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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  Do Not Buy, Definitely Dont Lease - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By sawuscoming - March 14 - 10:29 am

  Obviously, most positive reviews are looks and fun. It does look good, but is only fun in optimal driving conditions. If sliding (from a stop at slow acceleration) on slightly wet pavement is is fun, its fun. Ive driven in Illinois winters for sixteen years this is the only car Ive ever slid off the road in. Interior looks good for awhile, but black finish on control buttons has chipped off. Interior lights dim off and on, and the cruise control has been disengaging--it only has 18,000 miles on the car. To this date, it has had three recalls. Dont waste money on a tired name when there are car quality companies producing luxury vehicles built with the driver in mind.

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  Worthy of Cadillac Name - 2007 Cadillac Escalade
  By Chas. - March 13 - 12:07 pm

  This is my third Escalade. Have had an 02 and 04 and now 07. This is the best yet. They solved most all of my issues with previous models. Dash is lower and well laid out, visibility better both fore an aft. Seats are a little smaller but still very comfortable. New 6 speed tranny is much better on response through the full range and seems to get better mileage than my 04. Navigation system is a vast improvement. Ride is much more controlled. Plush without giving up responsiveness. Fold and tumble seats are nice but having to manually put them back up is a waste. Power lift and close rear gate is a wonderful feature.

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  Why a CTS over a Euro or an Asian Car? - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By kaneb - March 13 - 2:00 am

  I test drove many cars, read consumer reports and pushed Internet fleet sales managers to madness for their lowest price for over a year. I took my time to find the car that fits my lifestyle (you dont need an SUV). My friends have BMW 3 Series, Mercedes 240 and Lexus IS/GS so I got a free test drive from them. I spun the Acura Sports and Nissan Altima as well as a few salesman around the block at local dealerships.

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  A True Drivers Car: This is The One! - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By G-man - March 11 - 1:49 am

  "Number One" for me is performance. My STS V8 4 Wheel Drive with Luxury Performance Package is a true drivers dream. With 320 horses and great low-end torque its a rocket ship on wheels. The all wheel drive "rides on rails" with the smoothest hard accelleration on the planet, and effortlessly climbs my steep driveway in the snow. Great turning radius, big disc breaks stop smooth as silk, holds the sharpest of turns under power, and magnetic ride control gives sportscar feel, but smooths the road when needed. And it makes your drive a dream with a cabin to die for, an astonishing sound system, bluetooth phone hookup, nav system and every gizmo you could possibly need. Love this car!

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  It is the CADILLAC of cars - 1998 Cadillac Deville
  By Dave - March 10 - 9:18 am

  This is my first Cadillac. I have owned two Lincolns, an Oldsmobile 98, and a Chrysler "New Yorker." None of the other cars came close to the DeVille. I can set the cruise control on 80, and drive all day getting 24 miles per gallon. On a two lane highway, I can step on the gas and the 4.7 liter "NorthStar" engine accelerates like a sports car, making passing safe and quick. Its comfort is great! Im 66 years old and can drive all day and feel fine. Its handling is REALLY great for such a large car. Maintenance is minimal. I have had to replace one headlight. It is no wonder people use the word "Cadillac" to describe top shelf products of all types.

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  Outstanding Automobile - 2006 Cadillac CTS
  By WM - March 9 - 9:36 pm

  The CTS has is very comfortable. The ride is smooth and easy to handle. I believe that is was a worthwhile purchase. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for comfort, style and and luxury in a car.

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  Great Alternative - 2004 Cadillac SRX
  By melcgl - March 8 - 2:00 am

  A wonderful blend of a sports car feel with the security and safety of all wheel drive.

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  so far so good - 2004 Cadillac SRX
  By SANDY 123 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Have had the car for only 6 weeks but I really like it. Drives and handles great, roomy & confortable. I think it is a bit overpriced (cost me $ 47,000 ) And it is definitely NOT my fathers Cadillac.

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  TJs Review - 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By T. J. Ergin - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This SUT has the confort of a luxury sedan, the space of an SUV and the practicality of a truck. Kudos to the designers a GMC/Cadillac. I couldnt be happier with my decision.

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  So Far, So Good - 2006 Cadillac DTS
  By Mac McCauley - March 5 - 9:20 pm

  Our 2006 Cadillac DTS Luxury is our first Cadillac. We traded in a Buick LeSabre for it. It is WAY better! I read the other reviews to see if I could shed any further light on this car. First, why would anyone buy a car that floats like a boat? One test drive would tell me that. Another review says the DTS is like a sports car. A floating sports car? I like the ride MUCH better than the Buick. The ride is just right! Anyway, drive it before you buy it. Upon exit, the tilt wheel will go all the way up and in, just push the exit button again up to three times (not listed in owners manual). When unlocking the door, the seat will either move or not (personal setting). There IS memory on the tilt wheel. What a car!