By Steven D. Gatt, Automotive Editor
This car is big. HUGE. More importantly, the Cadillac Deville is comfortable. Comfortable for six people, too!
The Deville is also comfortable to drive, it doesn't feel as big as it looks. It handles most tasks with ease and precision. Only when pushed hard will you notice the lack of lateral support in the seats and body roll in the car. The variable assist power steering even makes most parking chores down right easy.
The transmission is a smooth shifting 4-speed automatic that puts the 305 horsepower of the NorthStar 4.6L, V8 to the pavement in a hurry. You won't have trouble merging on the expressway with this power train. EPA ratings for the large Cadillac Deville are fairly good at 17 city, and 26 highway. In our week of test driving we achieved 24 mpg.
The Deville is front-wheel-drive unlike the foreign competition (Mercedes, BMW) and even the Lincoln Town Car; the only real American competition. The front-wheel-drive, combined with traction control and four-wheel anti-lock brakes makes for a very safe driving experience, in most any weather.
Safety is also provided inside the car for all three front passengers. Cadillac has dual airbags upfront with the passenger airbag being oversized to provide protection to the middle occupant. This system is known as airbank. Power door locks with child security locks on the rear doors provides yet more safety; along with power lockout on the rear window controls.
Our test Cadillac Deville featured an extensive list of standard features, and many optional amenities. Some of those features and amenities were: remote keyless entry, power front seats, electronic leveling control, digital dash, automatic headlights and a electronic compass.
Two exceptional features are the retained accessory power. This means the radio will continue playing after the car is shut off, until the door is opened. The other feature provided on all Cadillac models is the roadside service program. Cadillac will come to you 24 hours-a-day, 365 days-a-year, should you require assistance. That includes things like changing a flat tire, unlocking keys locked in the vehicle or even jump starting that dead battery.
Normally this is a car that more mature adults drive, and some would say they drive it just because it's big. Well that's not necessarily true. The Cadillac Deville is an exceptional value with a total price as tested of only $38,345. For size, comfort and value, you really can't beat the Cadillac Deville.