How Long Do Cadillacs Last?
Cadillacs can last about 10 years or 150,000 miles, but your car’s exact lifespan will vary depending on your model and how it’s maintained over time.
Written by Melanie Mergen
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
Table of Contents
- Are Cadillacs reliable?
- The most reliable Cadillac models
- The least reliable Cadillac models
- How to make your Cadillac last longer
- How to find affordable Cadillac insurance
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Cadillac was one of the world’s first established vehicle brands. Over the years, it has established a reputation for manufacturing affordable luxury vehicles. Today, you can generally expect a Cadillac to last about 150,000 miles or 10 years.
In J.D. Power’s
2020 Vehicle Dependability Study
, Cadillac ranked 12th overall—and in 2021, the brand made major improvements, climbing to fifth place overall in a tie with Buick.But not all Cadillacs are the same. That’s why
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Are Cadillacs reliable?
Generally, yes, but the level of reliability varies from model to model.
Cadillac is one of the more affordable luxury vehicle brands, but some models receive mixed reviews. For example, some drivers report their Cadillacs require more maintenance and, like many luxury vehicle brands, have higher repair costs than comparable vehicles in similar categories.
One of the stronger standout features of Cadillac’s newer models is its “Super Cruise” driver assist.
Models like the 2021 XT4 have received high crash safety rankings, and the 2021 CT5 and 2021 Escalade have received high praise as well.
When it comes to Cadillac’s SUVs, many reviews consider the models generally satisfactory, but lacking in features when compared to similar competitors.
How many miles can a BMW last?
With proper maintenance, a Cadillac can last over 150,000 miles. That’s not a firm number, though—with proper care and maintenance, you may be able to drive your Cadillac much further.
How many years can a Cadillac last?
The average lifespan of a Cadillac is about 10 years. The longevity of a Cadillac will vary depending on the model, usage, wear and tear, and maintenance. The better you take care of your Cadillac, the longer it can take care of you.
Key Takeaway How long your vehicle lasts can vary widely depending on the vehicle model and how it’s maintained over its life.
MORE: Cadillac car-buying guide
The most reliable Cadillac models
Cadillac’s vehicles are generally praised for their performance, design, and safety features.
The 2021 Cadillac lineup consists of two sedans and five SUVs. Out of these, which models are considered the most reliable?
When evaluating a car’s reliability, it helps to pay attention to these features:
- Number of recalls
- Common mechanical issues
- Cost of maintenance
Looking at these metrics, we’re referencing
J.D. Power’s
Quality & Reliability ratings and Edmunds.com’s
True Cost to Own® estimates to evaluate Cadillac’s most and least reliable models, as well as the cost of ownership.CT5
2021 starting price: $38,190
True cost to own (5 years): N/A
J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 85/100
What critics say this luxury-sport sedan gets right is performance and design. The 2021
Cadillac CT5
was one of three cars in its category to receive a Best Buy
award from Consumer Guide Automotive, which is the highest ranking it offers. The CT5 has “athletic handling, crisp styling, and an impressive selection of available technology,” its
Consumer Guide Automotive review
says. The 2021 CT5 was also awarded “highest quality midsize premium car” by J.D. Power
. XT4
2021 starting price: $36,990
True cost to own (5 years): N/A
2021 J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 81/100
The
XT4
is a compact SUV with a solid fuel economy, spacious seating inside, and a good amount of cargo space. The XT4 also tests well when it comes to safety: it received a five-star overall safety rating from the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA), as well as a five-star rating for the side crash test and a four-star rating for frontal crash and rollover tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the XT4 its highest rating, “Good,” in its own crash safety tests.
Escalade
2021 starting price: $77,790
True cost to own (5 years): $103,943
2021 J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 78/100
This full-sized SUV reigns supreme on J.D. Power’s list of best large premium SUVs for 2021 (tied for first place is the Lexus LX). The 2021
Escalade
saw a redesign with comfort, cargo space, and technology in mind. The least reliable Cadillac models
Some Cadillacs are more reliable than others. Based on the metrics we evaluated, Cadillac’s less reliable models include the XT5 and the XT6.
XT5
2021 starting price: $45,190
True cost to own (5 years): $81,502
2021 J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 79/100
A Consumer Reports review says it’s hard for the Cadillac
XT5
to compete with other SUVs in its category. There’s been one recall issued by the NHTSA for the XT5 related to its fuel system; some may have “improperly attached” fuel supply lines, which increases the risks for fuel leaks and fires.XT6
2021 starting price: $49,240
True cost to own (5 years): N/A
2021 J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 76/100
A
Consumer Reports review
says the XT6, a three-row luxury SUV, isn’t competitive when compared with other vehicles in its class, which tend to have more features expected from a luxury vehicle. As with the XT5, there’s been one recall on the XT6 related to improperly-attached fuel supply lines, which increases the risks for fuel leaks and fires.
Key Takeaway Some of the major complaints with both the 2021 XT5 and XT6 are that they have fewer features than comparable competitors and have been issued a fuel supply line recall.
How to make your Cadillac last longer
A major component of how long your Cadillac will last is how you take care of it. With proper care and maintenance, you can extend nearly any car’s longevity past its expected lifespan. Here are some things you can do to extend the life of your Cadillac:
- Follow the routine maintenance schedule outlined in your owner’s manual
- Only use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts
- Get regular vehicle inspections between routine services
- Keep your vehicle clean to reduce the effects of wear and tear
- Drive responsibly! Avoiding accidents is a surefire way to extend your car’s lifespan, and you’ll see lower insurance premiums as a safe driver, too.
MORE: How to make your car last longer
How to find affordable Cadillac insurance
Proper maintenance and the right car insurance policy go hand in hand when it comes to getting the most out of your Cadillac over its lifespan.
When it comes to car insurance,
Jerry
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What is high mileage for a Cadillac?
While Cadillacs can last 150,000 miles or longer with the right amount of care, it’s common for many dealerships to consider any vehicle with more than 100,000 miles “high-mileage.”
Are Cadillacs expensive to maintain?
Like many luxury car brands, Cadillacs tend to have higher maintenance costs. An ownership cost breakdown from
Edmunds
estimates Cadillac repairs and maintenance could cost $300 to $700 per year during the first few years of ownership. By year five, those costs could reach $2,000 to $3,000.Estimate your repair costs for free with GarageGuard™
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