1983 Cadillac DeVille 4 Door Sedan HT4100 4.1L (250 CID) V8 from North America

Summary:

A sofa on wheels

Faults:

AC Compressor Replaced at 68000 Miles.

Power Antenna Motor Burned Out.

Driver's Power Seat Controls not working.

The Headliner is starting to fall out.

The paint is looking weatherbeaten.

General Comments:

I bought this car used for only $1800 because I did not have much money to spend. I have been very happy with the reliability of this car.

I have heard of the poor reliability of the HT4100 engine, but as a mechanic, I know that most people do not know how to properly maintain a vehicle, and following a regular maintainance schedule, this engine is running as strong as the day it was new.

The car unfortunately sat outside for 5 years in the hot Arizona desert, so the paint is faded and weatherbeaten, and the plastic fender extensions are faded and cracked, but the body is straight and rust free. The Body itself still maintains the classic elegant lines of a large American car.

The performance is dissapointing to say the least. Most big American sedans like this have big powerful engines, this car gets beaten off the line by mini vans. The fuel economy however, is excellent for a car that weighs nearly three tons.

As for comfort, the bench seats are more comfortable than the furniture in my home. Picture two large velvet sofas, and build a massive car around them! Give me a TV and a Mini Fridge and I'd never leave the car.

As cars are looking more and more alike all the time. This beauty stands out with her Chrome Fin taillights, and Gold emblem on the hood, a true American Classic.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th July, 2002

18th Apr 2003, 01:27

You are absolutely right. I just purchased a 1985 Cadillac Coupe DeVille and it's a sweet slice of americana. Although the heavy frame (and amenities) lends a certain sense of stability, it takes away from the powerful V8 engine's potential for speed and acceleration.

I bought the Caddy at 72k miles and its running strong after a new water pump, alternator, and wiper motor. It is happiest going 65 mph on the winding highways; it practically drives itself.

I guess its age is what makes its reliability questionable.

1983 Cadillac DeVille Coupe HT4100 4.1 V8 from North America

Summary:

The great American luxury barge.

Faults:

The headliner was sagging badly and was replaced.

The sunroof opens, but does not close. That's a bit of a problem.

The trunk support pistons stopped supporting the trunk and were replaced.

The car has been repainted. Cadillac was not known for great paint jobs in the '80's.

The passenger's side window gets stuck down sometimes. Slamming the door is the usual remedy.

The power windows are very slow.

The tape deck quit working. It's been replaced with an after market compact disc player. The speakers were replaced too.

The car has some creaks and rattles, but it's 19 years old, what can you expect, it's not GM or Cadillacs fault.

General Comments:

1983 Cadillacs have a bad reputation, but mine has been problem free.

The car is a dog on the streets, but on the highway it can hold its own.

It gets surprisingly good fuel economy for a big, heavy, V8 equipped car.

The transmission is a little fussy and slips in and out of overdrive every now and then. It can be pretty annoying.

Overall I love this car. It's not the greatest car Cadillac built, but it's a good car. It's a little on the enormous side, but it's fun having one of the biggest cars on the rode. I wish it had more horsepower, but what can you do.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd May, 2002

1983 Cadillac DeVille Coupe 4.1 V8 HT4100 from North America

Summary:

Ocean liner on wheels

Faults:

Trunk lid pistons failed. Replaced for $40.

Power window motors very slow.

Headliner was replaced.

Uses a little bit of oil and has a very small leak.

Tape player is a little buggy.

General Comments:

Pretty good on gas for a car its size.

Very roomy interior and trunk.

Great car to drive, but forget about parallel parking.

Rides like a dream.

The car is kind of a dog off the line, but it gets going on the highway.

Has been known to turn some heads.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd November, 2001