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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  Great car - 1993 Cadillac Deville
  By Denver_g - June 7 - 1:23 pm

  Bought this car with 76k and its now up to 88k fuel economy is more forgiving than other cars if you drive it right was able to get 38Mpg on round trip from Quincy, IL to Springfield, IL, beautiful flawless metallic high gloss maroon with matching leather, great sound from digital tune radio 7 band EQ and tape, amazing power if anyone is thinking of buying a used mustang lets have a little competition to see which is faster and more comfortable. I feel horrible using this car for every day driving.

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  Do Not Buy - 1998 Cadillac Seville
  By Pittsburgh Boy - June 6 - 8:53 pm

  This car is great and fun to drive. My sls has the rain sensing wipers and power steering wheel that edmunds says the sts has. but Ive had it almost a year now and the problem list continues. never trust the 4.6 northstar unless its after 05. The thing overheats due to a head gasket problem which is a common problem with the 4.6 liter and even the 4.9 liter DHOC V8. the Bose system is amazing though. the trunk lid light doesnt work (also common). Also the radio doesnt save my stations and the final problem and reason Im selling it is that the other day i got in it, put my key in, and instantly all the windows went down by themselves (lucky it wasnt raining)

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  25,000 mile review - 2009 Cadillac CTS
  By emquad46 - June 6 - 7:29 am

  The first day out of the dealership an ignition coil failed and had to be replaced. Once fixed the car has been amazing. The road holding, acceleration and ride are on par with many sport sedans. The all wheel drive works flawlessly in snow, rain, etc. The drivers handle failed (antenna would not respond to the transmitter) last month and had to be replaced. The optional blue tint coat paint gets rave reviews where ever I go. The gas mileage averages 20.5 (80% road, 20% city).

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  Good American car - 1990 Cadillac Deville
  By Markusa60 - June 5 - 2:59 pm

  I like Cadillacs because they hold up well. I have owned 3 and all three have done well. One went to 100,000 miles with only a exhaust repair and fuel injector repair. Now as far as foreign cars. My BMW 5 series 99 model went to 100,000 miles and by that time I had spent over 7,000 dollars on repairs, not including normal maint! Same thing happened with a Jag I owned. These foreign cars also cost more to own, purchase, so dont go telling me they are cheaper and hold up better. Regarding my now gone BMW, yes the engine and ride was great, but everything else was junk after 50,000 miles. Those are the facts I learned about domestic and foreign cars I have owned.

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  Nice Car - 1994 Cadillac Eldorado
  By Crock - June 3 - 8:34 pm

  This car is a sleeper. Very quick 40-85 mph. Decent fuel economy for a V8. Engine runs hotter and has led to problems such as leaking head gaskets and oil burning. The design of the seats is amazing, passengers will be stunned by the comfort. This vehicle handles very well.

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  Dont Buy - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By rdols3 - June 2 - 8:41 am

  We Purchased this car about 3 to 4 years ago, and it has been nothing but a nightmare. We have had one problem after another. We have only put 20,000 miles on it and the rest of the time it has been in the garage for repairs. We owe almost $12,000 on it and cant even drive it. I have contacted Cadillac but they will not respond to my emails. Do Not Buy This Car!

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  Way To Go GM! - 2010 Cadillac SRX
  By Matt - June 1 - 7:23 pm

  I recently purchased a fully loaded Performance SRX without all-wheel for my wife and couldnt be happier, no buyer remorse here. In fact, Ive NEVER wrote a blog on any topic on the web, but felt like I had to on this one. I currently own 3 series BMW for myself and when my wife needed to get a car I had to take a look at this car since it was the styling that first caught my attention. However, what I found was that I was blown away by the comfort of the ride and all of the features the car has. It truly is a well thought out car. Happy to say my wife loves it too. Funny thing is that when i go to the garage I find myself pausing for a good minute before I decide which keys to grab.

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  Great If Garage Kept - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By reggaebooba420 - June 1 - 5:52 pm

  Depending on where you live can play a huge role in the yearly damage on your car, rain, humidity, extreme heat and cold weather are all happening factors. I keep mine in the garage and never miss an inspection or oil change. With only 37,000 miles, 6,100 yearly average, my Cadillac provides luxury and comfort for swinging and banging on the streets of Houston.

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  Never Again - 2004 Cadillac SRX
  By Super T - May 27 - 11:18 am

  After owning Acura, Lexus and BMW vehicles we decided to try a Cadillac since we thought the SRX was for us. What a mistake. GM still doesnt get it. The sunroof had a rattle that could never be fixed. Gaps were found in the body panels that were letting water in and causing mold. You couldnt get out of the car without wiping your leg on the rocker below the door.

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  Disappointed - 2010 Cadillac STS
  By Martin - May 25 - 3:46 pm

  I heard such a lot of good things about this car. But, Summary: very nice looking car. Good quality. Awfully complicated controls and navigation system ( what where they thinking !) try to change the hour on the clock. It will take you time and studying the manual! Heavy - it gives you the impression you are in an electric train. If you push it hard it responds. But you are better off with a v8, clearly. It has a ridiculously small gas tank. What were they thinking !). Seats are very hard. Lights are not very good. Great music system not an agile car ( again, needs a v8, also)