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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  Happy Nana - 1995 Cadillac Deville
  By Sybil - October 16 - 9:17 pm

  I purchased this car as it was coming off a lease program and paid $20,000 for it. It is the best car that I ever had I wish I had gotten the extended warranty though. The a/c went two years ago and it took four compressors to get one to work that and a valve, one set of brakes and one set of tires in ten years, plus regular oil changes. Now I drive it only during the summer in CT. It still gets 20-22 mpg, is quiet, comfortable, easy to handle, and powerful. It costs $50+ to fill it up but its worth it. You do get what you pay for. iot has a superb sound, great dashboard and message center. I love this car, hate will to part with it. Everything else out there is junk in comparison.

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  Star Black - 2006 Cadillac XLR
  By Jay - October 16 - 9:37 am

  I purchased this car in Cathedral City, CA and drove it cross country to FL. What a joy! The handling and ride were outstanding. This is my dream car, I cant even imagine anything topping it, although I am sure they will in years to come.

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  Out of this world - 2006 Cadillac CTS
  By Andrea - October 15 - 2:17 pm

  This car is a dream to drive. I knew it was a great car but I did not know what a thrilling experience it can be to drive a near sports car for that amount of money. I have owned a Cadillac DeVille before (1992) but the two vehicles cannot be compared. I also own an SUV (other brand) and am delighted with the CTSs comfort. I finally found a car that more nimble and more fun to drive and ride in than a BMW (which I still own and will get rid of) or my friends Mercedes. I test drove the Toyota Avalon before deciding to buy the CTS. My advice: Drive a CTS before buying the Avalon the handling will convince you - plus the CTS has style and character.

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  so far . . . so great - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By steve - October 14 - 2:16 am

  My 2004 Cadillac CTS becomes more fun to drive each time I take it out. The sport luxury package w/17 inch wheels, is smooth accelerating and handling. I just love this car. I also tested an Acura TL, but for some reason, I just wasnt that impressed.

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  1st Caddy Daddy - 2000 Cadillac Catera
  By RAIDERS5000 - October 13 - 5:13 am

  This is my first Cadillac. Ive always been a Lincoln Town Car man because of the size and comfort. I bought this Caddy used for $6,999. It was in immaculate shape. After test driving it, I fell in love. It has a smooth ride,very comfortable feel and is a joy to drive. I may complain about the appearance some but not much. The fantastic interior far outways the exteriors short cummings. The loud Bose sound system and fun to play with moonroof are great. The leather memory seats are definitely of the Cadillac quality. The engine could use a few more horses but I cant complain. It still has great power. If youre in the market for a Caddy, you cant go wrong with a 2000 or later Catera. Ive had no problems with this car through 65,000 miles and counting!

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  I love my car! - 2006 Cadillac CTS
  By Karen - October 13 - 1:01 am

  I have had my 2006 Cadillac CTS for about nine months and everytime I get in it, I think about how much I love it. My husband laughs at me because I still say it after this many months.

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  Great looking and fun to drive. - 2004 Cadillac SRX
  By ba earley - October 12 - 2:52 pm

  We purchased our Cadillac SRX one and a half years ago. We have thoroughly enjoyed the car with no complaints. It is wonderful on trips. It is very comfortable and is an excellent driving vechicle.

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  Best SUV - 2006 Cadillac Escalade
  By ME - October 11 - 11:16 am

  This is the best SUV out there. After 3 years of absolutely no problems with my first Escalade, I couldnt resist getting another one. It is luxurious AND reliable! It handles better than most cars!

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  under rated - 2005 Cadillac CTS
  By diver - October 9 - 1:43 pm

  2005 CTS with the perks will cost ya around 40000 but the car will exceed all the you have heard about. The 255 hp can push the car up to 130 mph not bad. Handling with the sport package is very good. The decor is not as refined as its german buds but the room you get inside the cab is great and more than makes up the difference. its my fist GM car in yrs

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  Escalade - Style! - 2005 Cadillac Escalade
  By Alex - October 9 - 3:31 am

  This is the first SUV that I have ever owned and it will now be hard to go back to a normal car. My previous car was a Lexus IS300 which I loved as well. I haul around a lot of computer servers so upgrading to the Escalade made a lot of sense and it has not let me down. I have not had any major problems and the ride is smoother than expected. I would buy another Escalade in the future.