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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  bmw beware - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By cdiez - July 27 - 10:00 am

  a much better combination of performance/comfort than bmw can offer. (Ive driven the entire bmw line, this car matches great against 5s and 3s and I currently own an X-5) The bose sound system and electronics pkg is far superior to that of my bmw. Climate control is also far superior to my BMW. Perfect size...BMW 3 series are just too cramped inside. This car gives nothing away in handling to any bmw sedan except for the M3. Styling is exceptional...get great comments from onlookers everyday. BMWs sedans look like hondas at 50 yards.

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  2003 CTS - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By George A - July 27 - 10:00 am

  Excellent match for someone who wants crisp handling but also wants comfort and convenience for 4 adults. Works well as a daily commuter. Fun to drive. Has a solid feel on the road. It has been a nice step up and good value.

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  97 DeVille - 1997 Cadillac Deville
  By Richard Peck - July 26 - 4:48 pm

  So far this has been a wonderful car. The fit & finish is very good. Its a fun to drive car. The ride is very good for a 11 year old luxury car. About the only option this car lacks, is a moonroof. Everything on this car works. Ive heard a lot of bad things about the Northstar engine. I find it an excellent powertrain. If you keep it from getting overheated, it should last almost forever.

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  The best value for your money! - 2008 Cadillac STS
  By Tony - July 20 - 10:33 pm

  I had S-class Mercedes and BMW 7 several times before. I changed my S500 and Im glad I did. Those fancy Germans are just not worth the money when it comes to compare.

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  Amazing powerful strong suv - 2014 Cadillac Escalade
  By Ben - July 20 - 8:54 pm

  Buy it dont think just buy it drives amazing

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  Love it - 2008 Cadillac CTS
  By soccerj3 - July 20 - 1:56 pm

  I was looking for a fun and roomy drive. Still needed a large backseat for the kiddies. I had test driven Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and many small SUVs. Couldnt stomach the monthly payments on them as they just were not appealing to me. Once I got behind the wheel of the CTS (black with creamy leather) I was sold. So much fun to drive and the kids are comfortable in the back. I love this car! I will update on reliability as the months progress.

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  My Cadi SLS - 1995 Cadillac Seville
  By Jim - July 20 - 11:54 am

  I have had the car since almost new. It has needed a few repairs fuel pump after 10 years, HVAC blower/fan blower motor after 10 years, engine fan after 13 years. I dont regard these as major items. The vehicle rides great (after replacing sway bar bushings $10) these make the car sound so much better after going over bumps. Should be replaced every few years as they get hard and allow the noise to get in. Car is excellent! I would purchase another when I think there is no more life in this one.

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  Awesome Family Vehicle - 2008 Cadillac SRX
  By Legazy - July 19 - 11:04 am

  Very spacious vehicle, especially when children are involved. The second row is comfortable and you can comfortably put kids in the back without too much of a hassle. The back compartment also has plenty of storage space especially for long road trips. If you have a bit more money to spend, this suv is a enjoyable lease and purchase.

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  Amazing - a GM product thats a "10" - 2008 Cadillac CTS
  By thaines - July 17 - 2:08 pm

  If the new CTS is representative, GM is in the process of pulling off an astonishing revival. The BMWCCA magazine Roundel recently did a comparo between the CTS and the 5 series and concluded that not only was the CTS an excellent auto inside and out, but was virtually the equal of the BMW for over $10K less. After driving the Cadillac and seeing it up close, I agreed with the assessment.

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  Great STS - 2006 Cadillac STS
  By The Maj - July 14 - 3:37 pm

  I have owned Lincolns, Pontiacs, and Buicks, but this STS is the best vehicle I have ever owned, from styling to the ride comfort, this car is the best and if you like bells and whistles, no car out there can match it. But I would definitely get a warranty, too many things could go wrong. I see why Cadillac owners are always Cadillac owners