What is the history of the Cadillac Deville?
The DeVille (also De Ville and de Ville) name has been used on many of Cadillac's luxury car models. After the Fleetwood was dropped from the Cadillac lineup the DeVille became the largest Cadillac sedan.The DeVille name was replaced by DTS (DeVille Touring Sedan) for the 2006 model year.
The name "DeVille" ("of the city" or "town" in French) derives its name from its body styling, which featured an open chauffeur's compartment and enclosed passenger compartment. This configuration elevated the vehicle from mere transportation to a bona fide status symbol. For the 2006 model year the Cadillac DeVille nameplate, but not the car itself, was replaced by the Cadillac DTS. This is in fact an abbreviation of "DeVille Touring Sedan", a name that dates back to 1985 when it was used for the optional touring package that eventually became its own model. This follows the same naming pattern as the CTS, STS. The last DeVille rolled off the Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly line on June 23, 2005.