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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  Been a great car - 2008 Cadillac CTS
  By Chris - May 11 - 12:24 pm

  Owned the car since early 2008 with 28k miles and it continues to work near flawlessly. The ride is smooth, but still feels connected to the road. The engine is powerful, though at times feels weak since its coupled with AWD. Besides regular maintenance, the only issues have been a broken trunk net clip.

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  Nice Build - 2006 Cadillac DTS
  By Tim - May 9 - 5:18 pm

  I looked at this car not really intending to buy a Cadillac. Ive owned many domestic and foreign cars and rate this as one of the better vehicles Ive owned. The build quality is excellent. The motor performs as it should and has a nice exhaust note under acceleration. The Bridgestone tires leave much to be desired however, there are few choices of Mfg. for tires of this size. The Yokahoma Advan S.4 look like a better option. Torque steer is manageable however if your driving becomes to0 spirited I could see where this could get one into trouble. I would like to see better sway bars on this car I think it would greatly improve its handling even though it is very good for a two ton car.

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  good car, but not aging well - 2008 Cadillac CTS
  By Rolling Thunder - May 9 - 9:29 am

  I am approaching the final months of my lease and my CTS with 36K miles is still fun to drive and looks great. Ive noticed that in the past 3 months that the car is "loosening up". More squeaks and rattles. This also happened to my Chevy Equinox at the 2.5 year mark. I am looking for my next lease and I may avoid another GM because of this. My CTS still drives well and looks great inside and out. I avg 19-20 mph in mixed driving.

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  pleased - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By kstaff22 - May 7 - 2:07 pm

  Bought 2003 with lux package-17 wheels for my wife in Jan 2003.We liked the ride and handling and have taken it a couple trips to FLA.Had a few issues which I expected since it was the 1st year of a new model. After a couple months their was an issue with the steering rack that cadillac replaced--after that no problems.There was a recall on the Goodyears that they replaced at 25k--- and a rim that pitted that they replaced---so I didnt have to spring for new tires till almost 60K miles! Live outside of Buffalo NY---handles well in the snow. Looking forward to getting a new CTS-4 next year after I get my moneys worth out of these new tires.

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  I would have never believed it - 2010 Cadillac SRX
  By UH Keller - April 22 - 4:53 pm

  Our SRX replaces a Honda Pilot. Our other car is a 5 series BMW. We love the SRX. Style, comfort, handling and surprisingly great quality control. We prefer the SRX over the BMW on long trips. Fuel consumption has yet to reach advertised rate, but we only have driven it for 3000 miles. My wife loves her car.

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  cts on stilts - 2010 Cadillac SRX
  By frank - April 21 - 5:42 pm

  So far so good car has cts interior but is up higher better ground clearance in bad weather<

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  So Happy-So Sad - 2010 Cadillac SRX
  By Jerry Serimian - April 21 - 12:25 am

  After previously owning a 2008 Cadillac STS with the 4.6 liter, I have to say that the 3.0 liter engine performs extremely well given the size and weight of the SRX. Ride and quality are second to none. At this price point, the SRX offers more amenities than many other sport utilities in the same price range.

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  Excellent car horrific visibility - 2010 Cadillac SRX
  By roundhill - April 20 - 3:07 pm

  Fun car to drive. I get a lot of compliments & jokes either asking why a Caddy (because I am not over 60) & where are my spinning wheels (SRX is black very urban looking). The interior fit is excellent controls easy to use & the nav & onstar are excellent. Upgraded from a minivan so big change! Rear storage is limited (especially when compared to a minivan). Biggest complaint is the visibility. I am 61" & I have several blind spots. The rear view camera helps. Went with FWD to save some $. Some say & I agree that the on the highway acceleration is weak for a car in this class the V6 is too small but you get better gas mileage a trade off. Well priced. Has a decent warranty. No spare.

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  Cadillac Escalade - 2010 Cadillac Escalade
  By Dan Trang - April 16 - 5:09 pm

  This is my first ever own a Cadillac. A ride a little bumpy, maybe with 20+ wheel, comparing with my Yukon trade in this one is awesome look and hi tech.

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  About Cadillac - 1991 Cadillac Deville
  By frances - April 16 - 1:26 pm

  I thank Cadillac is the best car on the highway this is my 4th one and it has never let me down yet if the belt breaks it keeps on going .It has the best performance on highway. The other night the pulley on the alternator broke and it took me back home, it just stop charging. I really do like Cadillac dont want to drive anything else.