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Test Drives:
2003 Cadillac Deville
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I haven’t been so disappointment in a long time! During a recent trip to Florida, I had the
opportunity to upgrade to an SUV, a convertible, or a luxury car for the same price. I was
expecting to put a lot of mileage on my rental car so I decided to go luxurious. The
Deville was my first chance to sample the latest generation of full-sized luxury from
America.
Having driven full-sized Buicks & other GM products (all of which have been rentals), I
was surprised just how similar the Cadillac was to its platform-sharing siblings.
Surprised in a disappointing way. I felt like I was driving Park Avenue, not a Cadillac. I
can only hope that the DHS & DTS models are a little more differentiated from other GM
products than this base Deville. I was disappointed with the following: very poor seats
resulting in a sore back every day, front-wheel drive, digital speedo/tach, poor sound
insulation, stupid seatbelt design, and poor interior materials, fit & finish. I can only
complement the excellent radio with its quick, responsive controls, steering wheel-
mounted controls, and simplicity of use.
I have to admit that my disappointment isn’t a complete shock. Let’s be up front. This
car is not built for me. It is built for the American senior citizens that have been loyal to
the brand, and who expect nothing but what the car delivers.
Next time I’ll take the convertible.
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