Automotive
The 2000 Cadillac DeVille full-size sedan was an outstanding success for the brand, debuting in 1999 and quickly reaching maximum production capacity, resulting in long lines of customers outside dealerships.
The transition from rear-wheel drive (RWD) to front-wheel drive (FWD) proved to be a highly successful decision for the 2000 Cadillac DeVille. Despite targeting an older demographic, the vehicle incorporated cutting-edge technologies, including a night-vision head-up display developed in collaboration with Raytheon, a company specializing in radar, airspace management, and military equipment. Sales surged by over 50% in the first two months of 2000 compared to the same period in 1999. The Hamtramck, Michigan, assembly plant had the capacity to produce approximately 10,000 units monthly, though component supply from subcontractors sometimes fell short of this rate. The DeVille was offered in three trim levels: the base model, the DHS, and the DTS.
Wayne Cherry’s design for the 2000 Cadillac DeVille’s front fascia featured stacked headlamps reminiscent of the 1965 DeVille designed by Bill Mitchell, one of GM’s most influential designers. However, for the 2000 model year, these were integrated into corner-mounted headlights. The wide grille between them was black with either a chrome trim at the top or a three-slat design, depending on the trim level. Below the aerodynamically profiled wrap-around plastic bumper, the manufacturer positioned an additional air intake flanked by optional fog lamps.
The vehicle’s profile showcased a length and low-slung greenhouse that positioned the 2000 Cadillac DeVille as a strong contender against German and Japanese full-size sedans. Its long hood followed an ascending line, with a raked windshield continuing the design. A subtle crease line originating from the headlights extended all the way to the taillights, accentuating the greenhouse. All trim levels came standard with cast aluminum wheels, measuring 16 inches for the DeVille and DHS, and 17-inch low-profile tires for the DTS. Flush door handles and body-colored door mirrors integrated into the bodywork enhanced the vehicle’s premium appearance. At the rear, the manufacturer installed corner-mounted LED taillights flanking the trunk’s wide opening.
The 2000 Cadillac DeVille provided a spacious cabin accommodating up to six passengers. While the DTS trim featured front bucket seats exclusively, these were optional for the other two trim levels. Heated outboard seats were available for the base model and standard on the other two. The black instrument panel housed backlit dials and gauges that appeared to float in mid-air. A retractable glass panel above the instrument cluster’s visor displayed the Night Vision thermal imaging camera. The center stack housed the sound system, which included an optional DVD-based touchscreen navigation system. A Bose sound system was available for the DHS and DTS trims, and all versions could be equipped with a 6-CD changer in the glove box. The rear featured a 40/20/40 split-folding bench seat, and thanks to the FWD platform, there was no intrusive transmission tunnel on the floor, maximizing legroom.
Under the hood of the 2000 DeVille, Cadillac installed a 4.6-liter engine. The base and mid-level trims delivered 275 horsepower (279 PS), while the DTS offered 300 horsepower (304 PS). Both engine versions transmitted power to the front wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. Built on GM’s new G platform, the vehicle featured independent suspension at all corners and air springs for the rear axle.
