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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  Fast Luxury Sedan - 2001 Cadillac Seville
  By Mike - November 21 - 12:08 pm

  We bought the car used with 25K miles. This car is a joy to drive, my wife rarely lets me drive it because I drive it like a sports sedan. The 300hp DOHC 32 valve engine is quiet, but revs quickly & effortlessly to 6500 rpm when needed. Need to pass someone....point it straight, hit the accelerator & you are approaching warp speed vey rapidly (EX: passing 50mph- 85mph in under 6 seconds) in addition to a luxury ride, outstanding heated seats with memory & awesome Bose 6+1 cd changer. For mid 50 year old it is a true luxury hotrod. In town we get 20+ mpg & 25-28 mpg on hiway (as long I dont start driving like speed racer). Great car, somewhat expensive to repair/maintain.

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  Dream turned reality. - 2009 Cadillac CTS
  By Jacob K - November 20 - 6:12 pm

  This is a wonderful car. I saved for three years to purchase this car and thankfully I waited for the redesign in 08. The exterior is aggressive and looks beautiful. The interior is superb. Second to none in terms of interior fit and finish. I love the stitching of the leather seats, and the sepele wood accents make all the difference in terms of lux factor. I wish I would have upped to the nav system/upgraded stereo however. The double wide sun roof is great for the people in the back as well. It really makes all the difference in a car purchase when you can walk up to your car and smile every time. Being super young and being priviledged enough to drive a Caddy is a dream come true for me.

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  Nice car - 2008 Cadillac CTS
  By satisfied - November 20 - 3:46 pm

  I am very happy with my CTS-AWD. Since I live in the country in upstate NY I have owned awd vehicles for many years. I have yet to test this car in snow, although the fact that I can spin the tires on dry pavement does not give me confidence going into winter. I previously owned awd Acuras and BMWs which were excellent in snow. Most of the consumer reviews Ive read are positive in regard to performance. My view is that overall performance is defininately adequatebut I find that unless I stomp on it, I feel like Im driving a big four cylinder sedan. When floored the car takes off but not without a lot of noise. The Acura RL I had most recently had a more refined feel.

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  American Beauty - 2008 Cadillac DTS
  By TomK - November 20 - 8:38 am

  This is the most beautiful auto I have ever seen. Everything about its styling pleases my eyes. There is no defect in appearance inside or out. If I had a blank piece of paper, this is what I would design. Several years ago I attended a comparison drive of luxury autos sponsored by Motor Trend Magazine. I was able to test drive the best of Europe, Asia and the US any way I wanted. Believe me, no expensive import offers anything more than the Cadillac DTS except snob appeal. I had really planned to buy a six cylinder with a six speed transmission. But when I saw this DTS, I couldnt say no.

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  Old Favorite - 1999 Cadillac Eldorado
  By Gypsy Momma - November 19 - 7:34 pm

  My 99 Eldorado was my 1st Cadillac but I had long admired the Els style. It was a lease car w 20K miles. I drove it daily until I got my new CTS last year. I like the CTS but I still love the Eldorado Theres no comparison in the ride. I drive hilly, winding roads & the El never ceases to amaze me with its easy & steady handling. Im a female 52" & always feel in control of this car even though it has supreme power when needed. Of course, there have been repairs (its about 140K now) but the engine still sounds as smooth as the day I bought it. I keep thinking I need to sell it but I cant seem to part with it. Its more reliable than most of my other old friends!

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  Cream of the crop - 2008 Cadillac CTS
  By ATG - November 17 - 7:15 am

  Wonderful driving experience. I particularly enjoy the acceleration and responsiveness of the direct injection. Transmission is flawless. Suspension is smooth and handles sharp turns remarkably well. Michelin 235/18" wheels hug the road and literally the car feels like it can drive itself. Interior materials and finish are superior to other vehicles in similar price range exterior is bold and aggressive-looking. Reliability has been very good with 11,000 miles. 24mpg on the highway regular gasoline. Im very pleased with my selection.

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  High accolades - 2008 Cadillac CTS
  By Alan - November 16 - 8:48 pm

  Former 05 Lexus owner and Im very, very pleased with the CTS. Researched the CTS and decided to test-drive after reading favorable reviews. The ride is sporty and comfortable, suspension is very responsive, transmission is smooth and accelleration is exhilirating from the DI. Fit and finish on par with my prior Lexus. A real head-turner among adults and kids alike.

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  At last! - 2009 Cadillac CTS
  By gunorthopod - November 16 - 6:24 pm

  At last, a car that meets and exceeds all my expectations. Previous car was a 2007 Mercedes CLS 550. Thirty nine days in the shop the first 14 months. Problems with faulty navigation, multiple creaks, rattles, and vibrations, AC blower motor defective, and catastrophic power failure twice. Transmission needed to be replaced.I engineered a lemon law buyback fortunately. I looked at Lexus and BMW but was enthralled by the CTS. What a car! Perfect fit and finish with more advanced electronics than MB. Everything works as described. More than adequate power with superlative handling and acceleration. The only thing I gave up was a one half second 0 to 60 time. GM and Cadillac have produced a world class car.

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  Great Driving Car - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By Don Parzanese - November 14 - 2:00 am

  This is my first new cadillac purchased. I debated to whether purchase the DeVille or the CTS. The CTS had my eye though. After a test drive, I was convinced. I am extremely pleased with my purchase. A luxury car with a true sports feel.

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  Love this car - 1995 Cadillac Seville
  By rick - November 13 - 6:50 am

  Im not rich so I have to wait years before I can get the car I want. I found this car with 80,000 miles on it a one owner and looks bring new. Still has the sicker price from 1995, $46,720 that was a lot of money for a car. But now that I got one its worth every penny of that. The Bose system is great. The gas mileage is OK 20.4 in town. I would buy a new one today if I could afford it.