2000 Cadillac DeVille Review

The 2000 DeVille is all new inside and out and showcases new automotive technologies such as Night Vision, Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist and the newest generation of GM's StabiliTrak traction-control system. It also boasts improvements to the Northstar V8 that not only improve fuel economy, but make this engine operate even smoother than before.

With its strong powerplant, excellent road manners and well-appointed interior, the DeVille is one of the best full-size luxury sedans on the market.

Cadillac's DeVille brand celebrates its 50th anniversary in the marketplace with a completely revamped car and the introduction of groundbreaking high-tech features.

The new DeVille is evolutionary in design, yet is more than 2 inches shorter and narrower than last year's version, giving it a slightly trimmer, cleaner look. Its wheelbase is actually 1.5 inches longer, while interior space is virtually as roomy as the 1999 car. It is available in three models: the base DeVille, a ritzy DeVille High Luxury Sedan (DHS) and a sporty, five-passenger DeVille Touring Sedan (DTS).

This year's car benefits from a stiffer body architecture that provides a notable increase in torsional rigidity. That not only allows for improvements in crashworthiness as well as noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) control, but also in handling dynamics. What's more, Cadillac's Northstar V8 has been redesigned from the inside out to achieve better mileage with regular fuel, smoother and quieter operation, and certification as a low-emission vehicle (LEV) for California and certain Northeast states.

Night Vision is the first automotive application of thermal-imaging technology that helps drivers avoid collisions by enhancing their ability to detect objects well beyond the normal range of their headlights. Another DeVille "first" is the use of Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist, which uses an array of four sensors to help the driver in parking maneuvers. Then there's StabiliTrak 2.0, the latest version of GM's highly acclaimed stability-control system. It is enhanced for 2000 with the addition of active steering effort compensation, which slightly increases turning effort during sudden maneuvers, and side-slip-rate control, which responds to traction loss at all four wheels by gently applying both front brakes to help the driver regain control. In addition, the DeVille DTS will feature the second generation of Cadillac's continuously variable road-sensing suspension, called the CVRSS 2.0.

All DeVilles include leading-edge passive restraints, a CD-based navigation system and the OnStar communications system, as well as the industry's first light emitting diode (LED) taillight and center high-mounted stoplight combination. Building on its reputation for comfort and convenience, the 2000 DeVille also offers such luxury touches as three-zone climate control, adaptive seating, massaging lumbar seats and a new center seat/storage system. Rear-seat passengers enjoy a theater seating layout (for optimum forward visibility), heated seats and power lumbar adjustments.

As Cadillac's flagship sedan, the new DeVille is a sophisticated American luxury car that remains true to Cadillac's heritage, yet hints at the division's high-tech future. We think that mix will appeal to both the Town Car set and Cadillac purists alike.