1983 Cadillac DeVille review from North America

Front gas shocks.

Rear air shocks.

AC Compressor.

Climate Control - Heater stuck on.

Power seat.

Power steering leak.

Transmission Leak.

Engine leak.

Master cylinder leak.

Did I mention that this car leaked a lot?

Original engine melted at 47,000 miles.

First, the positive:

This is the most comfortable car, possible ever designed. Picture two very comfortable and expensive sofas, now place one about three feet in front of the other and design a very large and heavy automombile around them. My DeVille, which had the Velour seats, was often my favorite place to take a nap on cool spring afternoons.

The body styling is classic American style. Lots of chrome, the tail lights are remnants of the old tail fins, and a carriage top. She looked like a regal old lady, proud and dignified.

OK, Now for the bad:

Cadillac tried to be high tech during this time, there was only one problem, technology sucked in 1984. The climate control system which was clearly borrowed from the Sputnik space program was either stuck on full blast AC, or Full blast heat, there was no "off" with this car.

The power seat was stuck. The wiring and switches all had to be replaced, this was more expensive than it was worth to have done. As I later found out, the power seat problem was trademark for many cadillacs of this era.

Worst of all was the engine. When driving a V-8 powered, three and a half ton mass of unholy American excess, you would expect the rear tires to be instantly turned to a puddle of molten rubber the instant that the accellerator is firmly pressed. Not with this model, Cadillac decided to use a horribly built, all aluminum (although I am convinced that it is made of thin paper) V-8 that put out an impressive 125 HP. Keep in mind, my four cylinder hatchback that I drive now puts out 130. Cadillac somehhow expected a 125 HP engine to move the twenty foot long and six thousand pound oaf with authority. The idea was that this was supposed to be a fuel efficent car, but because it was so underpowered, I had to constantly drive with the pedal slammed to the floor so any any fuel efficency that it was spposed to have was thrown out the window.

Not only was this a weak engine, it was also a terrible engine. The first one melted (yes, melted) at only 47,000 miles. The replacement, with only 22,000 miles leaked oil from every "seal" possible. As I found out from later research, the HT-4100 as it was called, was a disaster. The aluminium was of poor quality.

If you want a caddy of this body style, get one made before 1980 with the Cast-Iron 425 V8, or go 1986-91 when they used the always bulletproof Chevy V8. Otherwise, I would reccomend using the car in a demolition derby, as you will most surely win with this beast, and after the derby is over, remove the seats and place in your living room, as the stores do not sell any furniture that is as comfortable.