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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  Overall an Enjoyable Car - 2001 Cadillac Catera
  By ricks - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my 01 Catera since purchasing it new in 9/01. I traded a 97 Catera that had developed several problems a local Cadillac dealer did not satisfactorily repair. I changed dealers and bought the 01, and basically have been satisfied during my 26 months of ownership and 26K miles. There have been a few minor problems, but the dealer has taken care of them and treated me well.

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  Cadi CTS Performs - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By Darlene Cochran - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Ive only owned foreign cars before this one, and Im very pleased. So pleased, that I believe Im converted and will stay with the Cadillac line. I added more wood trim to the interior which greatly enhanced the look of class.

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  Just to cool - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By Patrick k - November 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with every option.Love the handling with the luxury sport package and am very impressed with the nav system. The Car turns everbodys heads regardless of age, which can be uncomfortable while trying to maintain cool.After owning much higher horse power rides I am suprised that the quickness and speed of this car is not disappointing but will probably purchase the 2004 V series with the 400 hp V8 just because. The interior is hard and creaks alot from heat expantion and cooling but we always are using the excellent Bose sound system so who cares. After 30000 I have had no problems. This car is just to cool. I would recommend it to anyone.

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  2003 DeVille - My Third and BESTCadillac - 2003 Cadillac Deville
  By Bill Murdock - November 25 - 2:00 am

  Luxury and spectacular performance.... more than you will ever need, in both criteria!

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  Best Car I ever Owned - 1995 Cadillac Deville
  By Karen Mullins - November 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in 1997 with 24,000 miles as a lease trade in. It is by far, the best car I have ever owned.On the highwayI average 26-28 mpg and around town about 20 mpg. The Northstar engine cant be beat. The interior luxury and comfortable drive makes long distance driving a pleasure. In 8 years of ownweship, the car has been in for minor repairs only twice. We do , however, change the oil every 3000 miles and do the required maintenance that Cadillac suggests. I only hope my next car will give us the same comfort, service, fuel economy and joy of driving that this car has given us.

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  98 Seville SLS - 1998 Cadillac Seville
  By Mr. Bean - November 20 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I purchased this vehicle used in 2000. We have had to replace the drivers seat heater (the whole cushion)that was warrantied. One electric window motor warrantied. Oil changes are more than normal the Northstar V8 holds about 9 quarts of oil. Great comfort and conveniences but an expensive vehicle overall to maintain.

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  seriously -the best drive Ive owned - 2004 Cadillac Deville
  By rickt - November 20 - 2:00 am

  Ive been a car buff all of my life and believe me,this is a sleeper of a machine. The DTS is well worth the money. Plenty of leg room in front and back.The seats are extremly comfortable. Trunk space is very good.Sound System is on par. The ride is very comfortable ,yet firm. The active handling system literally smooths out curves. The body roll in a sharp and fast turn is hardly noticable. The engine is an engineering and build masterpiece. Im not kidding. Its a VERY responsive powerplant. Moves this Caddy along equal to,or in most cases,better than,the most nimble of vehicles on the road in its class....I love driving this car !

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  Unhappy - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By Betty L Peveler - November 15 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle has been in for repairs 9 times within 17 months. Multiple problems with the cooling system, electronic fuel system, engine mount problems, air- bag sensor failure and structural failure of the thermostat housing.

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  Strong SUV - 2000 Cadillac Escalade
  By John Roger - November 14 - 2:00 am

  Interior design and comfort is exceptionalDo not like the rear split hatch design or lock release of samegreat on long trips but not a good city car other than visibility.

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  Deram to Nightmare - 1997 Cadillac Deville
  By gtm7667 - November 14 - 2:00 am

  Bought in 2000 as pre owned certified.bought extened warrenty, and glad I did.Fuel sensors several times, electrical,steering rack,trunk leak 6 times. The list goes on and on. And lets talk about oil consumption that is unreal.And Cadillac sent a bulliton to the dealers to let them know it was acceptable, due to engine design. And now right after the warranty expires,a major oil seal leak. i called Cadillac directly and after several attempts was told thank you for buying Cadillac, but there is nothing we can do for you. All I know is my dream car became my nightmare and as much as I said I would not buy a Japaneese car, the next time I will.