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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  The Cadillac - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By roger - April 25 - 3:10 pm

  Dealership did not know about the slap stick shifter. I worked in Chicago for 4 months commuting and the car got great mileage. I live 90 miles from Chicago. The mileage in the city was terrible. I was getting 14.0 to 15.3! I thought I was getting a wood grain steering wheel. I guess it was not in the 1sb package. V6 never again. The transmission stays in the current gear when you stomp the gas. GM blew that. Turning radius is not tight enough. That button you hold for 7 second is OK but the transmisson is better when you dont use the computers.

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  This car is junk - 1999 Cadillac Deville
  By Do Not Buy Deville - April 25 - 1:37 pm

  This car has been nothing but problems. Odometer now reads 94K. Replaced AC system, radiator, thermostat, hoses, coolant reservoir. The fan for the heat and A/C has a mind of its own and usually decides not to operate. The drivers seat cushioning and leather surface has failed, needed complete seat re-conditioning. One quart of oil every 1000 miles. GM should be embarassed about the quality of fit and finsih on the car interior. The carraige roof rattles above 65 mph. The antenna motor has failed. Must carry replacement bulbs. I strongly advise anyone considering this car to proceed with caution. There is nothing about this car that would encourage me to consider purchasing a General Motors car ever again.

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  Imports Beware! - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By Queen - April 23 - 3:51 pm

  Driving this car is like a dream. I never imagined owning a Cadillac and when I bought this one, I was actually looking at the Mercedes E350. After driving this car, you cant even compare them. The Cadillac won hands down. I recommend anyone looking in the luxury class to seriously think about taking a test drive in the STS before making a decision. It will change the way you think and look at American made cars. The manager at the dealer told me if I just drove the STS, I may never drive anything else. I think he may be right!

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  Glad its only a Loaner - 2016 Cadillac CTS
  By Robert - April 18 - 3:33 am

  I received a 2016 CTS base model with 4 cyl as a loaner while my 2013 XTS Luxury is being serviced. I love the XTS, the most comfortable car Ive ever owned, ad thought about downsizing to the CTS Luxury as i like the exterior. Appearance is great, the interior is basically the same look as my XTS however it is more cramped and the quality is a bit less, but being a downsize from the XTS i was not put off by that. The ride is horrible!! Its like driving an old pick up. You feel every pebble, the engine noise is annoying. The front seat is very comfortable though, I am 6 ft. so had the seat back almost all the way, making the backseat behind me useless. Not a big issue for me, but thought id point it out. The biggest problem with this car is the price. They want more for a CTS and my XTS which is roomy, comfortable and rides like a cloud.

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  Cadillac CTS with 3.6 liter engine - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By Truegrit - April 16 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned; the drive and handling is suberb, the engine is peppy with ample horsepower to carry the weight and accelerate as needed. On a dollar-for-quality and performance basis, I dont think theres a Euro luxury sports sedan that can begin to compare with the CTS.

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  Excellent value - 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid
  By Bill - April 15 - 7:03 pm

  Had it for a week. My wifes vehicle. She Loves it. Tim, the owner of the Dealership, explained and oriented the vehicle for 45 minutes with my wife. She was very Impressed with the vehicle and the time put in to explain everything by Tim. We traded a Lexus LX-470 in on it. Got tired of 12.8 mpg and Premium Gas prices. The Cadillac gets 23-25 mpg in real world setting and uses regular gas. The build quality is equal to Lexus. Finally, Hats off to an American Vehicles

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  Home Run for Cadillac! - 2007 Cadillac CTS
  By jparra12 - April 14 - 10:41 am

  Great ride, tight suspension, Cadillac brand, whats not to like. Performance is there, quality built and I love the black mesh grille and 18 in wheels.

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  Good Bye Lincoln (For Now) - 2005 Cadillac CTS
  By JJL - April 12 - 5:12 am

  I purchased my 2005 CTS V6 3.6L Hi Feature several months ago. I still cant stop looking at it. The design is very eye catching and has practical aerodynamic application. The interior is designed well. The control panel is easy to get to and manipulate. The bucket seats keep me comfortable during my long drives. The navigation system has saved me more than once. The handling is very stiff and sporty. I was surprised at the turn radius. After driving a Lincoln LS for several years, I would have to say that this is a slight step up.

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  Awesome vehicle - 2007 Cadillac SRX
  By bags - April 10 - 9:03 pm

  We traded in an 04 CTS and opted for the larger SRX. It really is an awesome vehicle. The power is strong throughout all the gears. If you didnt know it was a 6 cylinder, you would think it was an "8". Great ride, supportive seats The roof is fantastic. Quiet ride. Paint is top quality. Anyone thinking of a mid size SUV ought to give this one a look. Congrats to Cadillac. Mileage is mediocre, 4300 pounds is the reason.

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  New CTS Owner - 2007 Cadillac CTS
  By Sam - April 10 - 1:43 pm

  Driving is fun and car handles well. Like the Cadillac experience in terms of service - tops.