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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  Americas Comeback - 2006 Cadillac SRX
  By Bryan - February 25 - 5:44 pm

  The Cadillac SRX is the first American car I have purchased in 8 years. I traded in an Acura TL (2004) for it. I gained in power/performance, but lost a little in handling. If Americas automakers continue down the path Cadillac has paved, theyll be re-gaining some marketshare. If youre looking at the Acura MDX, Mercedes ML, Lexus GX, BMW X5 - you have to try this one too.

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  A geezers delight! - 2017 Cadillac XTS
  By Chuck W - February 24 - 2:04 pm

  GM apparently sells a large number of Luxury optioned XTSs to fleets. They dont have all the goodies of the Premium or Platinum Luxury editions, but they come back on the market as one year old cars dirt cheap. I considered many of them but decided we needed the extras that come with the Premium Luxury model. We were able to buy a dealer demo with only 3400 miles on it with a $20K discount. We have driven Cadillacs for 30 years but always bought used ones. This is our first new Cadillac and it is stunning. The fact that SUVs, pickup trucks, and "sport" sedans are so popular make this traditional luxury sedan a great buy. Ours is a 2017 model and I note there is heavy dealer discounting on 2018 models. If you want a luxury sedan at a bargain price compare the XTS with what you get can get for the same price.

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  Excellent Car - 1991 Cadillac Brougham
  By Mark - February 24 - 1:19 pm

  My 1991 Cadillac Brougham is envied by many. It starts in -20 below and is the most comfortable car around. The trunk space is amazing as well. I would highly highly recommend this vehicle. My Caddy currently has 196,000 miles and runs beautifully. I have no complaints!

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  Amazing Vehicle - 2007 Cadillac Escalade
  By wreath and crest - February 21 - 2:46 pm

  The 2007 Escalade is unbelievable in almost every aspect. It has plenty of power with outstanding fuel milage. Its ride is top notch, better than most luxury cars. This is the premier vehicle to have.

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  Eldo Review - 1999 Cadillac Eldorado
  By Poulsbo Fats - February 20 - 4:15 pm

  I purchased my Cadillac Eldorado with 55,000 miles on it from its second owner who lives in Florida. The exterior color is Pearl White Tri-Coat. It has received many compliments already. I live in Washington state, so we have had a very wet winter and I have not really seen the car in the bright sunlight, but Im sure it will dazzle. So far the car has measured up outstandingly, othern than for a few cosmetic interior things that I had to fix. The engine is smooth. Its average gas mileage is 20 mpg, which surprised me as I drive this car very aggressive. It has a rich throaty sound coming from the exhaust when I step on it! All the amenities work great, I love the heated leather seats and memory adjustments. I love my car!

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  SUV of your Dreams - 2007 Cadillac Escalade
  By Mobb V - February 20 - 4:49 am

  I bought my 2007 Cadillac Escalade three days ago and I couldnt be any happier. When I drove off the dealership parking lot I felt like I was in another world. This SUV is amazingly powerful and outstandingly comfortable. The mileage isnt as great as my old Tahoe had, but this truck gives you a lot for the money you pay. It has awesome electronic gadgets and a lot of room for anyone who wants to ride. I plan on modifying it a little bit to make it the true babe magnet. This SUV has totally made me the happiest person on earth.

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  First Cadillac Ever - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By Jay Holloway - February 19 - 3:49 pm

  I bought my Cadillac STS V6 around Christmas time, trading in a Mercedes-Bena. Previously, I have had two Lexus GS 300s. The STS is very quiet and comfy. The DVD audio is SLOW to respond to orders though and the voice recognition does not work. Its Bluetooth is reliable. The navigation system is fine, but wont let you use it while driving even if your passenger is trying to use it. Bluetooth functionality is limited while driving as well. The backseat is tight for leg room. OnStar costs a fortune. The trunk is smaller than expected. Having said this, my ownership experience has been excellent despite the flaws. The stereo using DVD audio discs has OUTSTANDING sound quality and will make you really want it. The video image and functionalty of the navigation screen is large but average resolution. The interior ambience with DVD audio is great.

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  Fantastic Car - 2006 Cadillac CTS
  By VJ - February 19 - 3:46 pm

  I love my Cadillac CTS. I have owned a Seville in the past and though this car is smaller I prefer to drive it more. It has speed and great pick up. It has a quiet ride and looks good.

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  Style and Ride Outweigh Concerns - 2006 Cadillac CTS
  By c - February 19 - 11:03 am

  The styling of my 2006 Cadillac CTS is great and very popular. Its ride is smooth and it corners well. I have some concerns about its winter performance with the real-wheel drive, but the jury is still out.

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  Fun To Drive - 2000 Cadillac Catera
  By JL Cripe - February 19 - 12:59 am

  We have found our two Cateras fun to drive, easy to handle and a joy to drive on long trips. The power seats fit our bodies comfortably. The sunroof offers lots of options. Weve had no maintenance problems with either our 1999 or 2000 Catera.