History: Cadillac Motor Cars, a division of General Motors, began in 1902 as the Cadillac Automobile Company. The company boasts an inordinate number of auto industry "firsts" over its many years. Their claim to introducing "stylish design" in automobiles began with the 1927 LaSalle and probably peaked with the outlandish tailfins on the 1948 Cadillacs. While we generally equate Cadillac with posh comfort -- the 1964 models were the first cars to include automatic temperature control, drivers of all cars can thank the company for introducing tilt and telescoping steering wheels (1965) and for being the first auto manufacturer to provide power steering as standard equipment (1954). "Firsts" for women at Cadillac include Chris Mazglad's appointment as director of financial operations in 1990. Present top management at the progressive company includes Julie Hamp, recently-named director of communications. The DeVille is currently the biggest car in the Cadillac collection following the exit of the rear-drive Fleetwood in 1996. It was completely redesigned in 1994 and is one of the few remaining six-passenger cars around (when you choose a bench front seat). The 1997 DeVille enjoys rejuvenated styling, innovative side-impact air bags, and a new fully-functional interior.

Vehicle Type: 5-passenger, 4-door sedan front-wheel drive

Test Vehicle: DeVille Concours

Test Vehicle Price: $45,372

Engine: 4.6-liter Northstar V-8 engine, 300 horsepower

Transmission: 4-speed automatic

Safety Features: Airbank system, side-impact air bags anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights, child locks on rear doors, meets 1997 federal side impact standards

Buyer Demos: luxury car buyers 50+; 28% female

Fuel Economy: 17 mpg city/26 mpg highway

Model Availability: DeVille, DeVille Concours, DeVille d'Elegance

Special Features: OnStar system: With this high-tech helpmate, you are practically guaranteed of never again being alone with the frustration and panic of car trouble. In fact, sometimes OnStar knows more about what is happening to your car than you do. If it's stolen, for example, OnStar can track it down and will even notify the authorities with your car's location. If you have an accident and are knocked unconscious, the deployed air bag alerts OnStar to send emergency crews to your aid. This remarkable system performs these and other tasks by linking the cellular phone in the car to Cadillac's 24-hour Customer Assistance Center, then relaying data about the position of the vehicle to the Center. Technically speaking, OnStar is a combination of Global Positioning System satellite technology, cellular telephone communication, advanced electronics and comprehensive database management. You access OnStar with the touch of a button on the phone. There are two -- one for routine assistance and one for emergency help. In addition to efficient handling of 911-type emergencies, this helpful companion can provide routing information if you're lost, direct you to the nearest ATM or gas station, and make hotel or restaurant reservations for you. She will even unlock your car for you if you're locked yourself out. The system, which includes a voice-activated cellular phone for OnStar and other calls, costs around $1000 to install and $22.50-per-month to use.