2004 Cadillac DeVille

The full-size DeVille sedan receives a number of upgrades for 2004.  New additions include heated and cooled front seats paired with a heated steering wheel and an electronic parking-brake release. The base trim will now offer Cadillac's Night Vision visibility feature as an option, and an armor-clad version of the sedan is now available in either standard or stretched wheelbase versions.

The DeVille continues to earn praise for its smooth and powerful Northstar V8 mill, a feature enhanced by the sedan's surprisingly nimble handling abilities. Inside, the DeVille's expansive cabin offers plush and inviting seating and well-placed controls. Ergonomics include a very user-friendly navigation system. However, while the DeVille name certainly offers longevity, its dated styling and lower-quality interior materials drop it a tier below the other offerings in this segment.

The sedan enters its second-to-last year of production in 2004, with Cadillac planning to discontinue the DeVille after 2005. For now, the DeVille is split into three trim levels: Base, DHS, and DTS. The Base model offers the expected Cadillac amenities, while the two upper level trims each have a niche. The DHS is an abbreviation for "DeVille High Luxury Sedan," and the DTS is the "DeVille Touring Sedan." The DHS has unique upscale features, like heated/massaging rear seats and a rear sunshade, while the DTS is differentiated by performance enhancements like stability control, an active suspension, and magnetic variable-assist steering.

GM's OnStar assistance and a tire-pressure monitor are standard on all trims, while rear-obstacle detection, satellite radio, and a navigation system are optional across the board. The navigation system utilizes voice-recognition technology and will play DVDs on the dashboard screen when the vehicle is stationary.

There are two engine options in the DeVille lineup. The Base and DHS house a 4.6-liter V8 that produces 275 horsepower, while the DHS gets an enhanced version of this engine, good for 300 horsepower. Both powerplants are mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is reasonable for such a large car, with an EPA estimate of 17/26 mpg.