Premium large car; Built in USA
  • 4-door sedan
  • transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $3,000 – $8,400*


2001 Cadillac DeVille DTS


2001 Cadillac DeVille DHS


2001 Cadillac DeVille interior


2001 Cadillac DeVille DHS


2001 Cadillac DeVille DTS

Pros:
  • Acceleration
  • Build quality
  • Entry/exit
  • Interior materials
  • Passenger and cargo room
  • Quietness
Cons:
  • Fuel economy
  • Navigation-system controls
  • Rear visibility

Spacious and powerful, the DeVille is loaded with jet-age gizmos. Priced below most V8 luxury rivals, it has a markedly different appearance than DeVilles of the past, which pleases some potential buyers but may distress others. Ride and handling are on a par with the world’s most prestigious luxury sedans, accompanied by energetic performance.

Overview

Deville was redesigned with all-new styling for 2000, losing some of the traditional look. Wheelbase grew by 1.5 inches, but the body actually was two inches shorter and narrower than before. DHS (DeVille High Luxury Sedan) and DTS (DeVille Touring Sedan) models were added, replacing the D’Elegance and Concours editions. Under the hood sat familiar Northstar V8 engines, making 300 horsepower in the DTS and 275 bhp in other models. Traction control and all-disc antilock braking were standard. Standard on DTS were Cadillac’s StabiliTrak antiskid system (optional on other models) and a Continuously Variable Road Sensing Suspension. All DeVilles had GM’s OnStar emergency/communications system, front side airbags, and newly optional rear side airbags. New taillamps used LED technology, said to illuminate faster.

Digital instruments went into base models, versus analog gauges in the others, which also had standard leather upholstery and a lumbar-massaging front seat. The DHS added power rear-seat lumbar adjustment, a power rear-window sunshade, and manual shades for back-door windows. New steering-wheel audio and climate controls were used, with a separate back-seat temperature adjustment. A satellite navigation system and Night Vision–an industry “first”–were optional on DHS/DTS models. Night Vision used infrared technology to project an image of the view ahead into the windshield. A new ultrasonic Parking Assist option provided audible and visual warnings.

Yearly Updates

2001 DeVille
A new CD player became standard on the base DeVille, and a tire-pressure monitor joined the options list. During the 2001 model year, a new Infotainment system became available, combining audio and text display of e-mail on a dashboard screen. The system operated via a touch-screen, keypad, or vocal commands.
2002 DeVille
DeVille got a new DVD navigation system for 2002. Leather upholstery became standard instead of optional on base models, and a tire-pressure monitor was standard on DHS and DTS. Added during the model year was an optional satellite radio that played commercial-free programs for a monthly fee.
2003 DeVille
A tire-pressure monitoring system was the only noteworthy change for ’03.
2004 DeVille
Cadillac’s largest car gets available heated and cooled front seats and a heated steering wheel for ’04.
2005 DeVille
DeVille gets no changes for 2005. Cadillac will redesign the sedan and shorten the name to DTS for 2006.

Engines

transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive

Two different Northstar V8 engines were used, developing 300 horsepower in the DTS sedan and 275 bhp in the base model and DHS. All DeVilles had a four-speed automatic transmission.

dohc V8
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 4.6/279
Engine HP 275
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 300
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
4-speed automatic

16/27

dohc V8
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 4.6/279
Engine HP 300
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 295
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
4-speed automatic

16/27

16.7

Road Test

Poised on the road, a DeVille DHS easily holds its own against imported luxury sedans, with a ride that’s comfortable yet controlled. Acceleration is outstanding, as a DeVille is able to reach 60 mph in as little as 7 seconds. The refined powertrain features a smooth and responsive automatic transmission. As for gas mileage, a DTS sedan with the 300-bhp engine averaged 14.6 to 16.7 mpg. Cadillac recommends premium fuel, but regular is acceptable and does not affect performance by much. Few sedans are more spacious or comfortable than a DeVille. Front seats provide fine support and stretch-out room in outboard position, though the middle occupant of the front bench is likely to feel squeezed. Leg clearance in back ranks as limousinelike, with a firm, generous cushion that’s wide enough for three adults. All doors open exceptionally wide for easy entry/exit. Whether digital or analog, gauges are unobstructed and legible. Though abundant, controls on the dashboard and steering wheel are large and clearly labeled. Outward visibility is generally good, but thick rear roof pillars hamper over-the-shoulder vision. The big trunk opens to bumper level. Cabin materials and workmanship are competitive with imported luxury cars, and notably better than other domestics. Two exceptions are the low-budget plastic in the dashboard center and crude movement of vent adjusters. Cadillac’s Night Vision option is most useful in rural areas, displaying a moving image in the windshield that resembles a photographic negative. It does not interfere with normal forward vision, and can be switched off.

Ratings

Model Tested: 2002 Cadillac DeVille DHS

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 7
70%
Fuel Economy - 3
30%
Ride Quality - 7
70%
Steering/Handling - 5
50%
Quietness - 8
80%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 6
60%
Room/Comfort Front - 9
90%
Room/Comfort Rear - 9
90%
Cargo Room - 6
60%

Other

Value - 6
60%

Total: 66

Specifications

4-door sedan
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
115.3 207.0 74.4 56.7
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
19.1 18.5 6
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
39.1 38.3 43.2 43.2
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 2000 DeVille 4-door sedan

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 3
60%
Front Passenger Injury - 4
80%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - 4
80%
Rear Passenger Injury - 4
80%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision 93
Injury 41
Theft 184

Trouble Spots

Brakes
Description: The original-equipment rear brake pads cause a humming or moaning noise, especially when the brakes are hot or warm. (2000)
Brakes
Description: When warm, the front brake pads may cause the front end and steering wheel to vibrate and shake. Countermeasure pads are available. (2000)
Climate control
Description: Due to insufficient tension on the pivots, the shut-off doors in the dashboard may close when the blower is set on high. (2000)
Engine knock
Description: Engine knock, especially when cold, may be due to carbon buildup in combustion chambers. (2000-01)
Horn
Description: If the horn becomes difficult to operate or sounds by itself in cold temperatures, the airbag module will have to be replaced. (2000)

Recall History

2000
Description: Some cars have internal fluid leaks in brake hydraulic control unit; when rear-brake proportioning, antilock-braking, traction-control, or stability-control feature is activated in some driving situations, feature may not perform as designed.
2001
Description: Some seatbelt assemblies fail to comply with a 30-pound pushbutton release-effort requirement and may be difficult to unlatch in a crash.
2001
Description: Sunvisor center supports may be too small, increasing the possibility of injuries, such as lacerations, during a collision.
2001-02
Description: Lap- and shoulder-belt retractors may not remain locked.
2002
Description: Steering-gear attachment bolts may be undertorqued or missing, resulting in uneven steering response or unusual noise in turns.
2002
Description: Airbag inflator may fracture during deployment, endangering passengers.
2002-03 V8
Description: Faulty fuel-tank sensors may have been installed in certain vehicles, leading to fuel leakage. Dealer will inspect and replace all affected parts.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

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