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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  Disappointed in Cadillac & GM - 2005 Cadillac SRX
  By Syracuse 185 - August 25 - 11:24 am

  This premium car was our first return to buying from an American based car company. Sad to say, we are we disappointed in the quality and reliability of the car and the integrity of GM. This car has been in the shop 10X the amount of times our other (Japanese) cars. Despite the care we have given the car it is rusting straight through in several places. In the last four months we have spend over $900 a month in repairs to keep it on the road (excluding tires, oil, etc). What a money pit. We went back to buying Toyota again this spring.

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  Engine Trouble After 3 years - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By Martin - August 19 - 12:04 am

  I bought my 06 STS after owning a volvo for 14 years. Never had to replace the motor or transmission. I thought I was going to own this car for a number of years without major problems. Wrong! In the shop now with engine problem. The price keeps going up just to identify whats wrong. Paid too much money to have problems so soon. I am now wondering if I made a mistake in purchasing this car. I thought this would be the car that would take me into retirement. Its a good looking car, but it has its down falls such as useless glove compartment, limited storage space in doors, small truck for a med size nice looking car, noisy, and limited room in the back seats.

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  Should have bought another truck - 2009 Cadillac CTS
  By fordman - August 15 - 11:37 am

  The last time I bought a GM product was 2004 and after three transmissions, swore I would never buy another. In an effort to help the US auto industry, I decided to try again. The transmission in the caddy has been slipping since purchase. The original diagnosis was a computer issue and some shims. The problem has progressed and we are headed back to the dealer again. The radio/NAV went out after 15,000 miles and brakes were replaced after a recall. Overall, the car looks good especially from the exterior. However, for nearly $50,000, I would have hoped for a car I could rely on. This aint it!

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  Nothing but trouble - 2005 Cadillac SRX
  By Nothing but trouble - July 16 - 8:08 am

  I purchased this car used and thought I had gotten a good deal. Unfortunately in the last two years, I have had nothing but problems with this car. I just had the water pump replaced ($700), two belts, now the tire monitor isnt working. Ive had to also replaced the power steering lines and parts related to the coolant system. I feel like Im in the shop more than anything. The list goes on re: parts that have needed replacement. On a positive note, it is a very comfortable car and handles amazing on the road. I wish this car was made to last more than a few years for its price. Very disappointing. I dont think Id ever buy a GM vehicle again.

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  Big mistake GM - 2009 Cadillac Escalade
  By Sean - June 18 - 11:03 am

  I have had nothing but problems. It isnt even one year old and the service engine light has gone of three (3) times withing a year. The problem is always fuel system or engine. Second, the not spacious, cheap interior angers me. Wobbly center console, loud, cheap tailgate, glove compartment has no room for owners manual, you can hear the lumbar support cracking and bending inside the seat when you inflate it. The rear leg a/c didnt work, when I fold the seats I hear this cheap squeaking and all the doors can close without making the squeaking noise when there is no lubrication. Chrome is plastic. Dont waste $80,000 and buy a BMW or Mercedes SUV and youll be pleased.

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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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  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)

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  Learned lesson after 5th Cadillac - 2005 Cadillac Deville
  By Dick - May 15 - 5:20 pm

  Of the five Caddilacs I have had, two bles engines at 60,000 to 80000 miles. It is a great car on the freeway. This is my last, as soon as I can get rid ofr it. Mye 2000 lexus, 300, has only had tires and brakes at 88,000 miles. Goodby Cadillac.

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  2004 CTS 3.6L - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By Mike - May 13 - 4:00 pm

  My initial excitement with this car was replaced by disappointment. Rear Shocks went at 37K, Wheel hub bearing at 50K (900 USD to replace), timing chain at 43K (1800 usd), airflow sensor @ 62K (450 usd), uses 1quart of oil per 1000 miles. This american luxury did not impress me. No wonder consumerreports rates it at "below average". GM: please wake up