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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  STS Power! - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By Anthony Cronin - March 26 - 7:59 pm

  I have had this car for almost a year now. Every option has come into play by now and the ride is comfortable and very aggressive. The Tiptronic transmission isnt very good at all though. It has no control nor has any power behind it. I drive the STS about 400-550 miles a week and I love it. It is great on long trips and very economic in your daily drive around neighborhood. It has had a few computer problems, or re-calls. But I think that the wear is partial to that. I love the car, I definitely want another STS in the near future.

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  AWD Alternative to Lexus 430/460 - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By sanjeevp - March 17 - 6:10 am

  One of the best vehicles to come out of Detroit. Nice balance between the performance and handling of BMW & Mercedes and comfort of Lexus 430. Performance, handling and ride are excellent user interface and voice recognition are poorly executed reliability for 1st year is good according to CR. Good (and less expensive) AWD alternative to Lexus 430/460 in Northern snow areas in my opinion superior to BMW and Mercedes. But you can still get better value for money with the Infiniti M45.

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  if i could do it again - 2005 Cadillac Deville
  By frank - March 15 - 8:49 pm

  I was looking for a comfortable car as I travel extensively. When I first sat in my DeVille I thought " this is the car". After a short test drive I purchased. Now that I have owned it for two weeks, I would give it back if I could. The front seat are totally uncomfortable. No matter how I set my power seats, I cannot get past the lack of back support. On the highway, I am continually making corrections to my steering due to "floating". I like the appearance, but there are better cars out there. I wish I had purchased the Avalon!

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  A Real Looker - 2005 Cadillac SRX
  By fyreman235 - March 15 - 1:57 pm

  I love the Cadillac exterior styling. I guess it is a love-it-or-hate-it thing! I bought it with 2,000 miles as certified used vehicle with a 100,000 mile warranty. It has already been on a 5,000 + mile round trip, and I have very few complaints. It performed well in all circumstances including snowy mountain roads in Colorado. The navigation system always gets you there, but not always by the best route.

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  Ultimate Large SUV! - 2007 Cadillac Escalade
  By Pete - March 3 - 5:23 pm

  The 2007 Cadillac Escalade is an awesome truck! Its Lexus-like interior and and elegant and classy exterior along with 403 hp combine to make this a stunning vehicle! Cadillac really hit a major home run with this one!

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  2006 Cadillac DTS - 2006 Cadillac DTS
  By big jack - March 2 - 5:07 pm

  I find the 2006 Cadillac DTS to be a much better car than the 2003 DeVille that I traded in for it. It is a more solid and quiet car. The only problem is its poor gas mileage.

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  Americas Comeback - 2006 Cadillac SRX
  By Bryan - February 25 - 5:44 pm

  The Cadillac SRX is the first American car I have purchased in 8 years. I traded in an Acura TL (2004) for it. I gained in power/performance, but lost a little in handling. If Americas automakers continue down the path Cadillac has paved, theyll be re-gaining some marketshare. If youre looking at the Acura MDX, Mercedes ML, Lexus GX, BMW X5 - you have to try this one too.

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  Eldo Review - 1999 Cadillac Eldorado
  By Poulsbo Fats - February 20 - 4:15 pm

  I purchased my Cadillac Eldorado with 55,000 miles on it from its second owner who lives in Florida. The exterior color is Pearl White Tri-Coat. It has received many compliments already. I live in Washington state, so we have had a very wet winter and I have not really seen the car in the bright sunlight, but Im sure it will dazzle. So far the car has measured up outstandingly, othern than for a few cosmetic interior things that I had to fix. The engine is smooth. Its average gas mileage is 20 mpg, which surprised me as I drive this car very aggressive. It has a rich throaty sound coming from the exhaust when I step on it! All the amenities work great, I love the heated leather seats and memory adjustments. I love my car!

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  SUV of your Dreams - 2007 Cadillac Escalade
  By Mobb V - February 20 - 4:49 am

  I bought my 2007 Cadillac Escalade three days ago and I couldnt be any happier. When I drove off the dealership parking lot I felt like I was in another world. This SUV is amazingly powerful and outstandingly comfortable. The mileage isnt as great as my old Tahoe had, but this truck gives you a lot for the money you pay. It has awesome electronic gadgets and a lot of room for anyone who wants to ride. I plan on modifying it a little bit to make it the true babe magnet. This SUV has totally made me the happiest person on earth.

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  First Cadillac Ever - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By Jay Holloway - February 19 - 3:49 pm

  I bought my Cadillac STS V6 around Christmas time, trading in a Mercedes-Bena. Previously, I have had two Lexus GS 300s. The STS is very quiet and comfy. The DVD audio is SLOW to respond to orders though and the voice recognition does not work. Its Bluetooth is reliable. The navigation system is fine, but wont let you use it while driving even if your passenger is trying to use it. Bluetooth functionality is limited while driving as well. The backseat is tight for leg room. OnStar costs a fortune. The trunk is smaller than expected. Having said this, my ownership experience has been excellent despite the flaws. The stereo using DVD audio discs has OUTSTANDING sound quality and will make you really want it. The video image and functionalty of the navigation screen is large but average resolution. The interior ambience with DVD audio is great.