1989 Cadillac DeVille review from North America

The anti-lock brakes failed at 75,000 miles and appear to be failing again. This is a common problem with this car. ABS was optional in 1989 and Cadillac "cheaped out" on the sensors, which are prone to rust.

Have had to replace the alternator FOUR TIMES. This is really unacceptable, but the dealer has paid for the replacement after the first repair because Cadillac has a "lifetime replacement" on such repairs. Nevertheless, the dealers generally make it difficult to get the work done at their expense. I am fortunate to have a very good service agent who fights for me.

Had to replace the hydraulic suspension at ~100,000 miles which is fairly typical. I could have gone a cheaper route and used an after market non-electronic suspension kit, but decided to "do it right" although very expensive ($1770.00).

The switches for the windows and the seat adjustment tend to burn out fairly frequently. Again, this is fairly common.

Lastly, the latch on the glove compartment broke and the Cadillac dealer wanted $250 to replace it including $175 to paint it. I bought a stock Chevy part for $15 and painted it myself with touch up paint.

The headliner is beginning to detach, but this car is almost twenty years old. Unfortunately, most interior repair shops do not want to get involved with replacing a headliner with a moon roof. I will get it done eventually, however, because that is the only cosmetic flaw on this otherwise perfect car other than scrapes on the wire wheel covers from letting valets park it.

I love this car. It originally belonged to my mother. It was her "small sporty" Cadillac. This car is IMO one of the most beautiful that Cadillac ever manufactured. Both the exterior and the interior are outstanding. Plush, but understated. The exterior is "Antelope Fire Mist (aka Champagne) while the interior is butter soft neutral leather. I don't even mind the digital display except that it is sometimes slightly too dim in bright sun. This car truly does drive like a dream. Nothing can top it for highway cruising. The gas milegae is commendable for a car this big. I get almost 30 mpg on the highway at 70 mph. Everyone who rides in this car praises it, even those who tease me about my land yacht. It is fast, responsive, and safe. The one thing that I miss is the "in terrorem" effect of my previous Cadillac. This one does not appear to be as big so other drivers do not get out of the way as they did with my 1981 DeVille. Also, police officers just ignore this car. They assume an old man is driving it so even though it is easily capable of 90 mph sustained cruising, the cops do not pull me over. This car does, however get many approving nods and comments from other drivers. They envy my big American "dreamboat" that easily absorbs rough roads, but gives me more than adequate road feel and feedback. Apart from slight front end heaviness (it's a front wheel drive car) this car is virtually perfect. I can carry eight full size American adult passengers and their luggage with ease and comfort. The rear seat legroom is almost limousine level. Cadillac never made a better car. It's what made the name Cadillac before the impo wannabes. I'm sticking with a winner.