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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  Best Car I have owned - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By Jon M - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I have owned a number of cars, including a baby BMW, but this is the car that is most fun to drive. I have to wrestle the keys from my 16 year old daughter who says everyone thinks she looks hot in it. Gave a ride to my sons 15 year old friend and could be rich if I had a dime for every time he said "this car is so cool". I have always wanted to be an American car owner...now I am without regret and without sacrifice

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  The XOXOSled - 2005 Cadillac XLR
  By Debie - December 1 - 1:16 am

  Waited for years for this car. The minute I saw it,I sat in it,I knew I had to have it. It glides. Cars slow down in awe of this car. I constantly get the thumbs up.I almost bought the Lexus SC 430, browsed a Crossfire but then I went to the Cadillac showroom and I fell in love.The it was. Out of the ordinary.Original!Perfect color, perfect interior, perfect fit.It was made for me!!I couldnt believe the concept car was road ready.I wanted this car before I got too old to look good in it. I get more compliments like "Not sure whats more gorgeous, the car or the girl driving it." This from teenage boys to older men in Corvettes, Mercedes,Lexus etc. I am 49!! I feel like I am 25.

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  Frist time Cadillac Owner - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By Ralph Arena - November 26 - 12:36 am

  After eight Buick LeSabres in a row, I decided to switch to something different since the LeSabre was not changing in style. I chose Cadillac STS because it is a prestige car that is absolutely gorgeous. I am very pleased with it. I have had it for only two weeks and am still learning about special features.

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  If you are considering one...buy it! - 2001 Cadillac Eldorado
  By 35 cars + - November 25 - 12:22 am

  I have owned more than 35 cars from Suzukis to Porsches, Mercedes-Benzes, Audis etc. I did a lot of research on my recent purchase of a 2001 Cadillac Eldorado ETC before buying it. I have been very happy with a the couple of Cadillacs that I have owned in the past. I have only owned this car a short time, but I have to say that it is one awesome coupe. It combines beauty, luxury, sport, power, reliability, and decent gas mileage all in one...I cant think of any other cars out there that can do this. If you are considering one, I recommend find an excellent shape low mileage one and buy it quick and start enjoying!

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  Escalade - 2005 Cadillac Escalade
  By TMK!^() - November 23 - 8:26 pm

  Real good driving, smooth and good 4 wheel drive i really go heavy off road

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  SRX Pleasant Surprise - 2004 Cadillac SRX
  By SRX guy - November 23 - 6:58 pm

  Job change so I lost a company minivan (we have enjoyed a company car for 15 years) so it takes some getting used forking over $35,000. You do not appreciate the perk until it is gone! We drove all the minivans (some more than once) and decided to give the SRX a spin based on Edmunds readers making it a consumers most wanted. We are glad we did! More comfortable and stylish and way more fun to drive (I drove a 2005 Cadillac STS recently and when I climbed back into my SRX, I was just as comfortable and sitting higher in the saddle to boot). Lots of power, comfort and a cool TV/DVD player added as an aftermarket make long trips fun for the kids.

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  finally a car to compete with Germany - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By A Volinsky - November 23 - 12:00 am

  I drive about 35000miles a year for business. I actually love driving this vehicle every day

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  Excellent Escalade - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
  By Hot Stuff - November 19 - 2:00 am

  This is one excellent vehicle! Puts all others to shame in every catagory. Its a "10" in all aspects and a "20" easily, on the head turning scale. This is a keeper for a long time to come. It handles magnificently, extremely responsive, comfort is unbeleivable. Bose radio, yum! Comfort for all passengers, plenty of cargo space. Beautiful styling inside and out.

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  My 04 Escalade - 2005 Cadillac Escalade
  By Zach1206 - November 17 - 7:01 pm

  This is a big truck and I love every inch of it ! Cadillac nailed it when they came up with this body style . Once inside the cabin you are treated to the Cadillac comfort that I remember as a kid . It definitely rules the road , and knowing that it is the "most powerful SUV on the planet " only adds to the experience . I only hope when GM changes the truck in 06 or 07 , it doesnt ruin the appeal this one has .

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  XLR - LEMON - 2005 Cadillac XLR
  By Rick Benson - November 17 - 6:32 pm

  I HAVE OWNED (9) Cadillacs over the past (14) and have been extremely satisfied with each one. In February 2004 I received my dream car, only it turned out being a nightmare. The problems started at 430 miles. Lights that did not work, windows switches defective, inability to start. XLR had to be towed on a flatbed twice, back to the delarship. One of the fuel tanks had to be replaced, "check fuel cap" message continuosly on drivers information center. Less than 13 MPG on open road and highway driving. Engine misfiring, engine leaking 1/2 - 1 pint of oil everytime it was shut off. Various other electrical problems. Navigation System works about 1/3 of the time. In the shop 40 days.