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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  catera - 1997 Cadillac Catera
  By lindsay12345 - May 30 - 2:00 am

  This car has so many great features on it and currently (5/04) can be bought for a pretty low price compared to others in its class (but repairs will be just as expensive). Ive been very satisfied with it mechanically but there have been some electrical problems. I am concerned though as a current owner about how quickly its value has gone down.

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  2004 CTS - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By dann - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Im a 22 year old male and never thought of buy caddy, till the CTS. Great car for the money. I have the white diamond with the ebony interior and it always get compliments. Great ride and accelaration.

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  CTS analysis - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By Henry wasmuth - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Great performance, great ride, good economy,super styling and excellent workmanship. Had a Benz before but love this vehicle. Cant wait till 07 for my next CTS.

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  Cool!! Suv - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
  By raj_lko - May 29 - 2:00 am

  This is best SUV in the market in terms of style,power and reliability.Driving exprerience is far better than Benz,Lexus and Bmw.

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  The best ever - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
  By gollfguy - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Simply the best vehicle I have ever owned.

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  Going for the third - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
  By golie - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Only suggestion - go for the 4 captains chairs rather than bench seat on second row. Bench seat uncomfortable for long trips for an adult. We have driven Escalades for over a year and we love the horsepower matched to comfort and style. Great vehicle. We are about to purchase our third.

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  Cadillac CTS Lover!! - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By DAR - May 27 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Cadillac CTS in March 2004 from Ragsdale Cadillac In Auburn MA. I love my car, everything about it!! I have all the bells and whistles, including the inappropriatly labeled fussy navigation system and have nothing but great things to say. It performs well, the ride is great, its fun to drive and I feel great driving it. My purchase experience was second to none and the people at Ragsdale Cadillac made me feel as though I were the only customer they had!! I highly recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  I Love this SUV!!! - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
  By sharonefinkel - May 26 - 2:00 am

  I needed a larger vehicle, and still wont buy a minivan. This has plenty of room for my kids and there stuff, and gives me a very cushy ride!

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  ETC Road King - 2001 Cadillac Eldorado
  By JB Geer - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I traded my late model corvette for this fine used automobile, as I desired something more comfortable and better designed for everyday driving, yet retaining a destinctive and sporty look. I am most impressed! The northstar engine is very quick and responsive, the ride excellent and the stylish look is an eye-catcher. Took my first roadtrip and achieved 25mpg...excellent. Although three years old, the ETC is very tight...no rattles.

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  Love my car - 2008 Cadillac CTS
  By best car ever - May 23 - 12:46 pm

  Test drove Lexus gs350, BMW335, Audi A6 then by chance looked at a CTS. We have had three Volvos in the last ten years and have been satisfied with all of them. But when I drove the 2008 CTS i was amazed with the drive and looks and feel of the car. I love to sit and play with all the interior features. I find myself asking my wife if she needs something from the store.