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 car that fits - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By Kiran - August 16 - 10:00 am

  I have been shopping for a new car for over a year now. yes that is anal but I need a car to fit like a glove in terms of performance and style. The car you drive says a lot about who you are. After I test drove a CTS I knew this is the vehicle for me. Flashy "new age" styling unavailable from anyone else, quick acceleration, tight handling, nice ride that combines comfort and performance. Some people have been complaining about the style of the interior but I totally disagree. It is well thought out and has a cool look to it. Why have another car on the market that has a flat center to its dash. Power is great for me with my 5 speed. I never feel like there is a lack of power.

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  Good Enough - 2002 Cadillac Deville
  By Don Juan - August 16 - 2:00 am

  I brought this car for the sole purposes of road trips. I must say this car fits that role perfectly. The inside is good enough for comfortability. The handling is good enough to handle the tightest curves. Gas Mileage could be better, but on the highway, good enough. When I brought this car, I wasnt looking for the god of all cars, but what I was looking for was a good comfortable ride. That is what I ended up with when I brought my Cadi. Treat the car good and it will treat you good. Shouldve got a Lexus. If you would have, you would have the same complaints.

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  It has preformed very well beautiful - 1992 Cadillac Eldorado
  By Grace Prince - August 15 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car from Crest Cadillac that had a former owner that kept it very clean and well cared for. I had never owned a Cadillac but found this car to outperform any I have ever owned. I have owned many in my life time (in my senior years).

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  Oye, Cateras break down a lot! - 2000 Cadillac Catera
  By Joef - August 15 - 2:00 am

  Lets see, before 20k miles, New tires, 10 balances on the old tires, new breaks and rotors, 8 new window sensors, rear subframe was not bolted on from the factory (car drove sideways ate tires) which Cadillac was kind enough to make me pay for (12k miles). Car is rusting (again Cadillac is letting me pay for the fix). 5 different times the check engine lights came on. Puked radiator fluid allover my garage, (towed), puked tranny fluid in my garage (towed). Moon roof locks up pretty much all of the time, but I figured out how to reset it. I will never buy another Cadillac

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  Great Ride - 1993 Cadillac Eldorado
  By Gonkus - August 13 - 2:00 am

  Finest car Ive owned. Travel alot w/ 25 mpg. Great power off the line and @80mph. Still looks new. Have only done the scheduled maint. A great ride.

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  Finally! A Luxury SUV - 2002 Cadillac Escalade
  By AZHEAVEN - August 13 - 2:00 am

  As an owner of SUVs for the past 10 yrs, I am finally truly in heaven. Had plans to buy another Ford Expedition, but for 2002 nothing compares to the Cadillac Escalade AWD. You can pay more and get less or pay less and get a LOT less. If you looked at the 2001 model, come back and look again: 2002 is completely remodeled and worth your time! To think I almost didnt buy this one because the first dealer we went to was HORRIBLE. Glad we went to Coulter Cadillac. Dr Cooper was the best!

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  2005 CTS - 2005 Cadillac CTS
  By bmarkdc - August 12 - 9:53 am

  I love this car. Had to order it, couldnt find the 6 speed anywhere. It took about 8 weeks to get, but was well worth it. I get compliments all the time.

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  Great Car - 1996 Cadillac Deville
  By americanswede - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Solid, dependable, fast, decent mpg, impressive curb appeal, has many safety features for both car and driver, large trunk for suitcases while traveling.

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  Final Feeling - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By Genetom - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Im Happy and really enjoy the speed and handling of this gem

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  97 Dream Machine - 1997 Cadillac Seville
  By Trav1172 - August 11 - 2:00 am

  What can I say? As a 65" 300lb man I have never found a veh as comfortable and fun to drive as my caddy. The 275hp Northstar engine is awsome