[Amphibian]

If there was a bright spot at Cadillac at this time, it was certainly the Seville. GM took a lot of risks and sales wise it was successful. Its smaller size and lighter weight made it far more nimble and efficient than other Cadillac sedans of that era too. But it wasn't a leader among large sedans at that time either, except against Lincolns and other Cadillacs. Even the engine was merely sourced from Olds. Now if they were going to source a V-8 elsewhere the 350 was as good as any for that time, but that's a perfect example of what was happening. It was a lack of staying up to date. They did do the 425 and 368 but we know how the latter ended. Still, had Cadillac a bit more foresight they could have based the Cadillac sedan lineup around the Seville, which was about the size of the SEL (S-Class) of the time though marginally cheaper. An exceptional flagship above the Seville that used the storied Fleetwood would have made sense. Below the Seville there was the de Ville, Fleetwood Brougham, Fleetwood, and the Calais was on its way out anyway. But they could have had the de Ville while the Fleetwood moved upmarket above the Seville where such a name as Fleetwood belongs. In the 80s had the Cimarron actually been a good car (which it absolutely could have been) then Cadillac would've again had a more "international" sized option whereas the more conventional de Ville continues on as an alternative. Could even be a similar relationship to the IS/ES or CTS/XTS today.

 

[Diego]

I don't think I'll be the only one who thinks that Cadillac's liability was being part of GM, the same way its strengths came from being part of GM. The 1970s sucked for everyone, but how they emerged from the mess has dictated their respective positions today. In Cadillac's case, it's been playing catch-up, but we should be able to appreciate that the place and direction that Cadillac is in now is admirable.

 

[0fxxk0]

This 2.0T will leave any old school V8 Cadillacs in the dust. Just sayin.

Still don't want it in my $50k+ car.

 

[0fxxk0]

Makes total sense.

Here's your "round" 1976 Nova, by the way:

And a Hush fall upon the crowd.

 

[Amphibian]

People should absolutely read the article wescoent posted below, not because it aligns with what I've been saying, but out of interest in the Seville story and the Cadillac brand as a whole. Yes, the 80s was when things declined to disturbingly bad at Cadillac, but back in the 70s as I opined you can see the problems with the mindset and decisions being made at Cadillac. And it shows exactly the problem with focusing on volume and sales, rather than what the sales are telling you.

http://ateupwithmotor.com/model-histories/cadillac-seville/

The one thing I'd say is that I think the main reason the better Sevilles of the 90s had not done much for sales relative to the glory days of the Seville's sales was part of perception. Maybe it was basically as good as an E-Class or 5-Series, but Cadillac by then lacked the image and probably the ads to make import buyers care.

 

[BlekherBob]

Screw 'em. I heard the same thing from some of the young guys under 35 I know and then I murdered their Bimmers, Benz's, Mustangs, Camaros, Mopars, and Audi's then opened the passenger side door to let out one of the most Bangin Hot Asian Chicks this side of the hemisphere .

Not to mention the older people these cars are ridiculed to be owned by have REAL MONEY. They Buy, not look for the cheapest lease. Again.. Screw em. If I were that poster and was fortunate enough to own a Sweet Vsport CTS I would not give a damn what some punk in a 3 series or CClass had to say. Think about that for a minute

I get what you're saying, but that really is more about low self esteem than the car they drive . Both myself and JBZ06 drive CTS and a Vette. Ask him if he's had trouble with feeling bad about his self or purchase

Replying late because I'm busy and just now catching up on car news. As someone who bought my first Cadillac at 23 I always hated the imports and their douchbro owners, and never looked back. And yeah, letting a sexy little number out of the passenger side is an extra feature of the car for me!

 

[MiatsoCi]

Bottom line is that Cadillac is down because of lack of product, revolutionary change to a 112 year business, a corporate BK 5 years ago that made management re-prioritize, and American self loathing of.. well anything American. All that, and Cadillac is still as prestigious as at the very least Jaguar and Lexus, with more heritage than either. LOOK AT CADILLAC SALES and then speak. Actually analyze them for the briefest of moments and U will come away with as much confidence as I. As long as Cadillac stays the course, providing vehicles with the DNA that is embedded within the “ATS-CTS Stepping Stone” then everything they put forth will add to overall sales volume without a need to fleet heavily.

5 vehicles versus Benz, BMW, and Audi’s 10+ and their sales numbers are indicative of that fact. These other brands are picking up sales in areas where not only Cadillac does not offer vehicles YET, but in market segments that encroach very easily on mainstream market makers. There is no way a buyer should be trying to decide between a Mercedes CLA and a Honda Civic, Ford Fusion, or Chevy Malibu LTZ, yet it is happening. The “xLA” Benz models are them moving down market and doing so while touting themselves as the king of luxury in terms of sales. That is BS.. and if Cadillac did it people would refer to it as a return to the days of Cimmarons and such. The CLA is a CIMMARON.. it just has the advantage of the fact that its donor car is a non-exported to NA Mercedes. What makes it worse is that the car that the CLA is based essentially competes more with a Sonic than a Cruze.

Don’t be discouraged Caddy. While the haters look to convince U that U must CHANGE while being the SAME.. from 20 years ago.. moving forward will yield untold reward. If Cadillac continues to provide a level of technology, quality and innovation just on par with the Germans, let alone beating them on some fronts, with proper and unique styling, in time, sales will rise.
Knowing GM, when they are passionate, and heavily invested in themselves, great cars have always been produced


Patience