car parked in someone's driveway literally on the other side of town and less than twelve feet from the (busy) street itself. Thinking my pampered car was safe in the "back" at the dealer's service dept. and seeing it at someone's house on a Sunday, literally sitting on the street outraged me. When I called and confronted my service manager, he first thought I was mistaken, but confirmed later I was correct. Then he rationaliized this, saying when he confronted the service man who took the car out, he was told that he briefly "borrowed" the car to go home and get a software program he needed to work on it (on Sunday yet) and was going to go right back to the dealership with it. How's this for an insult to one's intelligence and an outrage.....?

sonjaab · August 2001

When i had no start problems on my 94
Yukon I begged the service guys to
take it HOME with them............
I can see if they told you !!!!....Geo

theworldizmyn · August 2001

First off...what's GEO mean?
Secondly...Let's talk about something else.
Third...I've been researching cars lately, and have come to the conclusion to get either an SUV or a Cadillac. If I get an SUV I think I'll get a 1996 Chevy Tahoe 2dr, or a 1996 Cadillac DeVille Concours. Any advice on the Cadillac. Please help me put here.

robh3 · August 2001

Any magic with the year 1996 and you? Perhaps that represents your price point for these vehicles.

The '96 Deville Concours has the Northstar engine, so that is a good thing. I think the only issue with that year is engine oil consumption. I believe there is another member here who has a '96 Deville and can give you some feedback.

It would help to know how many miles the car has. Is an extended warranty available?

sonjaab · August 2001

Meaning the service boys joyriding
Carnaughts Caddy..........

arcoates · August 2001

I can't believe a serviceman would take a customers car home for the weekend. That is obviously what he was doing. Software program my butt. I would be so outraged, demand that he be docked pay or something to penalise him, and have my car promply towed to another dealership (at their expense). I would also be calling GM to complain that their employees are joyriding in peoples cars that are supposed to be getting fixed. Ridiculous~ A.R.

carnaught · August 2001

Would you believe I still don't have the car back? I am waiting to get it, then I will appropritely express my outrage to the dealership and GM. It's taken all I can do to not be inaapropriate with my rage. Also, I will go by the same house this weekend and if the car happens to be there, I'll drive it home, then make the dealer explain what happened to it. I agree with you, the excuse was lame...getting software, my butt. I just wanted the public, at large to know of this outrage!

carnaught · August 2001

Would you believe I still don't have the car back? I am waiting to get it, then I will appropritely express my outrage to the dealership and GM. It's taken all I can do to not be inapropriate with my rage. Also, I will go by the same house this weekend and if the car happens to be there, I'll drive it home, then make the dealer explain what happened to it. I agree with you, the excuse was lame...getting software, my butt. I just wanted the public, at large to know of this outrage!

mosaix · August 2001

I'd contact the dealership owner and express your outrage and also express it to Cadillac as well. Thats beyond pathetic that they took your car home. I could see if it were a workday and he lived close by and maybe drove it home for lunch or something, but a Sunday morning. Come on! Few dealerships have service available on Saturdays, much less Sundays. He had the thing all weekend probably. Did you note the milage when you took the car in?

robh3 · August 2001

The mileage should have been noted on the work order when the car was brought in for service.

carnaught · August 2001

Thanks you guys....for sharing my outrage. I SHOULD get the car back this week and I'll blast them afterwards. I'll keep you informed.....

jgbackes · August 2001

A few months ago I picked up my DTS from a dealer in St. George UT of all places. I had searched all up and down the west coast for a fully loaded White Diamond to replace my 2000.

I had nothing but trouble with the 2000, but the 2001 seems to be much refined. Here is my short list of Fixes they made for 2001.

Sun Visors are now usable.
Tire pressure on the dash, not the first to have it but very nice.
Rough engine idle is gone.
Nav computer can set clock from the GPS system (very cool)

The only thing I liked better in the 2000 was the Night Vision. The new one is much more grainy. It's as if they reduced the number of pixels???

I was saddend to read the lastest review in Car and Driver, I must disagree with many of their conclusions, I test drove all of those cars before choosing a second DTS and only the Q-45 came close in the comfort catagory.

I drive this car every day in a carpool... Not once has anyone complained about the ride!

robh3 · August 2001

Car & Driver says the DTS just doesn't compare when it comes to "real world tests" like they do, but that it basically rules the open highway in that class.

Are you kidding me?! What world are they living in? Isn't the open highway pretty much the "real world" of America, vs. driving it above the speed limits (one of their test editors got nailed for speeding during the test of the Q45)and very agressively on twisty roads? C'mon!

Notice also in that article that they nit pick all of the cars for ergonomic deficiencies with the controls (Navigation, etc), yet they say absolutley nothing about the BMW controls. Yet, just look at the interior photo they have of the BMW and on the dashboard center you can see multitudes of buttons, etc, and the HVAC controls are way down and behind the gear shift knob. It appears as though you will have to twist your wrist to get to those controls. All they care about is cars that drive like race cars.

sweetjeldorado · August 2001

About that dealership-took-my-car-home-with-him issue, there is no telling that this person had gotten away with this type of mistreatment before. He must not care at all losing his job or just plain stupid and do whatever he wants.

I would report that dealership to the Better Business Bureau if I were Carnaught.

J "CaddyLac"

incontrol · August 2001

Same thing happened to me with my Z28 convertible, but I only noticed the increased mileage once it was too late. I would suggest you see the dealership owner and demand the following: Payment for the use of your car (at 40cents/mile or whatever), an apology signed by the technician and the owner, and a written promise from the owner that this event will never happen again. Good luck!

edwardt1 · August 2001

I'm looking to purchase a used DTS. Are the
2001's less trouble than the 2000's.
Any comments are welcome.

Edward T

sonjaab · September 2001

Dropped off again.
Caddy running great..used only 1 ot oil in 2000
miles. Just breaking in i guess 79k miles
...............Geo
Hey wheres lemko ? I want a philly cheesesteak
with NO cheesewiz !!..................

lemko · September 2001

I order my cheesesteak with provolone. My 1994 Deville just turned 87K. Still running strong.

lowmack · September 2001

HAVE A HUMMING SOUND THAT COMING FROM THE LEFT SIDE DOWN BY BACK DOOR CLOSE TO REAR WHEEL AND ON THE INSIDE. IS IT ANYONE OUT THERE THATS HAVE HAD
THIS PROBLEM?? IS IT THE FUELPUMP OR MY AIR RIDE??
FEEDBACK IS WELCOME
LOWMACK

bolivar · September 2001

Wheel Bearing????

Cadillac DeVille

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