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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  Escalade - What an SUV! - 2007 Cadillac Escalade
  By rsjmmp - October 22 - 10:21 am

  Ive never thought to own a Cadillac ever! Oh, what a complete joy to drive this Escalade! I was going to get the new BMW X5, now Im so glad that I got the Escalade instead. This is by far the best SUV on the market - best looking, most power and everything you wanted inside. My whole family loves it - my husband, my two little kids and of course myself. I am exited to drive it everyday. Yes, GM knows how to make an SUV!

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  Magnificent Automobile - 2007 Cadillac STS
  By John - October 18 - 3:42 pm

  My search for a leftover 2007 STS V8 took some effort but it was definitely worth it. I prefer the 2007 grill to the more enhanced 2008 version - clearly a matter of taste. Previous car was a 2000 E320. I would say that the STS is in another league in terms of overall refinement. The interior is absolutely beautiful - particularly in Cashmire. I have not taken the time to figure out the navigation system but all other controls are user friendly. The quality of materials is on par or superior to the Mercedes. Aside from a Corvette, this is the best American car on the road today!

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  Great car - beats Japanese hands down - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By mackendw - October 18 - 2:15 pm

  Best car I have owned in 23 years. Goes still rides like the day I drove it home from the dealer. No squeaks, bumps, rattles. Stiff, solid ride, lots of power. GM - lose the goodyear RS/A tires. Pirelli or Michelins please.

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  The SRX is Simply the Best - 2005 Cadillac SRX
  By t. Stefan - October 17 - 12:13 pm

  The 2005 Cadillac SRX is smooth,speedy, and agile. It is great fun to drive with performance that may startle you. If youre looking for a beautiful, refined, performance SUV with great styling; drive this one. This might be the best vehicle that Ive ever owned.

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  Used SRX - 2004 Cadillac SRX
  By Rollie J - October 15 - 9:51 pm

  We were going to purchase a new HHR but the local dealer was less than helpful so I saw this SRX advertised and it was about the same price as the Chevy. My wife fell in love with it and it is one of the most solid cars that I have owned. Very quiet and smooth on the highway, but also responsive around town. We couldnt be more pleased with the car.

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  Cool Chicks Cruise in Caddys - 2005 Cadillac CTS
  By caddy girl - October 15 - 3:02 pm

  The Cadillac CTS rocks in its sporty style and luxury styling. I never thought Id be a Caddy girl but I feel glamorous behind the wheel and rock out with the superb sound system. I cannot wait for the 09 CTS-V and STS-V. Quite frankly, I could afford the other luxury vehicles (BMW, Mercedes, Audi) but none of them had the same qualities I found in my CTS. My Cadillac is as hot as a pin-up girl - everyone takes a second look because shes smokin hot! Im proud to be a Caddy girl!

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  Solid Performer, Great Value - 2007 Cadillac DTS
  By John - October 13 - 4:37 pm

  Overall quality, fit, and finish a step up from previous models. Driver door lock switch defective, caused alarm every time car was opened with key. Easily fixed by dealer. Very satisfying car to drive. Under appreciated value for the money.

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  I Love This Car! - 1998 Cadillac Eldorado
  By Kevin - October 11 - 11:46 pm

  I have loved this from the moment that I bought it. It is now 10 years old and its still turning heads. The power is unreal. I was so impressed with the 300lbs of torque this car has. The beauty of this car is amazing and I think because there are less of them around people really miss old fashion American design. I am 21 years old and this car is a time capsule for me. It takes me to the stories my grandpa has told me about the 1950s when Eldorados were the definitive of luxury. The history of America lives on in this wonderful Cadillac.

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  Love the new STS - 2008 Cadillac STS
  By Dominic - October 9 - 1:09 pm

  I just traded in my 2003 v-8 FWD SLS for a new 2008 v-6 STS RWD. Having driven the 03 for 4 years and the 08 for only a few weeks short weeks, I can say that the 08 is by far a better car. That is not to say anything bad about the 03, just that Cadillac got it right with this one. RWD, IMHO, is a much better way to design and build this class of car. I got the car pretty much loaded up. Sticker was ~$54K. The larger 18" wheels included in the 1SC Luxury Performance package, along with the HD brakes really make this a driving machine.

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  infinityq45 - 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  By april polk - October 9 - 10:00 am

  reliable performance. No major unforeseen repairs. Excelent repair service.