Cadillac was started by Henry Martyn Leland in 1902. If you didn't know, the name comes from a French explorer who is said to have discovered the Detroit area, which is a homage to the car and brand. In Chicago and other cities around the world, Cadillac is known for quality and is a status symbol for those who own them. And while they're luxurious, they're a less expensive American option to Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, and other foreign luxury car models.
General Motors was so impressed by the success of the early Cadillacs that they bought the company and kept the brand in 1909. This turned out to be a terrific move for General Motors, one of the choices that led to their dominance in the US auto market for years and years. To this day, you can't drive more than five or ten minutes in downtown Chicago without seeing at least a handful of Cadillacs, a testament to the popularity of the brand over the years. Even some of the older models are worth a lot more than what they were purchased for when they were originally bought.
The 1970s hit Cadillac hard as it did many other car companies. They struggled on, though, managing to survive. The 80s saw some Cadillac hits (like the Cadillac Seville) and some Cadillac misses (the Cimarron, for example, which was called an overpriced Cavalier because it was so similar.) Consumers in Chicago and elsewhere still loved the brand, though, a sign of American ingenuity and dedication to luxury, power and quality.
If you're looking for a used Cadillac in the Chicago area, use the drop-down below to find a great deal.
