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:

• 

  Love my Girl - 2002 Cadillac Eldorado
  By Elane - July 14 - 6:19 pm

  My old Eldy was ready for retirement before I looked for a new one. I did not realize 2002 was the last year so I began a 3 month journey on the internet to find one. I have owned 5 over the past 30 years and was resolved to find the 6th and unfortunately, the last. At 8 years young, she still garners compliments and her power still rivals any "economy or luxury" car on the road. I test her often. I have no idea where I go when she gives out. Please bring her back or I may have to walk. Ugh!

• 

  cool air gone for good - 2010 Cadillac SRX
  By mrs. jones - July 13 - 4:56 pm

  i purchased my srx in may within two months we noticed the air stopped working we took back they found nothing wrong with it so july12,2010 the stop working again so i took it back this time they say the modular have to be replaced along with something else.this is brand new i thought that was the reason to purchase something new so you want have these kind of problems. I dont recommend any one purchase this crossover we paid over 40,000 for this car and this is what we got put a little more money and go get a BMW or a Mercedes because its not worth the headache.

• 

  Im Impressed - 2007 Cadillac CTS
  By Great CTS - July 12 - 8:19 pm

  Recently updated from 2003 CTS (Base) to 2007 CTS (Luxury) with 23,500 miles. 2003 was nice but the 2007 is great. After 4 years on the road car is still tight (front end, doors and windows) with no rattles or squeaks. Seats are very comfortable and performance is spectacular. Have gotten caught a couple of times jumping on a green light a little too quick. Car is Raven Black and had the stock grill painted black to match. Appearance has drawn attention. At 4700 lbs fuel economy is not bad. As some have already reported, nav system can be complicated without the manual. Waiting for one to arrive. Otherwise love driving the car and cant wait for the next one in a couple of years.

• 

  Gas tank problem - 2007 Cadillac CTS
  By cts - July 12 - 10:42 am

  I Wonder if someone can help me find out if I still have a warranty left on this car? Every time I tried to get gas the pump keeps shutting off as if the car was full, I tried this at different gas stations just to make sure it was not the gas station having a problem as soon as this happened my engine light also came on, I understand that it will cost a lot of money to repair, I think who ever the manufacturer is for the gas tank should make good for this no matter that I have 59,000 miles on the car. Thanks

• 

  Problems with transfer gearbox - 2005 Cadillac SRX
  By Brenda - July 9 - 8:34 pm

  The first few months I owned the vehicle I was very, very pleased. But after six months I had to replace the outside mirror and consistently had a burning smell in the vehicle. The car was serviced and repaired under the warranty. When the car reached 88,000 miles the big troubles began. The right and left tie rods, the air conditioner and the transfer gearbox had to all be replaced within a three week period. To me I did not feel the car was old enough for such problems to begin. I have been a loyal GM customer, but I am seriously reconsidering if I will ever purchase another Cadillac.

• 

  Not Bad for a used CAR - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By Romiee - July 9 - 1:34 pm

  Bought the caddie STS 06 v8 with 50,000k. IT was out of warranty though but that didnt bother me. Its a great car and very stylish. I had the CTS 07 2.8l prior and traded that in for a little more luxury. Only paid additional 3,000 for difference. Again great car and very happy. Had small minors repairs like mass air flow sensor replaced and rear brake pads. I do a lot of driving and have already put almost 10,000 miles in 8 months. This car can go on for a very long time. Just maintain the oil changes every 5,000 or 6,000 miles using synthetic motor oil for the STS v8. Highly Recommend putting Super or premium gasoline in this car for better engine protection and performance. :)

• 

  Europian "crap-ollac" - 2000 Cadillac Catera
  By scott - July 8 - 3:25 pm

  I have had nothing but problems with my car. I bought it used from a dealership for way too much. I didnt look at any consumer reviews before hand. I thought - "Its a Cadillac, of course its nice!" Well, I couldnt have been more wrong. From the lot I had nothing but troubles with the car. I bought it with 38,000 in 2007, and now it rests, with a blown engine, in my drive way with 60,000 miles on it. Those were very expensive 22,000 miles! I am thankful though that this model wasnt an American made car. Come on gm! Do not buy this car!

• 

  Great car! - 1994 Cadillac Eldorado
  By Matt M - July 2 - 9:28 pm

  I have to say that this car is one of the better cars i have ever driven. i bought it for $1,800 and it was worth it. Very clean inside and out. Not very many problems with it. Blower and window motor went out but very easy fix. Handles like a dream and a lot of fun to drive.

• 

  Eldorado-Best Cadillac Ever made - 2000 Cadillac Eldorado
  By MPFLLC - July 2 - 4:55 pm

  My 2000 Eldorado ESC is an amazing car. Purchased a year ago with 22K miles and now have 30K on her. Not one problem save it came to me with original tires. With only minor maintenance required I literally have a new car. Exceptional performance, styling and ride. Did I mention that she gets 30 mpg at 70 mph and averages 18-22 in town. Wife liked it so much that I found her a white 2000 Eldo with 9,200 miles on it. This is our 14th & 15th Cadillac since 1979 and none better!

• 

  Terrific style - 2010 Cadillac CTS
  By satisfied owner - June 30 - 9:42 am

  Like any car I can find a few faults.The seats could stand an improvement like my wifes RAV4.However its a good handling car and sure it has an occasional jerk when it shifts down at low speeds because its AWD. I have the 3.6,304 hp.Too bad GM dumbs the car down with that 3.0 liter which a lot of people at GM dislike.