1989 Cadillac DeVille from North America - Comments

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.

I am glad you like your oversized land yacht, but no way can it get 30 MPG on the highway.

Actually, the 4.5 and 4.9 powered Cadillacs are known to get around 25-27MPG at a sustained 65-70MPH when driven conservatively.

I have had 2 -1989 Cadillac Devilles-

Drove the first one to 190k miles and gave it away to a needy family - and replaced the 1989 with another 1989 that has 70k miles on it (in 2004).

Wife just loves the car - which was in the Sopranos season 4.

We too have experienced the same design issues, and since I do my own repairs, they have been mysteries to solve for months sometimes.

I also owned a 1992, which had the same kind of problems, and now own a 1997 which has had electrical problems that fix themselves over a few weeks.

To date, on the 89, the parking brake doesn't come up (bungee corded it), the glove box assembly (replaced), the windows are slow, the driver door locks and won't open (still a mystery), the 92 had bad head bolt torquing, ABS and trunk problems (disconnected them), and the 97 suspension has the level control replaced with standard shocks.

And yes, 26.5 mpg at 65 mph on cruise is usual for me, but I am also getting 21 on my 2004 Suburban. Still just love the cars, and 1989 was the best year.

I have an 89 Sedan De-Ville, I love her. She is beautiful.. I agree on these cars fixing their own problems.

Once in a while she has a hard time going from first to second gear. I just pump the gas pedal a little bit, and away she goes. This happens a few days then stops for a few months. My brother will take a look at that for me this weekend.

It DOES get excellent gas mileage.

About the glove compartment latch handle. Mine just broke and is sitting on my desk as I type this. I was going to try to superglue it - but I saw your post.

What is the stock Chevy part you bought?

By the way, I have a 2000 Toyota Lancruiser, '95 MB E420 and '89 MB SE300...I bought my '89 Deville at a charity auction for $1,000. High mileage... but car was incredibly well maintained. Been driving is for 4 months and have decided I love it so much I'm not only keeping it, but going to put some money in it. Chrome wheels, replace an armrest, sound system, and maybe some window shading.

Out of the 4 vehicles I own... I find myself picking the Cadoo each morning for the drive to work.

In response to the June 26th comment: I routinely achieved 29-30 MPG on the highway in a 1988 Caprice, which is bigger than an 89 DeVille. That car had the 305 four-barrel. I would say that 30 MPG in the 89 DeVille is quite credible. The land yacht Cadillacs, by the way, went away by 1977.