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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  2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT - 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By Clarence Bell - August 28 - 10:00 am

  This is a great vehicle. Spacious and well appointed with the Cadillac rebates and special offer for DVD Navigation, Chrome Wheels and Sunroof. The paint is amazingly soft and smooth. The performance on this vehicle is almost legendary. The ride is smooth and solid. Steering effort is nearly sports car like, firm and responsive. The craftsmanship that went into construction is apparent. Closing the tailgate is like closing a refrigerator door, smooth and soft. Not clunky-cranky like an old pick- up.

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  Great Car to Drive - 2007 Cadillac CTS
  By dennispalmer - August 28 - 8:46 am

  The Cadillac CTS has very good quality. Cadillac has done it right with this vehicle, from the styling to performance. The ride is very comfortable and there is easy access to all of the technology. I have had no problems what so ever with this vehicle would reccomend it to all.

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  Fantastic Vehicle! - 2007 Cadillac Escalade
  By Anthony - August 27 - 10:43 pm

  I must say that Cadillac and GM got their act together when designing the new Escalade. We have the ESV model and nothing can come close to it. So far I can only say great things about this truck! It truly defies its size the way it accelerates and drives. It sounds like a muscle car from the outside and the 6.2 liter V8 loves to rev. The 6-speed auto is actually pretty good on gas on the highway. Its a bit thirsty around town but understand we are talking about an 8-passenger 3 ton vehicle here. If you need the room and are looking for a first class SUV there is nothing that compares to the Escalade! Write the check and get one!

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  2005 STS - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By sports sedan - August 27 - 10:43 am

  I bought this car new 7/26/06 with 355 miles on it. Within two weeks, I made a trip to WA state. I never averaged below 25.5 MPG. For the most part, I averaged near 28 MPG. The acceleration was great. The dip stick showed little or no use of oil. I thoroughly enjoyed all the amenities (OnStar, XM radio, dual a/c, and driver memory settings). The STS was quiet and practically drove itsself, even on poorly maintained roads.

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  Im excited about driving all over again - 2004 Cadillac SRX
  By algiorda - August 27 - 2:00 am

  I wanted to get a Deville for that renowned Caddy ride, but needed more room to cart stuff around. I test drove the SRX and fell in love. I have the Blue Chip color with light Tan interior, DVD system, no sunroof, no Nav system. I am in love with this car. I cant wait to drive it everyday. It handles very tight, the seats are very scuptured to your body, theres plenty of head and shoulder room, fit and finish is outstanding, power, shifting, and handling are smooth as silk.

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  Awesome Vehicle - 2007 Cadillac Escalade
  By VICKY - August 26 - 11:01 am

  The 2007 Cadillac Escalade is a great vehicle. We have every option in it. It is very comfortable. The cooled seats are great in the South. The remote start option is great for warming up the engine. I love everything about it.

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  My Lemon CTS - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By jefferdmann - August 26 - 10:00 am

  I loved my car at first but between 2000 and 6000 miles it has been in the shop 6 times, the last three for a coolant leak. Cadillac has refused to replace my car insisting that they can repair the cracked head. I have retained a lemon law attorney who assures me I have a very strong case. Bob Lutz seemed to be making a difference with GM and especially Cadillac, unfortunately their quality problems appear to me to be reminisent of the 80s. I am so disapointed. I just turned 40,and I bought my first cadillac. Next time I will go with the BMW or Lexus.

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  I Love it! - 2006 Cadillac DTS
  By DTSV - August 25 - 3:58 pm

  My husband and I have owned a Cadillac STS V6 for years. The DTS is amazing, It has a wonderfaul ride, great pickup and is beautiful to look at. Wow ! What a great car.

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  Im Lovin It - 2006 Cadillac XLR
  By XLRer8 - August 24 - 9:39 pm

  I have had zero problems with my Cadillac XLR! It is a real head turner. Every hotel or restaurant I take it to parks it in the front. Im a big guy and fit into it with no problems. I wish I had waited for the V-series though. In twelve months I have only seen three others on the road. There is millions of Mercedes SL500s out there, but very few of these.

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  First Time Domestic Buyer / Would Do Again - 2004 Cadillac SRX
  By cochtera - August 24 - 4:50 pm

  We have always owned imports, but I have become a believer in Cadillac. We bought a pre-owned 04 SRX V8 with every available option. It has great space and incredible performance. It is as fun to drive as our Volvo V70 wagon. I highly recommend it!