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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  Pay More for Imports If You Must! - 2006 Cadillac SRX
  By Formerlexusdriver - October 2 - 9:47 pm

  I have read the reviews about the SRX, so I had a very low expectation for it. All I have to say is test ride this vehicle, and all those criticisms will seem like hot air. I read one criticism was that the center console had two levels, and that you have to remove the top layer to get to the bottom, if you dont like this feature, remove the upper tray, and it becomes one large compartment. The handling was a very pleasant experience, and all of the controls are thoughtfully positioned. Some people might be accustomed to European or Japanese configurations, so they may not be used to the SRX, my advice is to give some time and you will realize that there is a reason for the position of the items.

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  Very Happy with the DTS - 2006 Cadillac DTS
  By coopera - September 30 - 10:38 pm

  I really am enjoying driving this vehicle considering that I have been driving an SUV for so many years. The DTS is extremely comfortable...and I love the XM radio. It is still early but, I think this will be a great car. I have a small complaint...and that is sometimes I sit in the back seat and rest my left arm on the armrest since I recently had shoulder surgery. The seat belts in the back seat are very uncomfortable and rub against my neck when I am sitting there. Also, I think some of the interior trim could be a little more refined and better quality materials. Other than that, the car is most enjoyable.

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  Sweet ride, but can be better - 2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By Rob - September 29 - 11:13 pm

  This is my second EXT and I think this truck looks and rides great. I kinda liked the "body armor" that the 05 had but Ill get used to it. As far as mileage, you dont buy a truck like this for economy. Still, Cadillac needs to stop cutting corners and go all out, we will buy it even if it cost more.

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  What a Let Down - 1999 Cadillac Seville
  By Richie - September 27 - 5:26 pm

  I have had this car for about a year and a half. After having it for only two months it started over heating and burning oil like crazy, so I took it to two different Cadillac dealerships and neither of them could tell me what was wrong with it. So I took it to Pep Boys and had them look at it and they told me I had blown head gaskets. Seven months later I had the same problems again so I took it back to Cadillac and they said they had to do an engine decarb. Now Im having electrical problems, my reverse lights don’t work and it is not the light bulbs. I will never buy a Cadillac again.

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  2005 Platinum Escalade ESV - 2005 Cadillac Escalade
  By Nancy Doyle - September 26 - 12:42 pm

  This truck is beautiful to look at. It has lots of little annoying problems though, which shouldnt happen in a vehichle of this caliber. Mine has had had blown sensors, problems with Bose stereo, and the rear DVD system is not properly interfaced with the stereo system making the radio blast when the DVD is turned off. Cadillac not responsive to fixing problems. I also have problems getting loaner vehichles when in for service.

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  This Car Stinks! - 2001 Cadillac Catera
  By mo - September 26 - 7:34 am

  Do not buy the Catera! It is the absolute worst car ever. I have had problems from the radio not working to replacing head gaskets. The car has probably been in the repair shop at least twice a month since I got it. Please do not purchase this car!

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  Its a CADILLAC, what could be better - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By tnmbenson - September 25 - 2:00 am

  a wonderful vehicle that is fun for the whole family. It works well for my wife and I, seeing we have two children. There is plenty of room for them, I could use just a little more room seeing Im 65 and 300lbs, but even at that I have room.

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  Changes Need to be Made - 2006 Cadillac SRX
  By Bob Swope - September 23 - 6:44 pm

  The Cadillac SRX is an enjoyable vehicle to drive in town and on the road. Its road noise is much less than other vehicles we have ridden in. The gas mileage is not as good as our previous DeVilles got though.

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  Fun and Style - 2005 Cadillac CTS
  By P.L. Williams - September 23 - 5:43 am

  The 2005 Cadillac CTS has the power in its V6 engine to accelerate when needed. Its handling is very smooth and seems reliable. Its a joy to drive. It is extremely sporty for the price.

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  Mixed Emotions - 2006 Cadillac CTS
  By Chris DeWeese - September 22 - 7:07 pm

  My CTS handles like a dream and has plenty of power. 0-60 it is great, when in "sport" mode. I can take corners that are posted 35 mph at 55 mph. I have the 3.6L with the 5 speed auto and it is plenty fast. I have two beefs, though. The XM radio has static, which I thought was impossible on satellite radio, and apparently all CTSs with the single CD player do, too. The response from the dealer/GM to fix it was underwhelming to say the least. It still hisses. The battery was replaced under warranty today because it died twice and I had to jump it. Yep, the car has 7,000 miles on it and the battery died.