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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  CTS is a great ride - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By Top Cat - March 29 - 10:00 am

  For us true Americans we are hard pressed to find a review site that hasnt sold out to the Japanese or Germans. So, after a PILE of research, I gave the CTS a go...and I will likely never come back. Taking turns at 45 MPH causes the stability control to kick in, but the car sticks the turn. Acceleration is excellent and the access to controls allows you never to take your eyes off the road. Most of the controls are voice activated so using your hands is optional anyway. It is a very steady and stable ride and response is phenominal. I am proud to be an American car owner and am extremely happy that this no longer means settling for a lesser ride.

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  Still love it - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By angel - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Have owned 4 months and still love it. Have owned many vehicles in the past and this is the best domestic vehicles I have driven. The price was attractive and the styling very appealing to someone in my age group (31-35). My friends are pleased with my choice and strangers have complimented me on it- it still gets looks. I am pleased with the vehicle overall and would recommend it to anyone. My CTS has the sport package and my husband and I like the acceleration and handling, especially in wet weather.

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  This Car Is Awesome - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
  By sxychunkyrican4u - March 29 - 10:00 am

  this is one of those cars that youll love to drive anywhere its very comfortable classy its everything you want in a luxuary car and more i really would tell anyone looking to buy go for it you wont regret it.....CADILLAC IS ALWAYS THE BEST WAY TO GO

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  400,000 miles and beyond! - 1991 Cadillac Deville
  By caddieman - March 28 - 4:05 pm

  This is my third Cadillac sedan deville. These cars are amazing.I have 160,000 miles on the one I own now and Its keeps on truckin". The ride quality is incredible. We take it one all own long trips. I store it in the winter and drive another car through the snow. Its black with dove grey interior. I had to replace a few things when I purchased it. Starter, Plugs belts and hoses. Other that that. Its runs very well. Its is the most comfortable car that I have ever owned. 90 to 93 body styling was classic. And the 454 under the hood doesnt hurt.This car has power!! Parts are still available.I recommend any one to buy one if they see one on the lot. you wont be sorry.

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  great old car - 1990 Cadillac Eldorado
  By sharon - March 28 - 1:28 pm

  My husband and I purchased the 1990 Cadillac El Dorado a year ago and it has been a great car. The ABS box went out on it and we couldnt find one to replace it. it only has 114,000 miles on it and we would love to keep it.

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  WOW! 38 Grand is a Bargain for CTS 08 - 2008 Cadillac CTS
  By Bob Georges - March 27 - 12:56 am

  Looked at BMW, however found nothing with any options in this segment for under $52,000. Stopped by the Cadillac Dealer on way home and purchased "on the spot" CTS 08 Black Cherry. For the money, you absolutely cannot beat this vehicle. Extremely happy with purchase at over 3,000 miles.

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  Happy Customer - 2008 Cadillac CTS
  By marajoe - March 25 - 9:30 pm

  First of all I love this car. I looked at Lexus and infiniti. I just loved the CTS. So I took a two year lease on this one. I got it fully loaded. I did have problems with the dealer. The first salesman I spoke to left, then the second sales person quit. I was on a role, but i still bought it and I am happy I did. I ended up with a great guy, he was trying to make up for a bad situation.

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  My opinion - 2006 Cadillac DTS
  By Harold Brooks - March 25 - 9:24 pm

  It is a real pleasure driving this vehicle. The battery burned out recently and a new one was purchased. It is equipped with OnStar, which had come in handy in several occasions. The sensors make it easy to park in tight places. The low mileage is a result of not taking any long trips.

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  GM has come a long way - 2008 Cadillac CTS
  By Brian - March 25 - 6:39 pm

  Hi, Bought a Direct Injection set up in the caddy and are really pleased with it. The engine and trans really team together. The insides are very well designed and well made with the controls easy to reach. 40 gig with 10 speakers is the best.Very easy to program the inside thru the computer set up. Body lines and panel spacing are perfect not like the older GM models. Trunk area is good .Got the all season tire pack. and is a good ride.GM could make bigger door compartments and standard garage door opener,but thats my only beef. Had 3 bmws before and went back to GM, cant beat it for the money and quality.

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  Surprisingly good - 2008 Cadillac Escalade
  By domesticdude - March 25 - 4:33 pm

  Cadillac is on a role, and the Escalade is no exception. It has great looks, lots of luxury and features, 403 hp, and an exhaust note from a muscle car. I never thought i would buy and SUV, but the Escalade sold itself. The power and exhaust note surprised me most as it is quick (for and SUV), and sounds great. The handling also really surprised me as it handles like a much smaller car. The only negatives i can fin is the old school tilt only steering wheel, third row seat ( everything about it from room to not power folding), and a light in the rear of the car rattles. The GPS in this car is absolutely fantastic, it is the highlight of an already great interior. Just a great SUV.