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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  Wouldnt Buy It Again - 2000 Cadillac Catera
  By Linda - September 13 - 8:55 am

  After nearly twenty trips to the dealer for repairs, my Cateras rear windows still wont stay up, and it has constant engine sensor problems...the list goes on. I have been told by other owners as well as several technicians that there are lots of problems with this model. I would NOT recommend to anyone.

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  Nice Handling - 2000 Cadillac Catera
  By deborah dziurlaj - September 12 - 12:13 pm

  I do love this car, however it eats tires. We have had a new set every year since we have owned it. Also, we have had a lot of repair work done on it. It does drive nice and its great to be in. Its gas mileage is average. It had about 25,000 miles on it when we bought it.

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  07 EXT - 2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By VogueTyre - September 10 - 5:06 pm

  The new EXT is bold and fresh. Chrome details really stick out give this vehicle a real wow factor. Not only is it fun to drive, but the EXT also serves some utility features as well. The power sidesteps are pretty neat also. If you really want to stand out and drive in the lap of luxury this vehicle is for you. As far as gas mileage goes, dont buy one if you will have trouble filling it up.

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  I Love my Car! - 2005 Cadillac SRX
  By Valerie - September 9 - 8:45 pm

  I find the SRX to be very comfortable, easy to drive, and convenient for traveling or shopping. It handles well and feels secure, even on slippery or snow covered roads in winter. I really would have liked to have the pull-out visor extensions on the sun visors...they are not really a luxury, but a necessity, at times. Occasionally, the electrical system goes out of whack, unlocking the doors for no reason while I am driving. If I leave a door open for a long time, as when unloading groceries, the memory goes out and I have to reprogram my seat position controls. Occasionally, the sunroof sticks open, but I have always been able to get it working by myself. Other than that, I love it.

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  Great Car - 2006 Cadillac DTS
  By Rob - September 9 - 4:06 pm

  This is a great car. It is quiet, powerful, and has great styling. Cadillac doesnt market this car as a "Euro luxury" car, but as a great American luxury car, which I like.

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  2004 CTS - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By markesbonne - September 8 - 10:36 am

  The 2004 Cadillac CTS is an excellent car. It is fun to drive and has a very quiet interior. It is a good value for the money.

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  My 2nd Escalade - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
  By Cricket2 - September 8 - 10:00 am

  This is my second. My first was a 2002. Obvously this is a wonderful vehicle. We do alot of traveling and we have driven for days at a time and this vehicle is great for the whole family. The kids have lots of room. My husband is 65" and he loves it. I cant say enough.

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  A Great Family Sedan that ISNT Boring - 2007 Cadillac CTS
  By fenwah - September 7 - 8:59 am

  Besides test driving the CTS, I test drove a Toyota Camry, Toyota Avalon, Acura TL, Infiniti G35, and a Mini Cooper. The Mini Cooper won hands down, but I have a wife and two kids...so the Mini didnt win. The CTS won. So why did it win? There was more room in the backseat than in its competitors...which the kids need. I love the exterior of the CTS. I was able to get a 6-speed manual with the CTS. The seats were great...they hugged the body. The interior was not as nice as the TL or the G35, but I just enjoyed the ride of the CTS more than any other car (besides the Mini). I got the CTS sport w/ 18" wheels...I would recommend this car to anyone in the market for a new car.

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  Best Vehicle that Ive Owned - 2005 Cadillac SRX
  By First Caddy - September 6 - 9:19 pm

  I love my Cadillac SRX. Driving it through the north Virginia mountains with the roof open in late spring was a great vacation.

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  Not Very Good - 2005 Cadillac SRX
  By Serango - September 6 - 8:36 pm

  My 05 Cadillac SRX makes terrible noises that dealerships cant locate. The noises sound like grinding metal.