1988 Cadillac DeVille Sedan de Ville from North America - Comments

I bought the car from a friend. In the past couple of years, the car has blown out 9 air conditioning pumps (current one is blown) $425.00. Goes through front disk brakes very quickly. (usually still under warranty.) Rear door panel is falling off. Passenger power-seat motors are going out, they make a horrible grinding noise when adjusting. The rear shocks are still relatively new, but the car still sags. Motor Mounts have been changed four or five times in the past year. The twilight sentinel is temperamental, and seems to work when it wants. The fuel information system often displays incorrect readings. The "auto-dim" mirror has stopped working and is unknown as to why. (no way to fix it.) Outside key holes on both doors are acting up; they try to eat your key. (Driver's side stopped working completely.) Needs an oil change every two thousand miles. (if you go 3000mi. a rod will start to knock.) The front disk brakes squeak no matter what efforts are made to fix it. "Service Soon" light turns on while driving, no mechanical defects, the "Engine Coolant" lid fails to stay latched. Transmission needed to be replaced around 150,000. $500.00.

Despite all of the problems, I love this car, and I plan to keep it until it dies.

Runs strong when tuned. Gets very good gas mileage on the highway. (considering its weight and large engine.)

Interior could use some work, large tear in driver's seat (covered when you're driving.) The rear seats are still in "brand new" condition. The heater (only climate control feature that works) will roast you in only a matter of minutes.

I love all of the comfort and convenience features. The trunk especially. The only car I've owned that it pops all the way up, and closes by it's self. Auto headlights, a must for any teen that is on-the-go.

Basically, besides all of the minor problems, for only having the car about a month, I love it!

Gas is just on the pricey side though. In Utah, where gas is 2.20 for mid-grade, can't afford to fill it up all the time. Just a helpful hint to fellow DE Ville owners, with 2 gallons (fuel information center data) you have about a mile to find a service station.

This car is only 16 years old.

I have an 88 deville. Everything on it works and is accurate. My gas reading is perfect. If it says I have 2 gallons, I really do, because when I fill up, I can look at how much I pumped and know it is accurate. I have had some gasket trouble in the engine, and a few other issues, but nothing major or expensive that couldnt have been fixed. I had my 15 year old great nephew totally tear down the engine the base block, and replace all gaskets by himself. He had never had anything to do with an engine before. It has ran perfect ever since without any water in the oil. If anyone ever has any trouble with backfiring, misfiring, water in oil, brake locking up, transmission jerking into first gear while slowing down, or anything else.. my e-mail is tllcp12@adelphia.net..but put in the subject like maybe cadillac question or something. Thanks.

I have had the car for about three years. No major problems - it's in great condition, passed inspection. Everything works like new. I also agree with the 2 gallon thing; it happened to me as well. I wanted to sell it for an upgrade, but I can't let it go. I have about 119000 miles on it and have never gotten a tune up. I go about 80 miles a day to class and to work. This car has been by my side since 2004. If you keep up on the minor work like oil changes, tire rotation, change liquids, and radiator flush, it will be fine. Gas has been eating away my change. I'm only 20. In New Jersey gas isn't so high and I don't use regular gas. I use pluse, 89 last longer.

I bought a new 88 Deville Coupe in 87, I drove it until 97 and sold it. Recently I was driving thru the country and spotted the same car sitting next a barn, I bought it again cheap as a fixer upper. I need a grill, a headlight assy. and a good cleanup. the car still looks pretty good. This time I will drive it till it falls apart if I don't first.

I bought an 88 Sedan DeVille from an elderly friend of my Mother's whose husband had recently died. She was too small to drive the Cadillac.

Drove from Virginia through the South and back out West to Seattle trouble free. This car virtually flew up mountains and across plains. Could drive 8 or 9 hours and get out of it feeling like going dancing. This was several years ago, in my late 50s... quite a commentary on the comfort of this car~~!!?? And reliability.

Regarding fuel... this engine does NOT require high grade; check the manual; it uses Regular. Mother's friend always put in Premium, but my mechanic said it isn't necessary at all. Runs beautifully with Regular; so save yourselves some money, eh?

Also, helps to keep the alignment correct; tires wear well with proper alignment.

This car is smooth, well designed and beyond comfortable for one of the smaller Cadillacs. A joy to own and drive!!