2008 Cadillac Models

Redesigned for the 2008 model year, the Cadillac CTS keeps everything that was good about the first-generation model and seems to improve everything that wasn't. More-refined exterior styling, greatly improved interior design and quality, more power and optional all-wheel drive mean the CTS is poised to give the Infiniti G35 and other entry-level sport sedans some tough competition. 

For 2008, the Cadillac STS sedan has undergone one of the more dramatic restylings you're likely to see outside of a complete redesign. After a CTS sedan whose styling went a little too far, the current STS generation's styling didn't go far enough. Cadillac has addressed that with another installment of "The Attack of the Grilles." 

For 2006, a new front-wheel-drive sedan called the DTS replaced the long-lived DeVille in Cadillac's lineup. The DTS had been the top-level model in the DeVille series. For about two decades, the DeVille has accounted for nearly half the sales in its segment. Competitors include the Audi A6 and Infiniti M35. For 2008, Cadillac introduced two new safety options for the DTS: Lane Departure Warning and Side Blind Zone Alert systems. Six airbags are installed, and one of two Northstar V-8s powers the DTS.  

The full-size Cadillac Escalade SUV has appealed to celebrities and affluent 20-somethings since its 2001 debut. Its competitors include the Lincoln Navigator, Lexus LX 470, Infiniti QX56 and other luxury sport utility vehicles. The Escalade underwent an extensive redesign for 2007, so changes for 2008 are minimal. In the spirit of excess, the 2008 Escalade boasts available 22-inch wheels and a 6.2-liter V-8 with more than 400 horsepower. It can be configured to seat eight people and is available with two- or all-wheel drive.  

Cadillac's Escalade ESV offers more room for those who find the Escalade, a full-size SUV, just a bit too small. Its wheelbase is 14 inches longer than the full-size Escalade, and its total length exceeds the standard model by more than 20 inches. Third-row occupants benefit from increased legroom, and cargo capacity behind them nearly triples. The model was redesigned for 2007, so changes for 2008 are minimal. As with the regular-wheelbase Escalade, the Escalade ESV gets a full complement of luxury equipment, including leather seats for up to eight occupants, plenty of exterior chrome and optional 22-inch wheels. It is now available in two- as well as all-wheel drive.  

The 2008 Cadillac Escalade EXT is evidence that GM plans to continue its lineup of crossover pickup trucks. GM entered the segment six years ago with the 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche, a full-size sport utility vehicle chopped off in back to look like something between a crew-cab pickup truck and a 1968 El Camino. The first-generation Cadillac Escalade EXT, Hummer H2 SUT and Lincoln Mark LT followed. The Escalade EXT was redesigned for 2007, keeping changes for 2008 to a minimum. The EXT is closer in length to the extended-wheelbase Escalade ESV than it is to the standard Escalade. It features an open pickup bed in place of the ESV's third-row seat and covered cargo area. A feature lifted from previous crossover pickups is the extendable bed, which expands into the passenger cab via a moveable partition behind the second-row seats.  

Cadillac launched the SRX midsize sport utility vehicle as an early 2004 model, available with a V-6 or V-8 under the hood. The 2008 model comes with an Adaptive Remote Start system, which enables drivers to start the engine, adjust the interior temperature and turn on defrosters from up to 200 feet away. Competitors include the Lexus RX 350, Acura MDX and Volvo XC90. The SRX got a new interior for 2007 and goes into 2008 with mostly minor changes.  

For 2008, the Cadillac STS sedan has undergone one of the more dramatic restylings you're likely to see outside of a complete redesign. After a CTS sedan whose styling went a little too far, the current STS generation's styling didn't go far enough. Cadillac has addressed that with another installment of "The Attack of the Grilles." 

After going more than a decade without one, Cadillac added a two-passenger sports car to its lineup for 2004. Named the XLR, the retractable-hardtop coupe gave Cadillac a luxury roadster with a performance-oriented chassis and structure. Changes for 2008 include a heated steering wheel and a limited edition Alpine White XLR in addition to last year's Platinum edition. 

After going more than a decade without one, Cadillac added a two-passenger sports car to its lineup for 2004. Named the XLR, the retractable-hardtop coupe gave Cadillac a luxury roadster with a performance-oriented chassis and structure. Changes for 2008 include a heated steering wheel and a limited edition Alpine White XLR in addition to last year's Platinum edition.