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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  my review - 1993 Cadillac Deville
  By Sam Spagnolie - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Except for 3000 mile services and replacement and maintainance of water system, transmission and fuel filter this car has not required any other work. Oh yes, new tires and brakes have also been added.

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  New Owner - 2003 Cadillac Deville
  By tjones1935 - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I really like the vehicle. I have not had it long enough to rate the realibility. It is really quiet, no noise except tire noise on certain concrete roads at highway/interstate speeds.. Actually the vehicle is not the DHS instead the 4 door sedan with the center console.

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  My new car - 1991 Cadillac Fleetwood - 1991 Cadillac Fleetwood
  By Guppy - July 27 - 2:00 am

  I have owned his car for 1 1/2 months - Since June 12/02, and it is a joy to drive. It only gets about 20 miles o the gallon but the comfort and excellence of the car warrants this expense.

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  The Last Great American Coupe! - 1994 Cadillac Eldorado
  By pokers2 - July 27 - 2:00 am

  I have been fortunate enough in my life to have owned 3 Eldorados. Each one has been better and better. They have a look all there own. There comfort level in the front seats is unsurpassed. I cannot think of one thing not to like on this car. I manage to get 30 mpg on the highway out of my 94 with 97,600 miles on it. If you can find one in good shape and need a fun and reliable second car, BUY IT!!!

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  99 STS - 1999 Cadillac Seville
  By CHILLERMAN - July 23 - 2:00 am

  I drove a Concurs prior to the STS. I GOT OUT OF THYE CONCURS AT 235,000 miles. The STS is a delight in every way an automobile should be, however be prepared for a lot smaller car, especially in the rear seat and trunk. Every Northstar owner I have talked with will agree these things drink oil. It does not show up on the garage floor or the tail pipe, but always carry two quarts in your trunk.

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  Last of the Big Boys - 1996 Cadillac Fleetwood
  By Bobby K - July 22 - 2:00 am

  Great Ride, what can you say, its that last of the big rear wheel drive bad boys. With the Corvette engine and the ability to tow 3.5 tons!! With room for 6 and a trunk that will swallow at least 3 bodies (maybe more). With this car I cannot understand why the mini- vans are so popular. Wish mine had a moon roof, but otherwise I am extremely pleased!!!

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  Seville is the top O the Line - 1999 Cadillac Seville
  By MikemiM - July 21 - 2:00 am

  This was a birthday gift to me after a Nissan Altima. I wish it had the extra 25HP like the STS but it seems strong and dependable. I am not afraid to take curves at any speed and the ride is silky smooth. After months I still receive compliments from strangers! Everything works as advertised especially the Bose stereo! It is the best radio/CD/CD changer that I have ever used.

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  Cadi Eldorado Coupe - 1992 Cadillac Eldorado
  By GLSwenson - July 20 - 2:00 am

  Fantastic, comfortable cruising car with great power and sound system!

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  CTS California Edition - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By TJS CTS - July 19 - 10:00 am

  I love the car. It handles great; looks are awesome. There is no in- between with this car. People either love it or hate it. It definitely turns heads as you go by. My parents and grandparents drive Cadillacs, but this in no way is comparable to the boat ride of the DTS and STS. It gives the BMW and the Lexus a good run for the money. Its nice to see Detroit back in the game.

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  93 sedan deville - 1993 Cadillac Deville
  By rvhjr - July 18 - 2:00 am

  My 3rd used Sedan Deville. Buy them wwith low mileage-drive for 3-4 years and repeat. Much better than new ford or chevrolet. Only problem with this one was electronic struts-expensive to replace. Great ride, good power, plenty of room.