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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  Cadillac STS - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By jhutchinson1 - January 31 - 4:13 pm

  I love the look and feel of this car, however the engine and steering column have already been replaced before it hit 6,000 miles. The parts were not in stock, resulting in 37 days repair time the first time and 39 the second. I am in the process of a buyback now!

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  Great Ride - 2006 Cadillac SRX
  By Matthew Begovich - January 29 - 7:07 pm

  I purchased a new "white diamond" SRX. I appreciate the thinner rocker sills, and the power hatch lift. This vehicle has more power and smoothness than I had expected from its 6-cyl. engine. The 5-speed automatic transmission is great. Mine is 6 weeks old and so far I have not had any problems.

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  Cadillac Sport Sedan - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By andy - January 29 - 5:43 pm

  I believe that the STS is a great value. The only option I got was the AWD, since before purchased I heard from many people "Cadillacs are bad in the snow". With OnStar, 6 airbags, traction control, a Lojack style tracking disabling device, I feel safe taking it on the road. I like this car a lot. It is not too big, and it has the big car feels

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  My Early Opinion - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By joe casazza - January 29 - 12:33 pm

  I just got my 2006 Cadillac STS V8. While its styling is appealing, the rear seat comfort is very tight. Also, its quality is not as good as I had expected. The instructions for the electronics is very confusing. Even dealer personnel have difficulty due to the use of different systems in different models. The keytless start feature is OK, but not great. the stereo is fantastic!

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  Sometimes Ya Luck Out - 1995 Cadillac Deville
  By Lucky Guy - January 29 - 1:27 am

  Bought my DeVille, my 5th Cadillac, with a few miles on it. I am always on the road for work. Now it has a whopping 293,000 miles on it and is still going strong. I replaced the AC compressor and needed a new transmission at 134,000 miles (which was my own fault). I have not had any other problems. Two different dealers told me people were reluctant to trade in their 95. I love this car. I have no plans to sell it.

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  Love It - 2005 Cadillac Escalade
  By Daniel - January 26 - 1:40 am

  I a 2005 Cadillac Escalade for my wife, but we both love to drive it. We went around looking at the competition but realized there wasnt any. On mine there is a small setback which Cadillac is trying to address, there is a small "whistling sound" which you hear when turning left or right at about 30 mph. Cadillac knows about it and so far they have replaced one part, but the noise continued. Now I have to take it back so they can replace the power steering which they claim should fix the problem. It really doesnt bother me at all unless you really pay attention. Overall they have really taken care of me at all times. I cant complain.

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  Never Thought I Would Love a Caddy! - 2004 Cadillac SRX
  By LPC - January 25 - 2:15 am

  I had just about given up on American cars until I found the Cadillac SRX. Being a picky person with many ideal features I never thought I would find the perfect vehicle. I wanted performance, luxury, and utility plus 7 seats to tote around kids and their friends. Living in a hilly NY area, I needed AWD too. Until the SRX, this combination just did not exist. I was a little weary about American cars, I decided to test drive it and fell in love. The power is just unbelievable and the quality is top notch. It feels so solid compared to our Volvo S60 - they are not in the same league at all. I drive it hard and it responds. I just have a blast and there is plenty of luxury to boot. It handles like a sports sedan.

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  A fantastic sedan - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By roy n morcos - January 25 - 2:00 am

  I recently bought the 2004 cts with the 3.6 liter engine.I can say without hesitation that none of the competition comes close.This cadillac is very well built.The engine is smooth and responsive.

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  Great Car - 2006 Cadillac CTS
  By bstours1026 - January 24 - 8:55 pm

  Why does anyone spend big money for pseudo Japanese products (Acura, Toyota Avalon, Toyota Camry) when you can drive a Caddy for the same money or less? The Cadillac CTS has an excellent ride and handling, comfort, firm suspension and class. GM deserves a lot more credit and customers than they are getting. The CTS is a winner and I sell Audis and Porsches for a living! The German cars are still the standard for safety, performance, and handling but for trouble-free affordable daily driving, Ill take the Caddy anytime.

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  Get the AWD - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By Not A Fossil - January 23 - 3:00 pm

  The 2WD Cadillac STS has trouble going when the forecast even calls for snow. My 2% driveway grade is too much for it with just a dusting. That being said, the ride and quality is better than my previous Lexus. Its fun to drive. I had to replace the front control arm after 6,000 milies though. This is a common problem with STS and CTS according to the service manager.