1983 Cadillac DeVille Coupe review from North America

Aside from slight surface rust along rubber sill over rear bumper <where water tends to collect from trunk drain flashing> mechanically I never had a problem. Oil and safety inspections done every 2,000 miles. My choice; the manual says 4 to 5,000 miles.

This beautiful yacht was a dream come true; they don't call them Cadillacs without good reason. The ride is wonderful and yet controlled <I installed new gas-charged shocks; the handling was more stable, but comfort was never compromised>.

I was lucky to find a pristine Coupe <1983 saw the last year for the two door full size Caddy>.

A WORD OF WARNING ON THE 4.1 "HT" ENGINE: This much maligned engine has an ALUMINUM BLOCK. Hence, it is very vulnerable to heat damage. Be sure to baby the cooling system. If you are buying any GM car with this engine, have it thoroughly checked. DO NOT TOW WITH THIS ENGINE, DESPITE WHAT IT SAYS IN THE MANUAL. Treat this engine right and it will give you the most economical land yacht of all time! <on hills, turn off A/C and lock out the overdrive>

The late 70's Caddys had an awful "stripper" look to them with chintzy looking tail lights and plastic grilles that looked plastic. Not to mention an awful "silhouette". The "notchback" roofline of these models is much more classy and formal. <I would say "reagal" but don't confuse this baby with a Buick>. The full size "notch" DeVille was discontinued in 1993.