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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  Why buy japenese - 1999 Cadillac Deville
  By Jim Kramer - September 8 - 2:00 am

  Reliability has been a real problem, but than the dealers service has been less than perfect. I have had to analyze two out of three problems for the service writer before they could fix the proble. Required a return each time. From a taillight causing a short, to winshield washers not covering full windshield, then an oil leak caused the engine to be pulled. Second leak, noise now from engine (valve rattle?). Forgot to hook up washer tank, anther return. If you are going to buy a cadillac buy two cause one will always be in the garage for service. My Lexus has been in for oil changes only.

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  Great USA Luxury Convertible - 2005 Cadillac XLR
  By cactus ldy - September 7 - 2:00 am

  What a car,cadillac really outdid themselves. It rides like a cadillac,handles exceptionally well, and is FAST. Great to have a luxury convertible, made in the USA.

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  2004 Cadillac Deville Review - 2004 Cadillac Deville
  By Nile A. Sorenson - September 7 - 2:00 am

  This is by far the finest autombile I have owned. I have driven Cadillacs since 1990 and find this particular car to be the best. I have not had a single requirement to return to the dealer for any adjustments or correction. This car has the comfort and convenience that my wife and I enjoy. We are both in our 70s. We are comfortable, feel safe and secure and confident in its performance. The dealer attention during the sale and since has been superior. It is truly a fine automobile.

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  Love My Catty - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
  By dayo - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Although i initially brought my SUV for fashion purpose, i must say that its performance on the road has been surpurp. Its as though it hugs the road whenever making a turn.

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  Worst purchase ever - 2004 Cadillac SRX
  By worst ever - September 4 - 2:00 am

  I have 7,500 miles on this poor excuse for a quality car and have had two major computer failures and three failures of smaller proprtion. Additionally they now have a recall on the product. Their on board computers are riddled with bugs and glitches

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  Love My Car! - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By Carole Grant - September 4 - 2:00 am

  The first time I ever saw the Cadillac CTS I totally fell in love. I recently purchased mine and upgraded the interior with wood trim--what a difference. I love the look, the drive, and Im very pleased. Prior to this purchase, I had owned 3 SUVs, but I do like the change. The only negative I can think of is lack of my storage space on the dashboard.

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  Should have got a Lincon Mark V111 - 1996 Cadillac Eldorado
  By Fast Eddie - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Like the elegent styling, especially with Vouge chrome wheels, white diamond paint, and rear spoiler. Was searching for a clean 98 Mark 8 but couldnt find one, so I bought the Eldo on looks alone. Sorry, but its style, no substance. Why does the auto industry rave about the Northstar? The Ford V-8 feels much stronger and doesnt suck a quart of oil every 1500 miles. My first V-8 front wheel drive car - and last. Tourqe steer, nose dive, and loose, bouncy ride (feels like an offensive linemans sitting under the hood). Noisy interior for a luxury car. But like a trophy wife, she sure is pretty and kind of hard to give up!

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  Best Car Ive Owned - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By Neil Chase - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Quality is outstanding interior is uncluttered and functional great XM sound system five speed is smooth and precise very good head and leg room for tall person (63") just wish it had a little more power but I plan to trade-in on CTS V or new STS V8.

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  2004 Escalade ESV - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
  By minore - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Safe fun and very comfortable. Easy to drive and Satellite nav and XM radio are pure pleasure. You will enjoy

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  I LOVE THIS CAR - 2004 Cadillac SRX
  By lALA - September 1 - 10:00 am

  THIS CAR IS AWESOME!!!!!!!