The Cadillac DeVille is an iconic American luxury sedan that began production in the United States in 1949. It had a historic run of 56 years before Cadillac retired the DeVille nameplate and rebranded the full-size sedan as the DTS. The Cadillac DeVille defined luxury during its tenure. Every year, it brought a new change that increased the luxurious feel. Whether it was a smoother ride, a refined interior, or lumbar massage chairs, Cadillac constantly improved the DeVille in the name of comfort, class, and exhilaration.
While the Cadillac DeVille has a long lifespan, we only rank the 2002-2005 model years. Vehicles only gained OBDII ports in 1996, which makes collecting data before that year impossible. We only have enough information to rank these four as best or worst years. Even these rankings should be taken with a grain of salt, as our proprietary FIXD Reliability Score was equal among all years of the car. Nonetheless, we review our method before examining these model years in great detail.
Cadillac DeVille Engine Reliability Score, Safety Ratings, MPG, and Value v.s. Maintenance & Repair Costs – Year by Year
Our first chart shows the FIXD Reliability Score and Owner Reliability Score of the Cadillac DeVille. Reliability is the first metric to rank this luxury sedan’s best and worst years.
We create an objective score from our FIXD devices installed in Cadillac DeVilles and plot it on the graph as the FIXD Reliability Score. We use responses from owner surveys to create the subjective Owner Reliability Score.
A commonality between vehicles is that the first year of a generation has a lower reliability score than years later in that generation. The lower score is due to new technology causing issues requiring repair. We are only reviewing four years of the Cadillac DeVille, and this trend needs to be evident in this analysis.
We look at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) published data to acquire and graph the average safety rating of each year of the Cadillac DeVille. Next, we used fueleconomy.gov to determine the average miles per gallon across all trims and models. Lastly, we used our data and Kelley Blue Book (KBB) to graph the average market value and the annual repair and maintenance cost.
We will review each graph before analyzing the 2002-2005 Cadillac DeVille. While 2001 appears on our charts, we didn’t receive enough responses to include it in our overall ranking.
While reviewing each model year, we will look at the most common diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) and pertinent safety recalls.
The Cadillac DeVille is a historic car with a longstanding reputation, but other vehicles are worth exploring. The Lincoln Towncar is another American-made luxury sedan, and the Cadillac DTS is the nameplate that replaced the DeVille.
If you’re in the market for a car, take a look at our article on the USA’s most reliable and cheapest to repair cars in the U.S. Don’t get stuck with a lemon, use our data to help you shop.
Engine Reliability Score – Over The Years
We initially look at reliability when ranking the best and worst years of the Cadillac DeVille. We’ve devised two unique scores using our exclusive data, making it easy to compare. Both scores use the same scale: 1 is the worst, 5 is the average, and 10 is the best rating.
The first score is the FIXD Reliability Score, represented by the green line on the graph. We calculated this score by tracking the number of check engine lights (CEL) reported by our app users and dividing it by the number of cars. We then weighted the score based on an average of 12,000 miles driven annually.
The second score, the Owner Reliability Score (gray line), comes from surveys taken by Cadillac DeVille owners. These surveys capture their firsthand experience and provide subjective opinions on reliability. We translated these responses into numerical scores. For more details on the question asked and our methodology for determining this score, please refer to the note about data and information section located at the bottom of this article.
Reliability Scores are usually worse in older models, but the Cadillac DeVille is an outlier in reliability scores. That is because all years scored a measly 1/10 FIXD Reliability Score. This means there are a large amount of DTCs that are triggered in all model years of this vehicle. However, the Owner Reliability Score is a different story.
Owner Reliability Score is almost always higher than the FIXD Reliability Score, and the DeVille is no exception here. The 2003 DeVille received an impressive 9/10 Owner Reliability Score, while the 2002, 2004, and 2005 DeVilles all got 7/10.
A car’s reliability is often worse than an owner might want to believe. We hypothesize that owners of older models slowly become accepting of higher-than-average check engine lights being thrown because they have owned the car for a long time. They are either a frog in a pot of boiling water, not realizing the car is deteriorating slowly and getting worse. OR they simply haven’t compared the reliability of their older model to the often newer and more reliable models of today.
Loyalty to an older vehicle may also affect the Owner’s Reliability Scores. If a car has lasted 20 years, it would be immensely reliable in the owner’s eyes, even if it had to have repairs and triggered many CELs along the way.
NHTSA Safety Score – Over The Years
We took data from the NHTSA website and graphed the automotive industry’s average safety rating as a gray line. We also graphed the average safety rating of the Cadillac DeVille as a green line.
The Cadillac DeVille is not as safe as the average of the entire automotive industry, but it still fares decent in 2004 and 2004 (4.2/5). In 2002 and 2003, the Deville received a rating of only 3.4/5 stars.
A higher safety rating can help you get cheaper car insurance. If you live in one of the states listed below, we can show you the cheapest vehicles to insure in yours.
| What Used Cars Are the Cheapest To Insure In: |
| Ohio |
| North Carolina |
| Michigan |
| Georgia |
| Texas |
| New York |
| Illinois |
| Pennsylvania |
| California |
MPG – Over The Years
We graphed the average miles per gallon of the Cadillac DeVille, taken from data on fueleconomy.gov. To get the graph above, we averaged all trim levels and combined highway and city driving miles per gallon.
As a full-size luxury sedan, this Cadillac doesn’t have the most outstanding fuel efficiency but stays at 19 miles per gallon from 2002-2005. The 2001 DeVille has an average of 18 mpg. This isn’t the worst out there, but there are much better options in the form of compact cars or even crossover SUVs. The lower miles per gallon is the price you pay for luxury.
Current Market Value of All Cadillac DeVille Years & Cost Per Year to Repair and Maintain Each
We used the average mileage reported on owner surveys and gained the average market value from KBB.com. We graphed the average market value of the Cadillac DeVille with the green line. We also used owner surveys to graph the average annual cost of repairs and maintenance as a gray line.
The market value tends to increase with the newer years. However, 2001 has a high market value. This is because we needed more responses from 2001, and the average mileage of that year increased the market value. The lowest market value is the 2002 DeVille at $1,569, and the highest is the 2005 DeVille at $3,635.
The average repair costs aren’t terrible for a car two decades old, with an average of the 2002-2005 DeVilles being $700 annually. The highest is the 2002 model at $917, while the lowest is $500 a year for 2003.
When shopping for a used Cadillac DeVille, it’s important to keep in mind that not all vehicles are cared for equally. To protect yourself from lemons, take along a FIXD Sensor on your test drive. FIXD connects to a free app on your smartphone to tell you more about the vehicle you’re checking out, including check engine lights and other hidden issues that the owner or dealership may be attempting to hide. Click here to learn more and get FIXD for only $19.99 (regular price $59)!
Important Features Timeline
1996: Northstar Engine put in a base model, new transmission
1997: Side airbags standard and revised exterior and improved interior. OnStar adds improvements
1998: Second generation airbags standard, Stabilitrack becomes optional
1999: Increased luxury, optional massaging lumbar chairs in higher trims, audible theft-deterring system
2000: Completely revamped, engine improvements to the Northstar V8, rear parking assist
2001: Certified low-emission vehicle, tire pressure monitor system (TPMS) optional, new exterior colors
2002: Added the famous wreath and crest badge, leather seating standard in all models
2003: Turn signal indicators on side-view mirrors, revised taillamps, TPMS standard, navigation optional
2004: Heated and cooled front seats and a heated steering wheel
2005: Minor changes on the last year before the DeVille nameplate is retired, replaced by the DTS
The Best Years of the Cadillac DeVille
The best years of the Cadillac DeVille are listed from best to worst. Due to the equal FIXD Reliability Scores across all model years, we considered the Owner Reliability Score next for each year’s ranking. Safety scores and annual repair costs follow. We also review the most common DTCs and the safety recalls issued by the NHTSA.
We received inadequate data to include the 2001 Cadillac DeVille in our ranking of the best and worst DeVille’s, but we include the published government data with the 2002 model year.
2003 Cadillac DeVille
FIXD Reliability Score: 1/10
Owner Reliability Score: 9/10
KBB Value: $1,739
Fuel Economy: 19 mpg
Annual Maintenance/Repair: $500
Safety Rating: 3.4/5
The 2003 Cadillac DeVille saw turn signal indicators added to the side view mirrors and made a tire pressure monitor system standard across all trim levels. It is ranked the best year of the luxury sedan due to owning the highest Owner Reliability Score.
The FIXD Reliability Score is 1/10, and the Owner Reliability Score is an impressive 9/10. This model year has an average of 137,500 miles; owners claim they like the comfortable seats, and 23% of owners believe the car will make it to 200,000 miles.
The safety rating is the 2003 DeVille’s most significant weak spot, receiving only 3.4 out of 5 stars.
The annual cost of repairs and maintenance are lowest for the 2003 model at only $500. The average cost for the DeVille’s we ranked is $700.
The most common DTC for the 2003 Cadillac DeVille is P0410, which means “Secondary Air Injection System Malfunction.” If you experience this code, your possible repairs include a fuse ($10), an air pump ($570-$710), or an air pump relay ($50-$75). The following most common DTC is P0741, a potential automatic transmission replacement ($2,528-$3,045). Lastly, the 2003 Deville regularly experiences P0305 (Cylinder 5 misfire detected). A spark plug replacement ($66-250) is the most common repair for a cylinder misfire.
The 2003 Cadillac DeVille has four recalls and 146 complaints. Two recalls are airbag-related; one is related to an ignition switch issue, and the last is a faulty fuel tank pressor sensor.
2005 Cadillac DeVille
FIXD Reliability Score: 1/10
Owner Reliability Score: 7/10
KBB Value: $3,635
Fuel Economy: 19 mpg
Annual Maintenance/Repair: $583
Safety Rating: 4.2/5
The 2005 Cadillac DeVille received minimal upgrades from the 2004 model year, but this is the last year Cadillac will use the DeVille nameplate. It was one of the best DeVille’s due to its safety score and low repair costs.
The FIXD Reliability Score is 1/10, and the Owner Reliability Score is 7/10.
The 2005 model year earned a safety rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars, tied for the best on this list.
The annual maintenance and repair costs are only $583, while the average of all DeVille’s is $700.
The top DTC for the 2005 DeVille is P0300, which is random multiple misfires. The most common repair in the 2005 model is new ignition coils, which cost between $51-$173. The following most frequent engine code is P0410, secondary air injection system malfunction. You might have to replace a fuse ($10), but you might replace an air pump ($570-$710). The third-place engine code is P0174, which means bank 2 has too much air or insufficient fuel. A vacuum leak, inadequate mass airflow (MAF) sensor, or fuel pump can cause this code, but here is a list of other possible repairs:
- Vacuum leak ($100-$200)
- Clean MAF ($100)
- Replace MAF ($300)
- Fuel Pump ($1300-$1700)
- Fuel pressure regulator ($200-$400)
- Exhaust repair ($100-$200)
- Air fuel sensor or oxygen sensor ($200-$300)
The 2005 Cadillac DeVille has only one recall and 104 complaints. The recall is that the ignition switch may turn off.
The Worst Years of the Cadillac DeVille
Using the same metrics as the best years, we listed the worst years of the Cadillac DeVille from worst to “best of the worst.” These DeVille’s have the same FIXD Reliability Score as the best years but fare slightly worse in Owner Reliability and annual repair costs.
2002 Cadillac DeVille
FIXD Reliability Score: 1/10
Owner Reliability Score: 7/10
KBB Value: $1,569
Fuel Economy: 19 mpg
Annual Maintenance/Repair: $917
Safety Rating: 3.4/5
The 2002 Cadillac DeVille tops the list of our worst Cadillac DeVilles based on its low safety rating and high annual repair costs.
The FIXD Reliability Score is 1/10, while the Owner Reliability Score is 7/10. Because the reliability scores are equal to the 2005 DeVille, which ended up on the other side of the list, we can determine the overall reliability is similar between all of the DeVilles we ranked.
The 2002 model year’s safety rating is tied for the worst, at only 3.4 out of 5 stars. Considering this sedan is primarily used as a family vehicle, a poor safety score is something you want to avoid.
The annual repair cost is a whopping $917, $217 more than the average of $700. 50% of owners complained that the car is expensive to repair.
P0741 is the most common DTC caused by a faulty automatic transmission ($2,528-$3,045). Second place is P0410, secondary air injection system malfunction. Possible repairs include:
- Fuse ($10)
- Air Pump ($570-$710)
- Air Pump Relay ($50-$75)
The third place DTC is P0300, random multiple misfires. Ignition coils ($51-$173) are the most common repair, but there’s a chance you will also have to replace the spark plugs ($134-$522).
The 2002 Cadillac DeVille has the most recalls, with five, and has 181 complaints. The 2001 DeVille has four recalls, one investigation, and 189 complaints.
2004 Cadillac DeVille
FIXD Reliability Score: 1/10
Owner Reliability Score: 7/10
KBB Value: $2,053
Fuel Economy: 19 mpg
Annual Maintenance/Repair: $800
Safety Rating: 4.2/5
The 2004 Cadillac DeVille saw significant upgrades that added to the extreme luxury of the sedan. Heated and cooled seats and a heated steering wheel gave the car some of the most advanced luxury items.
The FIXD Reliability Score for the 2004 DeVille is 1/10 and the Owner Reliability Score is once again a 7/10.
The safety rating is still below the industry average, but it is one of the better DeVilles on our list at 4.5 out of 5 stars.
The annual repair and maintenance cost is another reason the 2004 model year ended up on the worst side of the list. At $800 annually, it is $100 more than the average and almost $300 more than the best years of the DeVille.
The most common DTC in the 2004 DeVille is P0174 (bank 2 has too much air or insufficient fuel), commonly caused by a vacuum leak ($100-$200). The next most common DTC is P0171, which means bank 1 has too much air or insufficient fuel. P0171’s potential repairs are the same as engine code P0174, with vacuum leak being the most prominent, but there are other possible issues:
- Vacuum leak ($100-$200)
- Clean MAF ($100)
- Replace MAF ($300)
- Fuel Pump ($1300-$1700)
- Fuel pressure regulator ($200-$400)
- Exhaust repair ($100-$200)
- Air fuel sensor or oxygen sensor ($200-$300).
Lastly, DTC P0496 made a frequent appearance in the 2004 model year. P0496 means “EVAP Flow During a Non-Purge Condition” and could be caused by any of the following:
- EVAP Purge Volume Control Valve ($150-$200)
- EVAP Line ($20-$100)
- EVAP Pressure Sensor ($280-$330).
The 2004 Cadillac DeVille has only one recall and 173 complaints.
FAQs
What years of the Cadillac DeVille have engine and/or transmission problems?
According to our FIXD sensor data, the 2001-2003 Cadillac DeVille triggers many DTCs related to the transmission, and the 2003-2005 Cadillac DeVille fire ignition coil codes consistently.
Our owner surveys show that 50% of 2004 DeVille owners reported a $500+ repair, and 50% of those repairs were engine-related.
What is considered high mileage for a Cadillac DeVille?
Our data shows the average miles on a Cadillac DeVille is only 110,833; therefore, anything above 160,833 could be considered high mileage. The highest reported is 141,667 miles in the 2004 model, while the lowest is the 2001 and 2005 DeVille at 75,000 miles.
Considering that the newest Cadillac DeVille is 18 years old is important. An average vehicle gains 12,000 miles a year, so considering high mileage is also related to age. A five-year-old DeVille with 60,000 miles would have average mileage, but a ten-year-old sedan with 60,000 miles would have low mileage. A three-year-old car with 60,000 miles would be high mileage.
What other vehicles should I consider?
Consider a few other options if you’re considering buying a used Cadillac DeVille. Staying within the Cadillac family, you might also explore the Cadillac STS, which shares some characteristics with the DeVille but with a more contemporary design and performance-oriented options, like the V8-powered STS-V.
Also, explore the Lincoln Town Car, which offers a similar level of traditional American luxury. It boasts a spacious interior and a comfortable ride. Another great option is the Lexus LS, celebrated for its exceptional build quality and reliability. Models like the LS 430 from this period deliver a well-rounded luxury sedan experience.
What do owners of the Cadillac DeVille like to use their car for?
According to owner surveys, 42% of people use their Cadillac DeVille as a family vehicle. The next highest response was for luxurious driving at 32%, and 24% use their DeVille for lots of driving. The last option that received a response was sport/fast driving at 2%. Hauling/towing, office on wheels, and outdoor/off-road is the main use for 0% of DeVille owners.
| Frequent Use Categories: | How Useful? (Out of 5 Stars) |
| Family Vehicle | ***** |
| Lots of Driving (travel/long commute) | *** |
| Hauling/Towing | * |
| Office on Wheels | * |
| Sport/Fast Driving | * |
| Luxurious Driving | **** |
| Outdoor/Off-Road | * |
A Note About Data and Information Sources
This article has many details about Cadillac DeVille reliability; here’s what we used for our assumptions and recommendations.
- FIXD Reliability Score & Data: Engine reliability information is captured via the FIXD App.
The FIXD Reliability Score is calculated using the number of DTCs per year, weighted by mileage. This is then turned into a scale of 1-10 for easy graphing.
This is an objective score.
- Owner Reliability Score & Data: This data is the result of surveying Cadillac DeVille owners who use FIXD.
The Owner Reliability Score comes straight from owners of the Cadillac DeVille.
This is a subjective score.
To determine the Owner Reliability Score we ask each car owner:
How reliable would you say your Cadillac DeVille is?
a. Just point A to point B driving
b. A Daily Commuter
c. Good for a 100 mile road trip
d. Good for a 500 mile road trip
e. I could take a cross-country road trip, no problem
From here we translate their answers into the Owner Reliability Score:
a. = 2
b. = 4
c. = 6
d. = 8
e. = 10
Keep in mind, owners may think their car is more or less reliable than it actually is.
One potential problem is that people often buy the same make or model they are used to when they go car shopping, just a newer year.
Ford, for instance, has a number of consumer loyalty awards for the Ford F-Series, Ford Mustang, and Ford Expedition.
Car owners may be so loyal to the make or model they currently own that they would have trouble accurately comparing their cars’ reliability to others.
It’s for this reason that we ask car owners a question that is relative to mileage rather than relative to other cars.
Still, be mindful of the accuracy of these Owner Reliability Scores, people’s perceptions and unconscious blindspots can skew data.
We suggest looking at both the FIXD Reliability Score and the Owner Reliability Score for this reason.
- KBB Value: Average private-seller valuations as supplied by Kelley Blue Book (KBB), based on a Cadillac DeVille with typical mileage for that respective model year.
- Fuel Economy: Mileage-per-gallon estimates according to the EPA MPG on Fueleconomy.gov
- Annual Maintenance/Repair: Upkeep expenses as reported by surveyed Cadillac DeVille owners
- Safety Rating: Crash test data collected and reported by NHTSA. We average all ratings for each year to come up with a simplified, average safety score. This makes it easier to look at on a graph.
References
- Cadillac DeVille model-specific information, edmunds.com (various dates). Retrieved September 6, 2023, from https://www.edmunds.com/
- Model-specific recall information as per the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. Retrieved September 6, 2023, from https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls
Keith Rollins is a copywriter and author that has been involved in the automotive industry for over 12 years. He has written for hotcars.com and is featured on Copywriting.org. When he’s not writing he’s spending time with his three kids, hiking, working on cars, or running. You can see his work at keithrrollins.com.
