1997 Cadillac DeVille Concours A thoroughly modern traditional. By Tony Swan, New Car Test Drive .com

At a glance, the Cadillac DeVille looks

like an anachronism. One look at its vast dimensions, two-ton curb weight

and formal roofline suggests the bad old days--numb steering, football

field stopping distances, and the agility of a gimpy water buffalo.

But that's not the case, particularly with the DeVille Concours.

Yes, the DeVilles--standard, Concours and the new d'Elegance edition--are

designed to cater to folks who prioritize well-padded comfort and luxurious

amenities over everything else. But these are far more capable Caddies

than their bloated ancestors.

Our DeVille Concours tester was equipped with Cadillac's new stability-enhancing

electronic magic, as well as the myriad creature comforts that lend pleasure

to long trips. We were pleasantly astonished by its capabilities, seduced

by its amenities and impressed by its price.