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 luxury sports sedan - 2008 Cadillac STS
  By Charlie Higgins - May 26 - 6:23 pm

  Since January my wife and I have driven this vehicle daily. At 250 miles we took off to Florida from Ohio and averaged 24 mpg at 68 mph. Many times I took it above 75. The six speed transmission feels almost continuously variable. We purchased the navigation option along with the luxury interior package and AWD. I agree 18" wheels would have been nice but the HD brakes are not compatible with this larger wheel. The car performance is smooth and controllable compared to the BMW 535 and the Mercedes E Series. We test drove the CTS and agree with other reviewer that there is no comparison . Quality is unassailable and with 5500 miles ytd we would purchase all over again.

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  Outstanding SRX - 2005 Cadillac SRX
  By Boinz - May 24 - 5:34 pm

  Drove about 5 used SRXs before I selected this one. They all drive differently - mainly suspension. I particularly love the smoothness of acceleration and braking. Had wood steering wheel and console... added wood kit from dealer. Previously had a Mercury Mountaineer. Like the increased gas mileage - averaging 18.9 in mixed driving per the computer.

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  One Sweet Car - 2008 Cadillac CTS
  By foxtrot571 - May 22 - 12:12 am

  After 30 years in the working world and turning 55 years young, it was time to reward myself. And, with all of the imported sport sedans everywhere, I wanted to stand out in a big way. My CTS with a black exterior/interior was a dream come true. I never thought I could love a car, but this one makes me love driving to and from work. Ive gotten compliments in Beverly Hills from Benz, BMW, Infiniti, and Lexus owners. The Cadillac art and design concept blends so well in this car. The marriage of the design, engineering, manufacturing, and assembly is really impressive. This car is one HOT HEART THROB! I want to drive it everywhere! Im proud to own an American car again!!Go Cadillac!

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  Never feeling old. - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By Ole Lucille - May 21 - 10:00 am

  I decided it was time to grow up, bite the bullet and get a 4-dr. In my youth, 4-drs were grandpa cars. Well, Im almost 54 but this car rates as well, if not better than the sports cars Ive always driven. The performance, turning radius, gadgets and power are awesome! I looked at all the other cars out there and wanted something that looked different but exuded luxury. This car is it. I got the White Diamond Luxury Pkg. with everything. I added the Wood Trim (dealer aftermarket). It turns heads and stirs up lots of conversations from strangers. This was the best choice by far. Each day I learn about another gadget on it. Thank you, Cadillac!!!

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  wow! - 2008 Cadillac Escalade
  By Damein - May 20 - 11:28 pm

  My ratings may look overboard, but I did not rate it against sports cars, but against other large, luxury suvs.

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  I Love my Cadillac - 2005 Cadillac STS
  By shrivers cts - May 20 - 2:06 am

  I love my Cadillac. It makes feels like Im worth so much more than I am. Its makes me feel like my grandkids are a lot safer.

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  I Love My Boomer Sooner Red STS! - 2008 Cadillac STS
  By OKrahoma - May 18 - 8:57 pm

  This is my first Cadillac, & I love it! Everywhere I go, people tell me it is a beautiful car. I love the red of this car, & I love all of the chrome. We took it on a 2500 mile trip two months after buying it, & had a wonderful drive. We did have a problem when pulling over on the highway to change drivers. A rain- filled pot-hole crumpled the front end, not noticeable on the outside. A simple call to OnStar led us to the nearest dealer. The only option we did not get was the navigation system, & Im fine with that! My husband had wanted a Chrysler 300, & I sold him on this, & so far, hes happy with the car, & me! I love that smiling front end! (On the car!)

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  Escalade EXT - 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By bball4eva105 - May 17 - 10:00 am

  This car is a joy to ride. It is a quality built like any other Cadillac.

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  My Beautiful DeVille DTS - 2004 Cadillac Deville
  By Bradly R. - May 17 - 9:33 am

  I love to drive my 2004 Cadillac Deville DTS. Its powerful 4.6L 300 hp Northstar engine is a highway touring dream. This touring variant of the Deville has the sleekest and sporty styling of any trim for this model year. You feel like a king in this car. It has every option a man could ever want. It even has massaging leather heated front seats! The performance of this car is amazing. When you drive this car down the road, people notice you. Fuel economy is excellent on the highway and poor in the city. Fuel costs are a small price to pay to experience this level of Cadillac luxury. White lightning is my favorite color for this car.

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  Nice Car - 2008 Cadillac CTS
  By Larry - May 16 - 4:56 pm

  The CTS is a nice car but it does have some weaknesses. There is a bothersome rattle in the dash, the brake accelerator set up is too close together and is dangerous in my opinion and the storage compartments are small. The hard drive and the navigation systems are much too complicated. The interior is very nice and the exterior style is attractive.