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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  A Roll of the Dice, Nice surprise! - 2017 Cadillac Escalade
  By SPORTOURISTA - November 22 - 3:43 pm

  After driving foreign SUVS for over 20 years (mostly German), this time I decided to try something different. I wanted more room, larger towing capacity, 4WD/AWD, and a nicer interior. After 2000 miles in an ESV 4WD Luxury, a new surprise emerges everyday. It has a beautiful interior, nice fit and finish, tons of electronic safety features and the oft-criticized CUE infotainment system. I am pleased and surprised with the ride quality of the suspension and 22" wheels. The sophisticated electronically controlled shock technology may be the reason. I have not found the CUE system overly complicated. There is a lot to learn here, but most of the controls seem logical and useful, if you are patient and read the owners manual. The interiors low noise level is impressive as is the standard Bose designed sound system. A big surprise is the weight of this vehicle of this vehicle compared to its European competitors, ie., the M-B GL series and the large Range Rover. They all weigh in the 5700-6000 lb. range. Cadillac has used a lot of aluminum and lightweight high strength steel based on my research. I like the ability to run less expensive regular or mid-grade gas, (which is acceptable) although premium is recommended. Mileage so far has been slightly less than the EPA estimates. So far I have only towed my 6000 lb. boat for about 200 miles. The torque and H.P of this models drive train seemed unfazed with the task. And the room in the rear cargo area is huge. This is a large vehicle, but it doesnt feel that way from the drivers seat or in its handling prowess. It also has a very tight turning radius. So what is there to not like? Keeping in mind the concept of this vehicle and the reason I bought it, I havent found much to dislike yet, but Ill keep looking. Most owners that I have talked to, love their vehicles and without hesitation would buy another one. Enough said!

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  Sweet! - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By fc - November 21 - 10:00 am

  3.6 feels soo good. great styling! great ride with sports package

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  Love this car! - 2007 Cadillac CTS
  By Love this car - November 21 - 1:39 am

  My family has a long story with Cadillacs. I remember the 1st Seville, and I remmeber how much I loved it. Now Im in love all over again. This car is fast, agile and a huge improvement over the Caddies of the past. Its so good to see thant GM has finally seen the light. My only regret, I should have waited couple months for the 08, but what the heck, Im in love!

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  I bought a Luxury Truck! - 2007 Cadillac Escalade
  By 2Escalades - November 21 - 12:07 am

  As this is now my second Escalade I do not believe as of now I will own anything else. Unless they come out with something that can beat the gas mileage. The exterior is great, the ride is amazing and all it takes is a small tap on the gas and you feel the 400 HP. As of right now GM has built a vehicle that is reliable and something that I know I can trust with my life and anyone that rides in it.

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  If you want luxury & performance... - 2008 Cadillac Escalade
  By Vic in CT - November 20 - 7:48 am

  I just switched from a fully loaded BMW 745Li...I thought the BMW had it all. But this Cadi is kickin! Love the handling, the ride, the comfort & specially the retractable assist steps. Very nice!

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  2008 CTS - 2008 Cadillac CTS
  By anthony - November 18 - 10:56 am

  Not "your fathers Cadillac". Great pick up, well designed interior. Quality shows both inside and out. Navigation system easy to use. Pleasure to drive.I also test drove a Mercedes C class and found that dollar for dollar based on standard and available equipment the Cadillac was a far better vehicle in both price and performance.

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  Athletic & Luxury - 2008 Cadillac Escalade
  By Mattie Fresh - November 17 - 9:53 am

  I just leased a black/black 2008 Escalade. I love it, I got the Ultra Lux. Pkg. I love the 22Â’s and the Nav. I have had a lot of nice cars (only 23) I had a 2005 TL(non nav) loved it, a 2006 MDX (touring with nav) loved it, so I was a little concerned about buying American. I canÂ’t stop talking highly about my new truck, my GF loves it, all the girls love it. Fast & very athletic with the stock 22Â’s. I was very happy that it did fit into my garage. Cant wait to take it snowboarding, and towing the bikes down south on those long trips. A must, tint your windows in the front to match back, and if you have the chance, tell your dealer to not install front plate.

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  What a ride! - 2004 Cadillac SRX
  By juagile - November 15 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle looks good. It is my first luxury vehicle. I am happy with its performance. It is roomy, comfortable and quiet.

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  XLR - Great car - but . . . . - 2006 Cadillac XLR
  By jimbo - November 14 - 2:52 pm

  While a very unique vehicle - those seeking a luxury sports car will find it falls short of the XK, SL, 6xx series vehicles. Its Corvette heritage is very obvious and in the supercharged version has good performance (non-supercharged is a bit "wanting" IMHO). The lack of any type of storage behind the seats really makes this a challenge when traveling. Also with the top down - storage is practically zip - especially when compared with the SL.

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  2006 XLR - 2006 Cadillac XLR
  By Race Addington - November 13 - 2:15 am

  This is my 2nd Cadillac, 1st was 2005 CTS. The XLR is a sporty, good looking car that attracts a lot of attension. The only complant is the lack of knowledge for repairs and maintence and its common malfunctions of computer driven systems. Also for such an expensive car the FM raido reception system is weak and some interior items are built cheaply such as visors, visor mirrors and storage compartments between seats. Other than that, the car is a great ride. Note: Watch out for the cops, they seem attracted to expensive look and dont take kindly to top down and music loud.