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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  Best Bang for the Buck ! - 2004 Cadillac Deville
  By Jeff in Orlando - July 3 - 11:13 pm

  My 2004 Cadillac is in like new condition. Only 79,000 Miles and looks showroom condition. Has all the bells and whistles.

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  A great American auto - 2008 Cadillac CTS
  By Star59 - July 2 - 9:49 pm

  I drive this car through the streets of Las Vegas and it looks great and gets plenty of stares. The car pulls away fast at intersections and even in this summer heat is always comfortable inside. I thought the sunroof would be a problem but it has not been an issue. Sometimes Ill just take it out on the road for the sheer fun of driving it.

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  Used to Drive a Honda - 2008 CTS Rocks! - 2008 Cadillac CTS
  By Brian S - July 2 - 2:54 pm

  Having owned Honda Accords for the past 18 years, I never saw much reason to consider an American car until this one. Never in a million years did I think I would own a Cadillac! Having said that, this car should cause any reasonable person to change their opinion on GM. Clearly, Bob Lutz and the Caddy design team deserve a lot of credit for bringing a legendary brand back to life. This is a no apologies sedan that brings a watermelon smile every time I look at or talk about this car! Nothing looks like it on the road and it looks great! Tons of compliments from everybody that sees it. The interior materials and features are great. A lot of thought went into engineering this vehicle

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  I Love this car - 2003 Cadillac Deville
  By zipcode21804 - July 1 - 11:27 pm

  This is my third Cadillac and by far the best. Gas mileage could be better but hey its a caddy. The ride is just what you would expect. I have not had a problem with the car in six months of ownership. If you are looking for a good family car, look no further than the 2003 deville. when you push on the gas this baby will get it. I was truly surprised, howbeit at four dollars a gallon I dont get on the gas to often. This is truly a highway car, but its pretty cool for tooling around town as well. Ive learned that the ladies love its style. Buy it!

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  Northstar - 2006 Cadillac SRX
  By Jake - July 1 - 12:05 pm

  Bought this V-8 used with 9,000 miles and now have 19,000 miles. My wife is the primary driver and she loves it. The All Wheel drive is great. The power rear tailgate is nice and makes it a snap to load at just the right height. We have not had any problems so far. The very best thing about the SRX with the Northstar is it is a blast to drive. This thing moves and handles very nice.

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  Gas Crunch? Luxury and Economical Ride - 2003 Cadillac Deville
  By Big Lou - June 30 - 2:37 pm

  I bought this Cadillac a few months ago. My fear was that it was a gas guzzler as Ive owned Cadillacs since the 80s. Much to my surprise, I got 27 mpg on the highway commuting to and from work. I love the car, its comfort and options. This car is second to none for affordability, reliability and overall fun driving. Its not Grandpas Cadillac anymore.

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  One week and Im in love - 2009 Cadillac CTS
  By c6vette - June 30 - 2:35 pm

  I think I may be one of the first people to take delivery of an 09 CTS. To start with I have driven BMWs before and like them, but they are expensive and dont look as good in my opinion. I got the fully loaded DI with the summer performance package. This car is amazing. It is amazingly agile and has lots of room. The car stands out as very bold and the interior look, fit and finish is first rate. Much better looking on the interior than a BMW or Mercedes. The electronics are great and a lot of fun and I have to say I have never been in a car more elegant at night than the CTS. The lighting is amazing.

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  1st Cadillac Ever - 2003 Cadillac Deville
  By wsillyman - June 29 - 12:30 am

  This is the 1st Cadillac Ive ever owned, yet I didnt buy this one, I inherited from my father when he became no longer able to drive for health reasons. My wife has health issues as well with her legs and back (as I have back issues as well), this car is the easiest car to get in and out of with no pressure on our backs or legs. We have taken it on several short trips and each trip was enjoyable and comfortable. We are taking an extended vacation in July and August and are looking forward to the trip in comfort and safety.

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  Affordable Luxury - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By michelsauve - June 28 - 10:00 am

  The car is a great looker. It attracts looks from almost everybody and regularly from more expensive car owners such as Mercedes E320 and the likes. It is a fun car to drive with an intuitive console easy to read and use. It offers great comfort and is fun to drive. The car is perorming flawlessly and all that at a very reasonable price for a car of that class.

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  American Luxury Car - 2008 Cadillac DTS
  By Ralph - June 28 - 9:06 am

  I traded a BMW 745 for a Cadillac DTS. The Cadillac lacks some of the more sophisticated technology of the BMW but it is easier to maintain, it rides beautifully, and is easy to get serviced. Consumer Reports recommended this car for reliability in part because it dispenses with some of the cutting edge technology and, instead, provides reliability and a more affordable price. The large trunk and back seat and good for carrying more passengers and luggage. We use this car as a road car for longer trips. It takes regular gas, parts are easy to get and there is an extensive dealer network. GM has done an excellent job with this car.