2003 Cadillac DeVille DHS from North America - Comments

18th Mar 2006, 00:28

"If this is the "Standard of the World" then we are in big trouble"

What things have gone wrong with the car?

Power window motor went out, the dash padding is folding up, front air-dam fell out from under the car, the front display on the climate control system cracked (from heat?) who knows, the passenger side window is rubbing inside the door

General comments?

I think this new generation of Cadillacs is a disgrace to the brand. I've owned Cadillacs in the past and the build quality and materials they use now are terrible. It doesn't even feel or drive like a Cadillac. The electronic suspension "over-compensates" every movement and the thing rides like a go cart when you hit a sharp bump. I owned a 1995 STS and it was a wonderful car, I loved it. If only I still had it now.

No, I did not buy this car. It was left to me by my grandmother when she passed away. I don't believe I would have ever bought it after a test drive.

The thing that upsets me is not the design or the personality of the car. If Cadillac wants to make sports car then let them, but at least make them good. They're going to give Cadillac a bad name by building their cars out of cheap materials. The buttons inside this Caddy look and feel like something in a Kia, and I could find more supple leather on a booth at McDonalds. Not to mention the carpet. You can tell this was made the most "economically" way possible. Not something I would do to my flagship line if I were GM. Also, there is question in the build quality. The power window motor on the driver's side blew out and the passenger side is rubbing a big streak on the window tint. The dash pad is turning up like it's being wilted by the sun. Not something you expect from a car with 20 something thousands miles, especially a Cadillac.

One good thing I can say is that the engine and drivetrain are fabulous. No problems out of the Northstar engine, and the transmission is smooth as silk.

I beleive Cadillac needs to go back to having some integrity. This car is like a poser if you ask me. A big ass Kia with a hot engine and some fancy suspension.


3rd Jun 2006, 02:35

I agree about the sub-std quality of materials used on the interior. The dash material is horrific, turning up at the corners, loose fitting along the bottom, just poor workmanship. The dash area near the center vent can flex inward when very little pressure is applied.

I've seen this on other Devilles also, mostly '00-'03.

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7th Jun 2006, 00:38

I have 72,000 miles on my 2003 deville. so far..2 complete brake jobs.. a set of new tires.. new battery..new water pump.. engine was leaking oil.. needed a reseal job.. top water exchange leaking.. those 2 jobs cost $3,000. the car never left me on the road... runs like new.. better now at 72,000 miles. did I mention.. I live in southern arizona..105 deg weather...75 mph limit on the highway, dust storms!!! best wishes. so what do you think???

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10th Jul 2006, 11:44

I purchased a 2003 DTS in July 2005. It is certified to 100,000 miles at no cost to me. Mostly an enjoyable car, dealer trips are inconvenient. Replaced BOTH exterior mirrors, passenger window collapsed into the door and rear speaker blew out... I guess it didn't like Limbaugh :-)

Put 32,000 miles on this year with regular oil and filter changes.

22 mpg with much of it on interstate.

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25th Jul 2007, 05:56

I have owned two new Cadillac De-ville. The first was in need of constant repairs after the warranty ran out. The second had a transmission replaced just after the warranty expired. I have since bought a new Monte Carlo. I cannot express the quality of this car. This auto gives me over 30 MPG mileage at 75 MPH. It has NEVER been back for any service problems. I have the oil changed every four thousand miles consistently. Two new tires on the front and now a brake job at 41,000. I would never buy another JUNK Cadillac. By the way, I also have a 2007 Saturn less than a 1,000 miles and a Corvette which is giving me a few problems.

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2nd Aug 2007, 11:53

I have an '03 De Ville DTS. Awesome car! I just rolled over 71K miles. Car has had above average repairs of various sensors, but drive train, interior/exterior trim in excellent condition.

I have had no issues with interior trim quality. Only complaint I had is the cheap looking plastic around the center radio/HVAC center stack. The Real Zebrano wood trim, wood/leather steering wheel and the mahogany trimmed center shifter are all wonderful touches. This was my first Caddy that is elegant and very sporty at the same time. Love the ride and expansive room.

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13th Jan 2008, 16:27

I'll have to agree with the original reviewer. These new Cadillacs are a disgrace to the brand. Having owned them in the past I had great service from them except 1 which was my 1988 deville.I've been scared of Cadillacs since that Northstar engine came out.I've heard many people complain about the maintenance of these cars and how often they have major problems with the engine and tranny. The straw that broke the camels back is when I saw President Bush's brand new 2007 DTS limousine breakdown in the middle of traffic on youtube. Shame on GM and Cadillac for ruining the once proud name Cadillac which these days means nothing.Today's modern Cadillacs have fallen into the ranks of disposable cars not worth keeping past the warranty.

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