2002 Cadillac DeVille Base 4.6L Northstar from North America

Summary:

The last king of the front wheelers

Faults:

The air line going to the left rear shock clogged up and made the shock shoot through the top. But, it was only 150 bucks to fix it.

Seats were worn, particularly on the sides. Will get them reupholstered sometime soon.

General Comments:

This car always gets a bad rap from people, like how the window regulators fail etc. Which yeah, it is a problem, but they don't cost 400-600 dollars apiece. In reality, you can go on eBay and buy all four regulators for about 40 bucks apiece.

And with the head gaskets problems these cars have, honestly it is expensive, but it's a one time fix, and odds are it's not gonna happen again.

The car is quick; 0-60 is something like 6 seconds.

Gas mileage is reasonable. If you live in a hilly area though, don't buy this car.

If you're worried about how expensive parts are for these cars, just remember they're 80% the same with other GM cars.

Best word of advice; if something does go wrong, have the mechanic write down the part and part number, and buy it yourself; you will save a lot.

Being a 19 year old, and finally being able to own this car, is a dream come true for me. I grew up liking all the muscle cars of the 60's and 70's, and even the GIGANTIC land barges of the 70's. When I was 9, I was on vacation when I saw one of these cars roll in and I said to myself. "One day I want to own a car like that".

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd September, 2012

23rd Sep 2012, 18:11

I am 27, and have always loved the American land barges too. I think it is a shame you can't buy new ones today.

Good luck getting your seats re-upholstered. I had a Buick Park Avenue that I bought with 16K miles, and there was a wear spot on the left edge of the driver's seat, from the prior elderly owner dragging his leg across it. I replaced it with a genuine GM part ($600), and I was never completely satisfied with it. I was going to have it re-done, but GM discontinued the part when they filed for bankruptcy. FYI, if you do replace the seat covers, you will want to buy new seat foam padding as well, as the covers probably won't fit the old foam pads very tightly.

2002 Cadillac DeVille DTS 4.6 Liter L37 from North America

Summary:

Absolutely the best car I have ever owned!!!

Faults:

I have had a few issues with the car, which is to be expected with a car with over 100K miles. Since I have had it, the radiator has gotten a hole in it. Replaced with a brand new radiator.

The intake plenum boot got a hole in the bottom of it, causing it to chug really bad (this problem is synonymous with most all the Northstar motors over 100K miles) It was a $50 part, and I installed it myself. Made a world a difference!

Have to add about 2 quarts of oil every month. But I have known about this problem for years, not a big issue. I have actually become used to it, and I just instinctively know when I need to put the 2 quarts in.

If you take care of these cars and keep up on maintenance, I wouldn't doubt that I could take this car well past 200K miles, with no major issues.

General Comments:

The car has been great, it is the best car I have ever owned. You really do get what you pay for, and these cars are very solid. If you keep up on the maintenance of these cars, you should have no issues. I have owned Cadillac's for about the last 5 years, and will never own another type of car.

Yes, they are expensive to fix when they break. But if you can buy the parts on your own like on Ebay or somewhere else cheap, and have a mechanic install them, the cost of repair is not too far off from other less expensive vehicles.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd October, 2010

23rd Jan 2014, 08:20

I own a 2002 DeVille that has over 253,000 miles on it. I bought the car used in 2004 and it has been a wonderful vehicle.

In the 10 years I've owned it, I simply stayed on top of the maintenance, and it just keeps going and going and going.

It has developed the "trademark Northstar oil leak" and the "Service Engine Light" has been on for the last 100,000 miles, but the car still runs well.

Too bad they are no longer in production.