In 1981 it was released as a single in Europe, backed by "Be True" in France and by "Wreck on the Highway" in the UK.

[12] John Cruz of Sputnik Music called the song "just plain fun," noting its infectious beat.

[5][8][15] According to authors Philippe Margotin and Jean-Michel Guesdon:[16] Warren Zevon covered "Cadillac Ranch" during his 1982 tour and the song was featured in an MTV broadcast from the Capitol Theatre in Passaic, New Jersey on October 1, 1982.

Rick Trevino's version appears on the compilation albums NASCAR: Runnin' Wide Open (1995)[22] and Highway Fever: All Time Greatest Country Road Songs (2006).

[23][24] Daniel Johnston's song "Funeral Home" takes its melody from "Cadillac Ranch".