Acura
RL
Owner report available
Cadillac
DeVille
Owner report available
Acura RL vs Cadillac DeVille
The short answer
Based on available data, the Cadillac DeVille comes out ahead of the Acura RL on power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
RL
Overall
Owners regard the RL as a comfortable, quiet, well-built luxury sedan with a strong V6 and a notably refined cabin, and several long-term owners report trouble-free runs past 200,000 miles. The dominant criticism is that the car is now old, parts are increasingly hard to find, and the early-2000s V6 automatic transmissions are a known weak point. Sentiment splits by generation: the first-generation 3.5 RL (1996-2004) draws praise for durability but warnings about transmission and parts scarcity, while the second-generation RL (2005-2012) is described as smoother, quieter, and better sorted, with the 2008 model specifically called out as having had early bugs worked out.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus. The strongest partial signal favors the 2008 model year, which owners describe as the point where early tech, radio, and SH-AWD issues were resolved, and the 2011-2012 RL is called an absolute unicorn by one owner.
Known issues
- Automatic transmission failure or slipping, particularly on early-2000s V6 models: Frequency: very frequent. Parts availability problems, including scarce dealer, aftermarket, and used parts: Frequency: very frequent.
DeVille
Overall
Sentiment is bifurcated by generation. For classic models (1950s-1970s), sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, characterized by nostalgic appreciation for their iconic styling, immense size, powerful V8 engines (notably the 472 and 500 cubic inch motors), and their status as symbols of American luxury. These are viewed as comfortable, torque-rich cruisers.
Best version to buy
For classic models, the 1966 DeVille is specifically mentioned for its 7.0L (430 cubic inch) V8 and imposing dimensions. For the problematic Northstar era, the 2004-2005 model years are identified as having the updated "coarse thread" head bolts which partially addressed the pervasive head gasket failure issue.
Known issues
- Northstar V8 Head Gasket Failure: Catastrophic failure leading to coolant loss, overheating, and engine damage. Very frequent in pre-2004 models. Frequency: very frequent.
- Northstar V8 Oil Leaks: Persistent leaks from multiple engine seals (e.g., front cover, oil pan, rear main seal). Frequency: very frequent.
- Engine Mount Failure (Front): Common failure leading to engine movement, clunking noises during shifts, and driveline vibration. Specifically noted on post-2000 models without torque struts. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Acura RL is the better choice for most buyers.
It has stronger reliability sentiment in owner reports than the Cadillac DeVille, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the Acura RL are a dealbreaker, the Cadillac DeVille is worth a closer look instead.
Explore further
Common problems by model year
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Acura RL or the Cadillac DeVille?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Acura RL than the Cadillac DeVille. See the known issues comparison above for the specific concerns owners report on each.
Which is better for families, the Acura RL or the Cadillac DeVille?
Data on family-specific factors like cargo space is limited for one or both models, but based on available reports, both are positioned as practical daily drivers. Check the specs table above for seating and body type.
Which has better fuel economy, the Acura RL or the Cadillac DeVille?
The EPA rates the 2012 Acura RL at 20 mpg combined and the 2005 Cadillac DeVille at 18–19 mpg, depending on the version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Acura RL or the Cadillac DeVille?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Acura RL than the Cadillac DeVille. See the known issues comparison above.