Overview & Reviews
Although the Cadillac Escalade wasn't the first luxury SUV sold in the U.S. market, it was the first light truck in the history of the Cadillac brand. Early versions drew plenty of criticism, but in retrospect, the Escalade deserves much credit for being the vehicle that transformed Cadillac's image from traditional and geriatric to youthful and flamboyant.
Much of the Cadillac Escalade's appeal is rooted in its over-the-top attitude. Generously proportioned inside and out, this sport-utility vehicle has a bold and angular face, exaggerated wreath-and-crest badging and chrome trim everywhere you look. There's no subtlety under the hood either, as the current truck's 6.2-liter V8 delivers an imposing exhaust rumble. Although quicker than many competitors, the Escalade often falls behind in refinement, from its handling dynamics to its build and materials quality. Cadillac has taken steps to address these shortcomings on the third-generation model, but there's no question the Escalade is primarily for buyers who like their SUVs large, brash and unapologetically American.
Current Cadillac Escalade
The Cadillac Escalade is a full-size SUV that seats seven people with standard second-row captain's chairs and eight with the optional second-row bench. The extended-length Escalade ESV, the quasi-pickup truck Escalade EXT and gasoline-electric Escalade Hybrid are reviewed separately.
Every regular Escalade comes standard with a 6.2-liter V8 that delivers 403 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, providing relatively brisk acceleration in virtually any situation. A six-speed automatic transmission handles the gearchanges and even offers a manual-shift mode for those drivers willing to press a pair of buttons on the Escalade's old-fashioned column shifter. The transmission routes power to the rear wheels on two-wheel-drive models or all four on all-wheel-drive models.
Inside, the Escalade presents a much nicer environment than its mechanical near-twins from Chevrolet and GMC. There is an abundance of equipment even on the "base" model, with items like heated first- and second-row seats, navigation and a Bose surround-sound audio system included as standard. The Luxury, Premium and Platinum trims pile on the niceties even further, but most are styling and trim elements. Despite its features list, the aging Escalade doesn't have the same look and feel as other luxury SUVs. Construction and the materials used just aren't as nice, even if leather and wood trim is included.
In reviews, we've found that the Escalade certainly delivers the pomp and power one expects from this increasingly iconic nameplate. However, there are significant practical drawbacks. First of all, the third-row seat is cramped and uncomfortable for the middle passenger and must be physically removed should you need extra cargo space. The third-row seats of competing vehicles fold neatly into the floor. The Escalade is also unwieldy on tighter roads, suffers from lackluster brakes and is very thirsty. There's also its perennial placement atop the list of most-stolen vehicles. In light of all this, we'd consider one of the many other full-size luxury SUVs as well.
Used Cadillac Escalade Models
When the latest (third) generation of the Cadillac Escalade debuted for the 2007 model year, it was the most modern and luxurious version of this full-size SUV to date. A stiff, fully boxed frame and a coil-spring front suspension provide a smoother ride than in years past, and handling is more controlled and predictable. As with the previous generation, there's no option to get four-wheel drive with low-range gearing, as Cadillac has equipped the Escalade for duty in the urban jungle rather than the one with tigers. Unlike previous generations, the third-gen Escalade no longer feels like a hastily reupholstered Chevy Tahoe.
Since its introduction, changes have been light and related mostly to new standard and optional features. The following year saw the introduction of the plush Platinum Edition while 2009 brought E85 fuel capability and available high-tech features such as a blind-spot warning system, LED headlights, Bluetooth and a rearview camera. The '10 Escalade received cylinder-deactivation technology; those models produced earlier achieve 1 fewer mpg. That year also saw the addition of new front side-impact airbags, a strengthened door design and a new USB connection for portable audio devices.
The second-generation Escalade was sold from 2002-'06. This is the model that restored Cadillac's reputation with younger buyers, as it was the first application of the company's showy "Art and Science" design language. This Escalade had a 345-hp, 6.0-liter V8 that made it one of the most potent sport-utility vehicles on the road. It also handled better than one would typically expect of a vehicle this size. The cabin had a somewhat cut-rate feel, but between all the soft leather and wood appliqués, many buyers found this easy to overlook.
No Escalade was offered during the 2001 model year, but the original version was on sale for 1999 and 2000. This Escalade was a rush job, as Cadillac needed something to fend off Lincoln's Navigator while working on the 2002 model. Aside from its Cadillac badges, upgraded leather and Zebrano wood, there was nothing to distinguish the original Escalade from GM's lower-line SUVs. Acceleration, braking and handling are sub par on this model, and we'd advise you to avoid it.
User Reviews:
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Now Totally Satisfied - 2007 Cadillac Escalade
By Steven - July 14 - 9:56 pmMy previous problem with the rear view camera has gone away and now I am left with a vehicle that is just incredible. The power is awesome, the comfort level is great and its a ton of fun to drive.
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We still love our Escalade! - 2003 Cadillac Escalade
By Dar - July 11 - 10:59 amWe have been very happy with our Escalade. At about 70,000 the transmission went out and our extended warranty took care of. They did a repair and not a replacement. Other than that this has been a great truck. I wouldnt hesitate to buy a newer one next year.
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Nice Truck - 2006 Cadillac Escalade
By xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx - July 11 - 10:38 amMy 2006 Cadillac Escalade has the perfect ride and great handling. It is greqt looking, too. I love its smooth cornering.
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05 AWD Cadillac Escalade BEST SUV CADDY MADE 02 17 - 2005 Cadillac Escalade
By JD - July 7 - 4:31 pmIf your looking for a top notch American Quality SUV then the 05 Escalade beats them ALL hands down. Ive driven Domestic and foreign and wont let my 05 Escalade go. I can get a new 2017 but dont want it. THIS YEAR AND MODEL YOU CANT FIND. I HAVE DEALERS CALLING ME TO SELL AND ANSWER IS NO. IM PUSHING 150K AND KNOCK ON WOOD NO MAJOR ISSUES JUST MAINTENANCE. IF YOU CAN FIND ONE LOADED LIKE MINE YOU WONT BE DISAPPOINTED. GO CADILLAC......
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Overall Great Truck - 1999 Cadillac Escalade
By caddyman - July 4 - 1:29 pmThe 99 Cadillac Escalade is a great truck. This is my second vehicle so it has way more than I was used to. But after you get used to it you cant drive in anything else. You get looks in it like no other vehicle, probably because Im 19 years old, but thats besides the point. If I could give one bit of advice, put a chrome grille on it, that makes it look 5 years newer. I like the 5.7 Vortec engine a lot. Its acceleration is great considering the weight of the vehicle. Its 4 wheel drive is also very capable, I have tried it in sand and accelerated like I was on dry road. The Bose radio also impressed me with its volume as well as sound quality. I just added subs to give it a little extra kick. Overall I would recomend this truck.
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You get what you pay for! - 2007 Cadillac Escalade
By LK - June 25 - 8:55 amI confess...the 07 Cadillac Escalade appearance sucked me in. There have been many changes in to it for 07, like a new ft suspension, punched out the 6.0 to 6.2L added more HP, heated and cooled seats, a heated steering wheel, and other great creature comforts. If you have a need for a large SUV, this is the one! The gas mileage is great for its class!. Dont hate the luxury sport UTILITY vehicle and its mileage...hate the people who buy one with out really needing them! If your like me and spend a lot of time in your vehicle, tow occasionally, haul light materials.. Maybe it is time you pampered yourself? It is everything I expected. The 08 model can only get better from here.
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When will I learn - 2007 Cadillac Escalade
By Steven - June 21 - 9:41 pmMy last three cars have been a Dodge, a Lincoln and now General Motors. What a disaster! The Escalade is a nice truck and it rides well, but the rearview camera has not worked right from day one. "Service rearview camera" flashes on the screen when going from park into drive. The service staff at my Cadillac dealership are totally clueless and pretty much dont care. Maybe they will care when GM gets my survey. The truck only has 250 miles.
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My escalade - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
By 03blackescalade - June 15 - 10:00 amWOW!! is what i can say... i drovethe BMW X5 4.4i and this thing has to have it almost beat in handling.... for a vehicle this size it sure did suprise me ALOT!... power there is lots i hit it from a yield sign and the downshift sure givesu whiplash..... i lovethe suv but w/ it being an SUV comes SUV gas mialage... but.... i love it
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2007 Cadillac Escalade - 2007 Cadillac Escalade
By CADILLAC MAN - June 7 - 4:19 amThis truck is much improved! I traded in my 2005 for it and I can honestly say that I like the look and feel of the 07 model much better. The extra cost was well worth it!
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Thumbs Up - 2007 Cadillac Escalade
By Larry - June 6 - 8:52 pmThis is one of the nicest SUVs on the market. I looked at all makes this time before buying and after a test drive.....was sold. I love it!
