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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  A Great Buy - 2001 Cadillac Seville
  By jimb100 - April 3 - 1:31 am

  I bought a 2001 Seville STS with 38,000 miles. At the price they can be bought for today they are a steal. This car is in mint condition with lots of comfort and convenience features. Performance takes second place to luxury, but not by a lot. Once rolling its a quick car and body lean is kept to a minimum. Its too big to be a sports car but if you want a sporty luxury car, this is a good one.

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  Great Car - 2005 Cadillac XLR
  By Nick - April 2 - 9:57 pm

  Great Car whoever designed it sure knew what they were doing. It is really fun to drive, and before you know it you are up to 100 miles an hour. Just going down the highway is hard without going about 70 because it doesnt seem like you are going even 30.

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  Id rather be driving it..... - 2005 Cadillac Escalade
  By Bill Glynn - April 2 - 3:26 pm

  It is a very comfortable car with great head and leg room for everyone. The ride is as good as any car in the world and far better than most. It is eye candy to any fan of good quality and good design. The Cadillac Escalade is the best of all worlds.

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  Did not think I would like it - 2017 Cadillac XTS
  By Howard Clark - April 1 - 8:04 pm

  Originally I wanted a CT-6, having a 2011 DTS. I wanted my wife to sit in many sedans to find the one she preferred. We had not considered an XTS, but owning Cadillacs since 1971 we decided to look at all models again. Previous brands tried were BMW 7 Series, Mercedes E and S, and Lexus LS 460. I realize there is no comparison between the imports and the XTS, however, the price point on the XTS, its finish and hi-tech components made me look closer. Since my wife uttered the fatal words, "I like that one", and Edmonds had already provided me the quote we purchased the XTS. It is a great car, reads almost as smoothly as my previous DTSs and DeVilles. I gave road noise a poor grade on the survey, however the noise and harsh ride was totally the fault of the tires. The original equipment tires provided great stability and drive characteristics, but I care nothing about that. From similar complaints from other Cadillac owners about tires I requested the dealer to replace them with a different brand/non performance tires. This was done at no charge to me, my ride is restored and we truly like the car. The warranty and free service is equal or better than the imports. The engine and drive train is well proven. Nice Cadillac, Nice Pricing.

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  Cadillac CTS - 2005 Cadillac CTS
  By redwards - March 31 - 8:18 pm

  My 2005 Cadillac CTS is the best car that I have ever owned. Mind nad absolutely no defects. It has never been back to the dealer except for oil changes. It has an exceptional ride for a small car. It rides as well as or better than my wifes 2001 Cadillac DeVille. It is the closest thing to a sport car that Ill ever own. Im 65 years old.

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  WOW! Not your Daddys Caddy - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By Kurt Hundertmark - March 31 - 10:00 am

  Just got the Luxury/Sport, and yeah, I got the orange one. Turns heads (actually snaps necks) everywhere I go. Car is incredibly solid. Sticks like velcro with very little roll. Steering is ultra-responsive. The sport-shift mode is a hoot - really winds out the V- 6. This car loves to be pushed. Cant figure the single, unadorned exhaust pipe. With all that styling, how did they miss putting in duals with styled tips? Interior is comfortable - nice but not plush. Has lots of "gee-whiz" features that Ill never use. The radio display is a little overwhelming, and Id rather see gauges instead of a clock. Bose 6-speaker stereo is very good.

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  nice car - 2005 Cadillac Deville
  By david - March 30 - 5:45 pm

  Ive reviewed comments before buying one. Its true that the cruise control button can be pressed accidentally very easily. Its true that there is a slight whine from the engine, but its tolerable. The whine becomes imperceptible after a while. After more than 12,000 miles, I have not experienced any problems. The ride is supremely quiet, and the seats are comfortable, although a bit on the firm side (I prefer the seats in my previous Lincoln Mark 8). Acceleration from stop is a bit slow (I used to own a 300ZX turbo), but at certain speeds the acceleration is good. Turning radius a bit wide, but its a large car. During rainy days, I feel safe in the car. Lots of gadgets in the car.

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  Well worth it - 2005 Cadillac SRX
  By Ian Echeverria - March 25 - 9:13 pm

  I have to admit that after test driving the Volvo XC90, Lexus RX330, and VW Tourag that I was impressed by the handling and quaility of the SRX. Comparing size, class, and options it is the best in class in my opinion. Whats best about the Cadillac SRX is the the price beats the other 3 and the quality doesnt suffer. Finally an American SUV that competes with the others and can hold its ground. If you dont believe take it for a drive and feel the difference.

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  Fun to drive - 2005 Cadillac SRX
  By Bill - March 25 - 11:42 am

  This is the most responsive vehicle I have ever owned. The down side is, if you are not paying attention, you will be doing 80 mph and not know it. The ride is soft, yet sturdy. The steering is crisp and responsive. Gas mileage at 65 mph is in the 20+ mpg. As stated its to easy to do 80 and that lowers mpg to around 17.5 mpg. Put a pinstripe above door handles and you have a great looking sports car that is tuff to get stuck in the mud or snow.

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  A little bit of everything - 2005 Cadillac CTS
  By Jeff K - March 25 - 11:37 am

  I test drove a BWM, Volvo, Jaguar and found that the Cadillac CTS was more comfortable, better performing, and more fun. The back seat needs a little more leg room, but otherwise I am perfectly happy with the car. It provides excellent comfort and styling with great performance.