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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  Rich mans pride-poor mans secret! - 1991 Cadillac Deville
  By poisonousy - March 31 - 12:25 am

  What a way to appreciate Cadillac ride than to get out of a Corvette and into one! When my father offered to buy me a car after the passing of my mother and the theft of my $30,000 Stingray, the choice was a no-brainer. Sure, I looked at a couple of LSCs and 1979 Trans Ams (whoops.). Common sense took over and I went with what I knew-we already owned a 92 DeVille and a 91 Seville, both excellent cars. After picking my dark blue 91 and putting new Bosch injectors, new struts, steering rack, Michelins, and tuneup on it, it is still the car Id dreamed of-BIG but 20.7 AVERAGE mpg, total luxury including FAST, classic Caddy beauty and an incredible ride. 155,00 mi no problems. Great engineering!!!

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  Personal impressions - 1997 Cadillac Seville
  By Joe - March 30 - 12:45 pm

  Considering overall cost and quality of the vehicle, I cant help but feel it more than holds its own in the luxury class of vehicles priced below $50k.

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  2000 Eldorado ESC - 2000 Cadillac Eldorado
  By vaeldorado - March 30 - 9:14 am

  I love my Eldo as a daily drive car. Ride is excellent, smooth and powerful. Electrical systems are only fair. I have had problems with seatbelt warning light - headlight and fog light switches. Door panels are loose - they have been repaired twice. Wind noise is loud. Air compressor failed at 71,000 miles. Dashboard tray door wont click down. In other words, lots of nit picks on electrical and interior build, but otherwise a great ride!

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  Bad experience - 2007 Cadillac CTS
  By vbs - March 29 - 4:48 pm

  I havent had a very good experience with my CTS, I have had major repairs and the car is only 1 yr and 5 months. I love the look of the car and the features, But would like to try another CTS because I think I ended up with a defective model.

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  My 2004 Cadillac CTS! - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By My CTS - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I was in the market for a new car and this little baby filled the bill in every way!I was very surprised at the smooth way it handled go through in town traffic and a smooth ride on the open highway!I am soooo glad that i bought the CTS!!

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  CTS is a great ride - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By Top Cat - March 29 - 10:00 am

  For us true Americans we are hard pressed to find a review site that hasnt sold out to the Japanese or Germans. So, after a PILE of research, I gave the CTS a go...and I will likely never come back. Taking turns at 45 MPH causes the stability control to kick in, but the car sticks the turn. Acceleration is excellent and the access to controls allows you never to take your eyes off the road. Most of the controls are voice activated so using your hands is optional anyway. It is a very steady and stable ride and response is phenominal. I am proud to be an American car owner and am extremely happy that this no longer means settling for a lesser ride.

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  Still love it - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By angel - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Have owned 4 months and still love it. Have owned many vehicles in the past and this is the best domestic vehicles I have driven. The price was attractive and the styling very appealing to someone in my age group (31-35). My friends are pleased with my choice and strangers have complimented me on it- it still gets looks. I am pleased with the vehicle overall and would recommend it to anyone. My CTS has the sport package and my husband and I like the acceleration and handling, especially in wet weather.

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  This Car Is Awesome - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
  By sxychunkyrican4u - March 29 - 10:00 am

  this is one of those cars that youll love to drive anywhere its very comfortable classy its everything you want in a luxuary car and more i really would tell anyone looking to buy go for it you wont regret it.....CADILLAC IS ALWAYS THE BEST WAY TO GO

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  400,000 miles and beyond! - 1991 Cadillac Deville
  By caddieman - March 28 - 4:05 pm

  This is my third Cadillac sedan deville. These cars are amazing.I have 160,000 miles on the one I own now and Its keeps on truckin". The ride quality is incredible. We take it one all own long trips. I store it in the winter and drive another car through the snow. Its black with dove grey interior. I had to replace a few things when I purchased it. Starter, Plugs belts and hoses. Other that that. Its runs very well. Its is the most comfortable car that I have ever owned. 90 to 93 body styling was classic. And the 454 under the hood doesnt hurt.This car has power!! Parts are still available.I recommend any one to buy one if they see one on the lot. you wont be sorry.

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  great old car - 1990 Cadillac Eldorado
  By sharon - March 28 - 1:28 pm

  My husband and I purchased the 1990 Cadillac El Dorado a year ago and it has been a great car. The ABS box went out on it and we couldnt find one to replace it. it only has 114,000 miles on it and we would love to keep it.