Sep 13, 2024
A woman standing near a 2023 used Cadillac Escalade for sale in a desert.

There’s no brand quite like Cadillac, which is recognized as a trendsetter in the luxury automotive industry and responsible for some of the most influential vehicle innovations of our time. Getting its start in 1902, the Cadillac brand was quick to make a statement on the streets with its posh, sophisticated vehicles, offering a handful of models that appealed to those seeking out ultimate luxury during their travels. Named after Detroit founder Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac, Cadillac adopted the crest of the famous French family and has paid homage to them ever since. Over the years, Cadillac has been at the forefront of many industry firsts, and when it comes to iconic models and features, this luxury brand, which is a part of the GM family of vehicles, surpasses the expectations of many discerning drivers.

Being that the brand is so highly regarded, many car shoppers choose to buy used because they’re able to find exactly what they want for a price that works with their budget. If you’re searching for a used Cadillac for sale, you’ll find plenty on our lot here at Snell Cadillac. Whether you have a newer used model on your mind or a classic, the used lot is the place to shop. So, let’s explore Cadillac’s impressive history.

An Industry Leader

Cadillac has been behind many industry advancements throughout the decades to help make travel more comfortable and convenient for drivers everywhere. It unveiled the first electric starter in 1912 to make starting its vehicles an easier and safer experience, as opposed to the hand cranks that were being used prior. Later on in the 1950s, Cadillac added standard power steering to its models to help drivers control their vehicles effortlessly, making for an all-around more confident experience behind the wheel.

The 1960s brought a surge of muscle cars with powerful engines to the scene, offering drivers the chance to feel a level of exhilaration in their travels like never before. Cadillac jumped on board with tweaks to its V8 engines to intensify the experience. The automaker was no stranger to V8 power, with the first mass-produced V8s rolling off assembly lines in 1915. Throughout the years, however, it revitalized this power to urge its vehicles forward with gusto, thus making the daily drive more invigorating for all. The 1960s also saw the first vehicles offered with automatic climate control to keep everyone on board their vehicles as comfortable as possible, no matter the weather conditions.

As vehicle technology continued to advance, Cadillac elevated its appeal with drivers even more by offering the fastest-reacting suspension system in the world, Magnetic Ride Control. This sophisticated technology allows the vehicle to read the road consistently, adjusting its damping rate to ensure the smoothest ride possible. Today, the brand is behind some of the most impressive innovations in the automotive industry, including hands-free driving capabilities and incredible electric vehicle technology, further proving its commitment to drivers to offer a one-of-a-kind experience on the road.

Some of the Most Iconic Cadillac Models

There’s no doubt that Cadillac has been behind some of the most famous models to ever take to the streets. Marked by exquisite refinement and impeccable attention to detail, Cadillac vehicles are unlike any other vehicles ever produced, and the same holds true to this day. If you happen to encounter one of these legends on the used lot, you’ll definitely want to take a closer look.

Coupe De Ville

Perhaps one of the most iconic Cadillacs of all time, the Coupe De Ville was a large luxury car that debuted in 1949, easily recognizable by its bullet-like taillights and winged bodywork. It housed a powerful V8 engine under its polished hood, making this two-seater coupe a blast to open up down the highway. This model was so beloved that it quickly outsold its competitors, and to this day, it continues to be a popular restoration vehicle for classic car enthusiasts across the country.

Eldorado

For the well-to-do, the Cadillac Eldorado was the pinnacle of luxury. Launched in 1953, the Eldorado became the longest-running personal luxury nameplate in the US, with its reign lasting for five decades. Its large and in-charge presence was intensified by tailfins, rear-hinged rear doors, and an angular design, making it one of the most stylish Cadillac models of that era.

Escalade

Everyone knows the Cadillac Escalade, especially since it’s still a prominent model in the current Cadillac lineup. This full-size SUV made its grandiose entrance into the market in 1999, offering top-level luxury to those who desired it. Over the years, the Escalade has never let go of its timeless design, with classic elegance radiating inside and out. From its confident and inspiring exterior to its ultra-posh interior, riding in an Escalade is your sign that you’ve made it.

A white 2024 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is shown in a garage.

CT5-V Blackwing

It’s relatively new to the scene, making its debut for the 2022 model year, but the CT5-V Blackwing deserves a spot on this list. Not only does this sports sedan offer jaw-dropping excitement to the ride, with 668 horses driving you forward, but it’s also accentuated with Cadillac-level sophistication inside and out, making it a true head-turner. Its chiseled features instantly capture your attention, and when you move inside its cabin, you’ll be impressed by its refined aura. If you want to kick your travels up a notch, the CT5-V Blackwing will certainly have no qualms about doing that.

Modern Advancements

The Cadillac brand isn’t finished wowing crowds. In recent years, these iconic models have sported some of the most innovative features in the industry. Cadillac models were among the first to unveil semi-autonomous driving capabilities in the form of Super Cruise. This game-changing system allows drivers to sit back and let their vehicles take control, steering, braking, and accelerating through traffic on over 750,000 miles of compatible roadways across the continent.

The brand has also been behind some of the most impactful EVs on the scene, including the Cadillac LYRIQ. This luxury electric SUV made its debut for the 2023 model year and showcased electric power at its finest. With a remarkable range, a beautifully designed interior, and a captivating presence, the LYRIQ is elevating the EV game in new ways. You’ll find other famous Cadillac nameplates emerging in the future as EVs, including the Escalade IQ, which will combine the allure of the Escalade with electric power to make for one of the most compelling electric SUVs ever made.

A person is shown standing near a silver 2023 Cadillac Escalade.

A True Icon

From many industry firsts to some of the most fascinating models in the industry, the Cadillac brand has quite an impressive history. Its commitment to re-envisioning the way we travel is evident in all the ways Cadillac has made driving better. Plus, with some of the most iconic models in the industry still strolling the streets, it just goes to show how respected this brand is and continues to be throughout the decades.

Moreover, the Cadillac brand continues to advance, offering new technologies and models that meet the demands of today’s travelers. There is no brand quite like Cadillac—that much is obvious. This is why if you’re on the hunt for a used Cadillac for sale, you’ll want to prepare yourself to be amazed by what you find on the used lot. You may just come across a classic Coupe De Ville, just waiting to take your weekend highway cruises to a whole new level. When it comes to excellence, no other automaker does it better, making Cadillac a top choice for drivers who demand an unforgettable experience behind the wheel.