Overview & Reviews

Owned by General Motors, Cadillac is America's most prestigious domestic luxury automaker. For most of its existence, the company was known exclusively for its cushy, senior-friendly sedans, but in more recent years the automaker has revised and expanded its lineup in a successful effort to attract a new, younger generation. Cadillac's roster now includes SUVs (its Escalade is a favorite of both rappers and suburban moms), a crossover and even a high-performance wagon.

Born in 1902, Cadillac was founded by Henry Martyn Leland, a manufacturer of automotive components. He named the company after a noted French explorer who discovered Detroit in the early 1700s. Leland helped create one of the company's earliest offerings -- the Cadillac Osceola, noted for being the industry's first concept car and the first closed-body car made in America. Only one Osceola was made, but it helped spark a trend; closed bodies caught on and spread like wildfire through the industry.

Cadillac quickly gained a reputation for specializing in precise craftsmanship and for using standardized parts. The success of early Cadillacs like the Model A and the "30" made the brand a sales success, so much so that the automaker was purchased by General Motors in 1909. The marque became GM's luxury division, and its list of innovations grew. Cadillac was the first U.S. auto manufacturer to produce a V8, the first to use thermostatic control of a cooling system and the first to offer dash-controlled headlights. During the 1930s, the brand earned a strong reputation for producing powerful and smooth V12 and V16 engines.

Soon after World War II, Cadillac history hit a high point as its tailfinned and chrome-laden cars became the epitome of American postwar automotive style. Cadillac's tailfin took its cue from Lockheed's P38 Lightning Aircraft, and was the brainchild of designer Frank Hershey. Vehicles like the Coupe de Ville and Fleetwood El Dorado made Cadillac a staple in upscale neighborhoods and among the Hollywood set.

By the 1960s, Cadillac's flashy tailfins had given way to a new styling cue: vertical taillights. This attribute was in evidence on one of Cadillac's most successful new cars of that decade, the Fleetwood Sixty Special. The Fleetwood offered luxury features that were cutting-edge for its day, such as fold-down writing tables, footrests and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel.

The gas crunch of the 1970s, however, started a downward trend for the company. Cadillac's Titanic-sized behemoths that ruled the highways in previous decades were increasingly out of touch and out of favor. Cadillac responded to the changing times by downscaling the dimensions of many vehicles in its lineup. Despite this smart maneuvering, the automaker's fortunes suffered in the late '70s when it unveiled a diesel engine that quickly earned a reputation for spotty performance.

The 1980s saw the redesign of the Seville, a vehicle whose unique bustle-back styling sparked a trend and inspired its share of imitators. That decade also witnessed the rollout of the Cimarron, a small car that was essentially a rebadged Chevy Cavalier, the latter an economy car not exactly known for excellence. Understandably, the Cimarron never caught on with the public. Things got worse when Cadillac launched a series of underpowered, unreliable V8s during the first half of that decade that, along with the notoriously unreliable diesel, cost the automaker thousands of customers, millions of dollars and immeasurable damage to its reputation.

By the early '90s, Cadillac started a major turnaround as it brought out redesigned, stylish models with vastly improved engines. Shortly after the new millennium bowed, the company adopted its "Art & Science" design philosophy. With styling cues that included sharp, almost severe lines and stacked headlamps, Art & Science was first seen on Cadillac's 1999 Evoq concept roadster. By the mid-2000s, this bold new look had reinvigorated the company's sales, and was seen on hits such as the Escalade SUV and the CTS sport sedan.

This fresh styling, coupled with improvements in performance and overall product quality, has done a great deal to help Cadillac recover much of its previous status. Today's Cadillacs, which include coupes, sedans, crossovers and SUVs, are known for offering powerful engines, chiseled lines, sharp handling and a full accoutrement of luxury features.

User Reviews:

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  Escalade Best Truck Ever!! - 2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By Edward - February 18 - 6:06 pm

  I have wanted an Escalade EXT for awhile, I had 06 Escalade SUV and loved it! With LS3 409 HP engine and 6 speed it sounds amazing and moves out!! There is nothing like driving a caddy the interior is fit for a king! The exterior is like no other mine is the Luxury model and stands aggressively with chrome accents in all the right places. This is a luxurious land yacht! I plan on keeping it forever! I didn't buy it for the mpg it gives me SPG "Smiles Per Gallon" mine uses E85 which is $1.35 cheaper then gas. I deactivated the cylinder de-activation AFM cause it's garbage I want V8 all the time. Best truck I have ever owned go get one!

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  2012 CTS AWD - 2012 Cadillac CTS
  By Kay - September 19 - 1:31 pm

  It’s almost 2021 and no zero problems... researched for problems for years. Never found any till this came up when I was researching scheduled maintenance. I can’t think of a better. Mmm cc

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  Gordy Harrison - 2008 Cadillac Escalade
  By Gordy Harrison - January 4 - 6:28 pm

  Excellent

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  Side mirrors on Cadillac Escalade - 2017 Cadillac Escalade
  By Heather Wiebe - February 24 - 6:01 am

  Had an Escalade for a test drive. Would have bought it but the side mirrors block my view. The older mirrors were narrow. These are too tall and look unattractive, to me. That is the only reason that I have not purchased the Cadillac Escalade Esv. Hope the 2018 model has better side mirrors, as I would really like to buy!

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  A great used car style and reliability - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By cameron - January 21 - 9:26 am

  my car is used 2003 I had 96,000 when I brought the car I now have 229,000 miles. So far just minor work I have been blessed. Its a great car.

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  2003 Deville -- Land Yacht - 2003 Cadillac Deville
  By Stacey Kazacos - January 5 - 4:56 pm

  I bought the Deville with about 35K miles, 7 years ago. The car is best on a long trip when comfort and smooth highway handling count the most. My biggest problems have been with faulty sensors -- just about all of them to include: oil pressure, engine temp, airbag, steering, tire pressure etc. The actual components were NOT at fault. In every case it was the sensor. The other problem I had (which seems to be common among owners) is the power window motor failing. The electronic switches and displays are chintzy. Anyway, the motor is great. Uses about 1 quart per 1,600 miles. All that said, it is a fun car to drive on a trip. It depreciated quickly -- so I would shy away from buying a new one in the future.

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  2015 Cadillac SRX - A Level Below Other Luxury Car - 2015 Cadillac SRX
  By Robert - January 5 - 4:30 pm

  I really like the SRX but it is definitively a level below other luxury car brands (i.e. Lexus, BMW, Acura, etc.), and I feel the same way about the dealership quality. I negotiated a good deal on this car, and paid significantly less than I would have if I bought another Acura MDX (my previous car). So, based on the price, I have been satisfied so far.

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  Greatest caddy I bought thus far - 2008 Cadillac CTS
  By Kamilla Harris - December 22 - 11:24 pm

  I just bought my car a month ago and I love it I bought it used and it has 140k and its been a awesome car I l9be caddys

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  What is everyone complaining about? - 2008 Cadillac CTS
  By Rick Croak - December 10 - 10:31 pm

  I bought my 2008 CTS direct injection new. Granted, I only have 55,000 miles but so far the car has only been to the dealer twice, under warranty. Once for a part in the rear suspension and once for the XM radio receiver. Other than that, the tires were replaced at 50,000 miles and I have changed the oil every 6-7000 miles, based on the computer, or once per year. Also, being a C6 Z06 Corvette owner, I know what performance is about. This CTS is a joy to drive and can really get up and go. The only gripe I have with it is an engine vibration ( I believe caused from engine strain from staying in gear too long) at 45 MPH. It could probably be adjusted out, but I can not see spending the money to have it fixed. The only other issue is that the trade in value is so low that I cannot make myself trade it because the car is so enjoyable to drive. Otherwise, I would probably have a new CTS.

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  Moms Caddy - 1995 Cadillac Brougham
  By Traci - December 10 - 5:05 pm

  My mom is thinking of selling her Cadillac. It was a one owner, my grandmother. Looks great, minor electrical issues, clean and has less than 75,000 miles on it. Shes getting low ball offers. This car is the reason people say "rides like a Cadillac" Its just too big for me.