1997 Cadillac DeVille With OnStar System...Continued

Our Impressions of the Drive:

Engine Response: Two years ago, a group of female autowriters were treated to a day-long technical seminar at Cadillac's headquarters in Detroit where we were not only given a detailed, technical explanation of the Northstar system, we literally BUILT a Northstar V-8 engine similar to the one in the test car. Okay, it was a little like "paint-by-numbers" and we had a lot of help, but what an experience! Actually, that was more fun than the recent week-long test drive of the DeVille Concours. Although it's nice to have all that responsive power, the car makes so many decisions for you, it's not all that exciting to drive.

Shifting The Gears: The four-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission performs beautifully in concert with the sophisticated Northstar system. Little is required of the driver. You should be aware, however, that shifting into and out of "Park" locks and unlocks the car doors. While this great safety feature means no more driving around with four unlocked doors, it also means you're unlocking all doors whenever you stop and put the car into "Park." Not so safe if you are by yourself on a dark and lonely street.

Handling: Even though this is a huge, lug of an automobile, it responds easily to your slightest request at all speeds and road conditions. That's because Magnasteer, Cadillac's variable-effort steering gear, is a state-of-the-art system. The turning radius on this large car is better than many small cars. Downside is the boredom of simply steering the car rather than driving it.

Ride: It's a little like being at sea. You sort of float along, gently bobbing over rough spots in the road. Even the most severe speed bumps are hardly felt in this yacht-like vehicle.

Brakes: An already superior braking system received improvements for the 1997 DeVille. Sophisticated anti-lock brakes, standard on this car, help ensure straight, safe stopping.

Fit And Finish: Oh, oh. The trunk and hood both sound tinny when being closed and there are huge gaps between both the trunk lid and the hood and the body of the car. Maybe the test car was built on a Friday or a Monday. That's not supposed to make a difference anymore, but there has to be some explanation for the shoddy way this expensive automobile fit together.

Overall Impression: Cadillac has done a nice job of upgrading features and design on their now-largest luxury car. Traditional DeVille buyers should be pleased. However, if you're looking for a "driver's car," the DeVille Concours will be a disappointment. Although it is billed as the model's sporty version, it bares little resemblance to any cars presently being marketed as sport sedans.

What We Liked Most: The OnStar system. Riding in luxury is real nice.

What We Caution You About: Maybe it was that bad fit between the hood and trunk and body, but this car did not seem as solid as other Cadillacs we've driven. Buy a DeVille if you like, but look at other models before you do.

Major Competition: Lincoln Town Car, Chrysler LHS, Buick Park Avenue Ultra, BMW 740i, Mercedes-Benz S-Class