The Best Cadillac

The BEST Cadillac is the one that fits your lifestyle.

Some Cadillac Drivers are all about having the fastest sedan in the world, and the Cadillac CTS-V fits.

Other Cadillac Drivers need luxury and performance and to carry 7, or to tow, or to occasionally get offroad to survey land, and the Escalade family is the best choice.

Some Cadillac Drivers want to seat 4/5, maximum luxury, and the Cadillac SRX or Cadillac Sport Wagon fill those needs in different ways.  They differ in their approach, handling, seating, and appearance, so each appeals to slightly different Buyers.

The Cadillac DTS attracts Buyers who want a larger sedan, with elegant luxury and a V8 engine.  The Cadillac STS offers similar space, with luxury appointments and RWD.

The Cadillac CTS Sedan is a great selection for Cadillac Buyers who want a balanced package — sport, luxury, efficiency, style.  The new Cadillac CTS Coupe is more highly styled, and offers that 2-door look that some Drivers prefer.

What is the right Cadillac for you?  The one that fits your lifestyle, fills your needs in a luxury automobile, and delivers that luxury and performance mix that just hits the spot.

There are no bad choices in the current Cadillac line.  If you have not driven a Cadillac lately, you owe it to yourself to stop by your local Cadillac Dealer and get a taste of American luxury.

The Surprising Result of Test Drives

Recently I have done weekend test drives of the Cadillac CTS-V, the Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon, the Cadillac Escalade ESV, and the Cadillac SRX 3L.  You can find all of my test drives under the ‘Test Drive‘ tag.

I have enjoyed each vehicle.  A part of testing each vehicle is trying to understand that individual design, what the Design Team had in mind, who the target audience for the vehicle is.    With the Cadillac CTS-V, I fit within the demographic that the team is targeting.   People who want maximum sport, with all the luxury appointments of a Cadillac.   That one was easy for me to ‘get’ and to understand.

The Cadillac Escalade ESV offers amazing space and storage ability, along with 3 rows of seating.  It is a terrific vehicle for when you need to tow, or carry a large family, or frequently carry large items.  It drives well, and is extremely well mannered regardless of size, but especially for a large vehicle.

The Cadillac Sport Wagon offers the feel of the sedan — lower weight, lower center of gravity, more sporty handling — while providing easy access storage space and utility.  The Cadillac Team has carefully engineered the cargo storage and seat configurations with actual uses of the Sport Wagon in mind.

The Cadillac SRX was a real surprise to me.  The inherent goodness of this vehicle is very high.  The package as a whole is delightful.   Integration of a digital display in the dash, along with thoughtful features like folding mirrors and predictive pathing on the back up camera display push this Cadillac very high on my list of desirable vehicles.  Before I drove one, I was pleased that the SRX was selling well for Cadillac, but would never consider it as a daily driver.  After driving one, I not only appreciate why they sell so well, but would consider purchasing one.

And therein lies the interesting side-effect of my test drives.  My palate is expanding.  I have come to appreciate an even wider variety of Cadillac designs and choices.  While I am fond of pointing out that “every Cadillac does not have to be a CTS-V”, now I feel that more than ever.

I have been shopping for a low-mile 2008 Cadillac STS-V as my next vehicle.   Now I plan to consider a low-mile 2009 Cadillac CTS Premium Model as well until the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V prices come down to my budget.  Before I valued the V-series packaging and absolute acceleration/braking/cornering; now I appreciate the balanced packaging of the current Cadillac line.

2010 @Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum Final Thoughts

The story so far: I picked up a 2010 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum from Crest Cadillac in Plano to test drive this weekend.  Saturday was Tennis a Escalade, and Night LifeSunday was a trip to Scarborough Faire.

I dropped off the Escalade ESV Platinum at Crest Cadillac this morning after a fun test drive over the weekend.

Summary: The Escalade ESV Platinum is like flying first class.  If you appreciate the additional space, the higher quality accommodations, and the personal service, then it is worth it. For the ESV Platinum the Cadillac Team has carefully and thoughtfully addressed every surface, every feature, every option of the ESV to be of the highest quality and utility.

Final thoughts (no particular order):

  • The Escalade ESV is an excellent vehicle if you need to do the things the ESV can do — haul 7 people and all their stuff in absolute comfort, or tow a horse trailer (or yacht!).
  • The ESV Platinum has absolutely exquisite appointments — everything is top notch
  • Tahama leather seats are very nice
  • In my usage the ESV got a combined 16.5 mpg or so in fuel economy
  • The L94 Engine has a perfectly smooth idle — no occasional cammy pulse like the CTS-V had
  • The ESV says “Premium Fuel Recommended” on the fuel flap; that surprised me — I thought the L94 V8 would use regular unleaded.
  • If I owned the ESV I would also look for an E85 flex fuel station and always use E85; I think alternate fuels are fun
  • With the electric, automatic running boards no problem for me or my Wife to get up into the ESV
  • I am sold on blind zone alert and heated/cooled cup holders after using them.

My Host for this test drive is Crest Cadillac of Plano, Texas.  They are located at 2701 North Central Expressway, Plano, Texas.  You can contact them by phone Toll-free at 1-866-697-9144 or locally at (972)578-7511, or on Twitter or Facebook