1994-1999 Cadillac DeVille/Concours: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
1999 Cadillac DeVille/Concours
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1994-1999 Cadillac DeVille/Concours
- Price Range: $1,800 - $4,800
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1994-1999 Cadillac DeVille/Concours and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Antilock brakes
- Passenger and cargo room
- Acceleration
- Interior noise levels
- Traction control
Cons
- Fuel economy
- Climate control (base and d'Elegance)
- Rear visibility
Vehicle Highlights
Cadillac's best-seller was redesigned for 1994. The base model was called Sedan DeVille, while the top-of-the-line version earned a DeVille Concours designation. Both were 4-door sedans built on a 113.8-inch wheelbase. Overall length grew by 3.4 inches compared to '93 sedans. No more Coupe DeVilles, Touring Sedans, or Sixty Specials made the lineup. Base DeVilles used an overhead-valve, 4.9-liter V8 engine. The Concours came with Cadillac's potent 270-horsepower, 4.6-liter Northstar V8 and Road Sensing Suspension. That RSS setup adjusts firmness in milliseconds, based on vehicle speed and road conditions. Regular DeVilles had a Speed Sensitive Suspension, which adjusts firmness to one of three levels, based on car speed. Antilock all-disc brakes were standard. Outboard front seatbelts got a height-adjustment feature.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Cadillac Concours Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 8 | |
| Fuel Economy | 2 | |
| Ride Quality | 7 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 7 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 8 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 8 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 6 | |
| Value within Class | 8 | |
| Total Score: | 66 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1994-1999 Cadillac DeVille/Concours. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1994-1999 Cadillac DeVille/Concours.
Year to Year Changes
1995 Cadillac DTS:
Traction control was made standard across the board. The system also could now be switched off, if desired. New transmission fluid did not require changing for 100,000 miles.
1996 Cadillac DTS:
All front-drive Cadillacs now carried one version or another of the 4.6-liter Northstar V8. Base DeVilles gained a 275-horsepower Northstar, while the Concours V8 rose to 300 horsepower. Daytime running lights were installed this year. Concours sedans added Rainsense to automatically turn on wipers when rain began, and magnetically operated variable-assist power steering. DeVilles gained a stainless-steel exhaust system and Road Sensing Suspension. New stereo systems included redundant controls on the steering wheel. New coolant was designed to last five years or 100,000 miles.
1997 Cadillac DTS:
A new DeVille model, standard side airbags, and a mild facelift headline the list of changes for 1997. Joining the base DeVille and plusher Concours is a new mid trim level model, called the De Ville d'Elegance. It comes with more standard equipment than the base DeVille, chrome wheels and gold ornamentation. Plus, dual door-mounted airbags join the two dash-mounted airbags, antilock brakes, and traction control on the list of standard safety features. Styling alterations include a new grille, rounder rear-wheel openings to accommodate the car's wider rear track, and a deeper rear fascia.
1998 Cadillac DTS:
Changes were minimal for 1998, however, with the demise of the Fleetwood, the DeVille lineup became Cadillac's largest cars.
1999 Cadillac DTS:
Cadillac's largest car saw a host of changes for '99 including available massaging front seats on d'Elegance and Concours models. Other improvements include an electronic suspension with StabiliTrak. This system is designed to aid control in fast turns by selectively applying the front brakes. It was standard on the Concours and optional on others. In midyear, a Golden Anniversary option was added that included special white paint, wood interior trim, and 2-tone leather upholstery. The DeVille line was all-new for the 2000 model year.
Our road test for the 1994-1999 Cadillac DeVille/Concours includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1994-1999 Cadillac DeVille/Concours and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1994-1999 Cadillac DeVille/Concours is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Concours is the performance prince, but even a base DeVille boasts impressive acceleration, with brisk passing response. Power is plentiful with the 4.9-liter base engine--and even better with the later Northstar. With any of the Northstar V8s under the hood, you can expect surprisingly sizzling action, which belies the car's heft. A Concours, with the most potent V8 ready and waiting, actually rivals some sports sedans when pushing the pedal to the floor. Even better, Cadillac's 4-speed overdrive automatic transmission shifts with buttery smoothness. Fuel economy is poor. Only on the highway did we average better than 20 mpg. Overall, a Concours averaged just 15.8 mpg in a long-term trial. Worse yet, all engines demand premium gasoline. Because of a stiffer structure and better engine mounts, these two ride much more quietly than in previous years, with less noise and vibration. Both suspensions do a good job of isolating the cabin and keeping bouncing to a minimum. The Road Sensing Suspension does a commendable job of maintaining a stable, comfortable ride and minimizing body lean in turns. Agile may not be an appropriate word to describe either DeVille, but these sizable sedans handle reasonably well for cars in their category. Later models with StabiliTrak feel much more agile in hard driving, with no penalty in ride quality. Road and wind noise are minimal, though not necessarily nonexistent. Brakes are strong and fade-free. Steering is firm and responsive, but lacks true road feel and precision. Inside, you get ample six-passenger seating in a spacious cabin, plus dual airbags. Basic dashboard design is borrowed from the Seville, so climate controls are just to the right of the steering wheel, where they're hard to see and reach. The trunk opens at bumper level and has a wide, flat floor that can hold loads of luggage.
Value for the Money
Don't judge the latest DeVille and Concours just by their conservative styling, which continues to appeal mainly to older drivers. Both Cadillacs offer tempting performance and roomy accommodations, and represent good value for the money.
Don't judge the latest DeVille and Concours just by their conservative styling, which continues to appeal mainly to older drivers. Both Cadillacs offer tempting performance and roomy accommodations, and represent good value for the money.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Cadillac Concours Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 8 | |
| Fuel Economy | 2 | |
| Ride Quality | 7 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 7 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 8 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 8 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 6 | |
| Value within Class | 8 | |
| Total Score: | 66 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Cadillac DTS includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Cadillac DTS .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Blower motor:
The blower motor fails if the spark plug wires are routed too close to the blower-motor housing. (1994-97)
Engine noise:
A rattling noise from the engine at startup is often caused by automatic-transmission pump starvation or cavitation, or a sticking pressure-regulator valve. (1994-95)
Fuel odors:
Leaks in the vapor recovery system, due to excessively short hoses coming loose, causes fuel odors inside the car. (1997)
Oil leak:
Beware rear main seal leaks on Northstar engine. (1996-99)
Oil pump:
Low oil pressure may result from debris caught in Northstar engine oil pump pressure relief valve. (1993-94)
Steering noise:
The upper bearing mount in the steering column can get loose and cause a snapping or clicking, requiring a new bearing spring and turn-signal cancel cam. (1994-96)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $475 |
| Alternator | $350 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,160 |
| Brakes | $210 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $700 |
| Exhaust System | $1,000 |
| Radiator | $490 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $720 |
Our price chart for this generation Cadillac DTS details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1999 | |||
| Concours | $4,900-5,600 | $4,200-4,800 | $1,900-2,200 |
| DeVille | $4,500-5,300 | $3,700-4,400 | $1,600-1,900 |
| 1998 | |||
| Concours | $4,300-5,000 | $3,600-4,200 | $1,500-1,700 |
| DeVille | $4,000-4,700 | $3,300-3,900 | $1,300-1,500 |
| 1997 | |||
| Concours | $3,900-4,600 | $3,200-3,800 | $1,200-1,400 |
| DeVille | $3,600-4,300 | $2,900-3,400 | $1,000-1,200 |
| 1996 | |||
| Concours | $3,400-4,000 | $2,700-3,200 | $900-1,000 |
| DeVille | $3,200-3,800 | $2,500-3,000 | $800-1,000 |
| 1995 | |||
| Concours | $3,000-3,600 | $2,300-2,800 | $700-800 |
| DeVille | $2,800-3,400 | $2,100-2,600 | $600-700 |
| 1994 | |||
| Concours | $2,700-3,300 | $2,000-2,500 | $600-700 |
| DeVille | $2,500-3,100 | $1,800-2,300 | $500-700 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Cadillac DTS include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 113.8 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 209.7 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 76.6 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 56.3 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3959 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 20.0 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 20.0 | |
| Seating Capacity | 6 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.5 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.6 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.4 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 43.3 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Until 1996, the Sedan de Ville held a 200-horsepower, overhead-valve 4.9-liter V8. Then, a 275-horsepower dual-overhead cam Northstar V8 of 4.6-liter displacement became standard. The Concours got a 300-horsepower version that year, versus a 270- or 275-horsepower 4.6-liter Northstar powertrain in 1994-95 models. All DeVilles used a 4-speed automatic transmission.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc V8 | 4.6 / 279 | 270-275 | 300 | 4-speed automatic: 17/26 | 4-speed automatic: 15.8 |
| dohc V8 | 4.6 / 279 | 300 | 295 | 4-speed automatic: 17/26 | 4-speed automatic: 17.2 |
| ohv V8 | 4.9 / 300 | 200 | 275 | 4-speed automatic: 16/26 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Cadillac DTS include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1999 DeVille |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1994-1999 Cadillac DeVille/Concours directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1995:
Inadvertent airbag deployment could occur, due to water intrusion.
1995-97:
The fuel line tubing on certain vehicles may crack causing fuel leakage. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.
1996:
Secondary hood latch may be improperly adjusted; if primary latch also is not engaged, hood could open unexpectedly.
1997:
Brake/traction-control module can cause antilock brake system to cycle in non-ABS braking; could increase stopping distance.
1998:
Hood-hinge pivot bolts can break; could cause either the corner of the hood near the windshield to rise, or one side of hood to be unstable when opened.
1998:
Misrouted canister-purge evaporative-emissions harness could interfere with cruise control and throttle linkage, preventing return to close throttle position.
1999:
Some side-impact airbag-sensor modules have quality problems and may deploy inadvertently.
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