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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  Six months, still satisfied - 2010 Cadillac CTS
  By Greg - July 29 - 1:23 pm

  Cant complain about this car so far. Ive already taken it on two long trips - including one on Amtraks Auto Train service to Florida without a problem. Sound system, bluetooth, navigation are all very good. Performance is excellent. Fuel economy is not too bad considering the car wasnt really designed for efficiency. Car is great for long trips (and passing on two-lane highways!). Quality seems to be better than my Oldsmobile Aurora which had a few too many problems compared to the Chevy I had before it. No rattles, weird noises, or warranty repairs yet like I had after 6 months of owning my Aurora.

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  2010 caddy DTS - 2010 Cadillac DTS
  By Henry Latus - July 28 - 8:25 am

  I just returned from a trip to Long Island,N.Y. The car was a dream to drive and the air conditioned seats made the ride in ninety degree temp a real pleasure.The radar to keep you alert to the fact that you are in the center of the lane is also a good feature. Onstar GPS makes getting to your destination an absolute pleasure. The ride with magna traction shocks is as great as it is on my Corvette.

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  What a vehicle! Pure class. - 2010 Cadillac SRX
  By D-Lyted - July 28 - 8:08 am

  We just purchased our new SRX Luxury edition and are truly delighted. Having looked at Acura, Audi and the Toyota Venza, the SRX beats them all. It uses regular gas, gets great gas mileage and rides blissfully. If you look closely at the form, function and finish of the interior and exterior, it truly is elegant. LED lights front and rear (is that a tail fin?), 18 inch Michelins, self leveling xenon headlights, turn signal in mirrors and side marker of car, electric open rear hatch programmable to your garage height etc. WOW!

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  Whos your Caddy? - 1999 Cadillac Deville
  By Richsap - July 19 - 9:47 pm

  This is the 3rd pre-owned Cadillac Ive had the pleasure to purchase, and they just keep getting better. I traded up from a 95 Concours to a 99 DeVille and now to a 99 Concours. As with most vehicles, the older the car the more likely issues come up, and Cadillacs are no exception. The 95 was on the verge of becoming unreliable, which I attribute to a faulty fuel injector and a starter that had an intermittent issue and would on occasion not function. The 99 Deville was (is) a beauty, until it got hit by an idiot running a red light and totaled by the insurance company. I used the funds to purchase the 99 Concours, and after replacing a malfunctioning alternator it runs & drives like new

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  Love it - 2006 Cadillac CTS
  By AZ driver - July 19 - 11:44 am

  I have had it four years and plan on keeping it for at least a couple more. Currently has 80,000 miles on it and has given me no trouble at all. And it is really fun to drive. It has spent minimal time in the shop. Drives best with Michelin tires, just makes it tighter.

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  Fun CTS - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By dtb2 - July 19 - 10:49 am

  We had this CTS since the month of December in the year of 2007 and this car still drives like new. The only problem on the car is that something is rattling under the hood whenever we take off fast or if the car is in park, but we love this car, and this car is so nice that ill pass it down to my son for his first car. We love CTS and I recommend it to anybody who likes them.

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  Love my Girl - 2002 Cadillac Eldorado
  By Elane - July 14 - 6:19 pm

  My old Eldy was ready for retirement before I looked for a new one. I did not realize 2002 was the last year so I began a 3 month journey on the internet to find one. I have owned 5 over the past 30 years and was resolved to find the 6th and unfortunately, the last. At 8 years young, she still garners compliments and her power still rivals any "economy or luxury" car on the road. I test her often. I have no idea where I go when she gives out. Please bring her back or I may have to walk. Ugh!

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  Im Impressed - 2007 Cadillac CTS
  By Great CTS - July 12 - 8:19 pm

  Recently updated from 2003 CTS (Base) to 2007 CTS (Luxury) with 23,500 miles. 2003 was nice but the 2007 is great. After 4 years on the road car is still tight (front end, doors and windows) with no rattles or squeaks. Seats are very comfortable and performance is spectacular. Have gotten caught a couple of times jumping on a green light a little too quick. Car is Raven Black and had the stock grill painted black to match. Appearance has drawn attention. At 4700 lbs fuel economy is not bad. As some have already reported, nav system can be complicated without the manual. Waiting for one to arrive. Otherwise love driving the car and cant wait for the next one in a couple of years.

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  Great car! - 1994 Cadillac Eldorado
  By Matt M - July 2 - 9:28 pm

  I have to say that this car is one of the better cars i have ever driven. i bought it for $1,800 and it was worth it. Very clean inside and out. Not very many problems with it. Blower and window motor went out but very easy fix. Handles like a dream and a lot of fun to drive.

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  Eldorado-Best Cadillac Ever made - 2000 Cadillac Eldorado
  By MPFLLC - July 2 - 4:55 pm

  My 2000 Eldorado ESC is an amazing car. Purchased a year ago with 22K miles and now have 30K on her. Not one problem save it came to me with original tires. With only minor maintenance required I literally have a new car. Exceptional performance, styling and ride. Did I mention that she gets 30 mpg at 70 mph and averages 18-22 in town. Wife liked it so much that I found her a white 2000 Eldo with 9,200 miles on it. This is our 14th & 15th Cadillac since 1979 and none better!