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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  Didnt Cadillac stand for class? - 2003 Cadillac Deville
  By No Good - May 4 - 1:53 am

  Second owner car only had 40K on it. within the first 2 months both rear windows when out. At a year or so the ignition when out ($500 bucks at the dealership) and now at 57K the crank position sensors($320 at pep boys) when out. Dont buy cadillac unless it come with a warranty, you extra cash to throw away and /or you love hanging out at the auto shop.

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  A Sporty Luxoboat - 2007 Cadillac STS
  By Statesman - May 3 - 10:36 am

  I inherited my like new 07 STS this year and it is a pleasure to drive. There are only a few squawks: programming without the nav screen is complex and the drivers seat appears loose (theres a TSB that addresses it) and nitrogen-filled tires are a bit overboard. Aside from those minor criticisms, the car is an excellent performing car. Its rakish looks are complemented by its terrific handling.

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  My First and Probably my Last Escalade - 2016 Cadillac Escalade
  By K. Dowling - May 1 - 10:42 pm

  I traded in a 2008 Lincoln Navigator for the 2016 Escalade. I love the styling and the technology, but that is about it. Comparing the 2016 Escalade and an 8 year old Navigator, the ride in the Navigator was superior. In addition I think the drivers seat in the Escalade is probably the most uncomfortable car seat I have ever sat in. For almost $90,000 I was expecting a lot more comfort.

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  Its really an SUV - 2008 Cadillac SRX
  By Rory Boothe - May 1 - 10:14 pm

  I get 22 mpg on the highway. My wife loves it and its the only SUV cross- over that has enough room in the back to really be called an SUV. Im more comfortable in the SRX than in my truck. It has leg room in the back seat as well. The steering & handling is excellent.

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  PERFECT CAR - NO PROBLEMS - 2001 Cadillac Catera
  By PAveL - May 1 - 5:36 pm

  I bought cadillac almost year ago with 86k miles. sport package, winter package, xenon headlights, bose audio, 17 inch rims and many more. ABSOLUTLY NO PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR!!! Vehicle in great shape without breaking the budget. perfect car for every day luxury transportation. Reliable and comfortable.

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  Love it, but please change DVD/audio sys - 2007 Cadillac Escalade
  By love it, but - May 1 - 1:58 am

  Absolutely the best SUV and has lived up to all of our greatest expectations over last 2 years. Definitely recommend it. I was 9 months pregnant during the test drives - it had the only comfortable seats (many A+ compliments to GM)! Love the growl/purr of the engine, great looks, sporty handling & acceleration. Only 1 gripe - hate the lawyers version of the DVD/NAV/AUDIO. Its ridiculous that you have to come to a complete stop to use many features (scroll XM stations, calls, destination, etc) when there is a passenger to do it without causing distraction for the driver. Could utilize the front on/off airbag switch to "unfreeze" the features while in motion. Hate that on the highway!

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  92 caddy - 1992 Cadillac Brougham
  By caddy man - April 29 - 3:07 pm

  one of the best riding vehicles around, floats like a caddy should very comfortable. I would absolutely by another one but I wont have to because this one will last forever.

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  Joes EXT - 2005 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By Joe - April 28 - 7:46 pm

  The Cadillac Escalade EXT has it all. Its a very good all around truck. It handles and rides like a car. It has plenty of power with its 6.0L engine.

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  Caddilacs back! - 2006 Cadillac CTS
  By Art - April 28 - 5:05 am

  I try not to get caught up with material things but this car makes me feel better.

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  More Cadillac Junk - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By sucker - April 27 - 1:02 pm

  This was a very exciting purchase for my family because it was our first Cadillac. We bought it used because we couldnt afford a new CTS. We quickly found out we couldnt afford a used CTS either. These cars have a lengthy list of faults from engine design to creature comforts. The biggest fault the vehicle has would have to be the extensive use of electronics and other devices that are not needed, however if these units fail, the car doesnt run. Anytime anyone touchs a Cadillac for repair, plan on a minimum of $1000. Better yet, pass on the Caddie and buy a normal car. The Cadillac name is not made from quality anymore.