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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  A gas eater, but Im glad to have it. - 2002 Cadillac Escalade
  By Johntherhat - June 16 - 10:44 pm

  This is the best car Ive ever had. I am 85 years old and have owned probably 20 cars. None have given me the multitude of "Good feelings" this car does. It handles beautifully on the highway and is surprisingly easy to park.

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  Escalade six months old. - 2005 Cadillac Escalade
  By rouch - June 15 - 1:50 am

  Wonderful to drive but gas milage is not good. Averaged 12.7 for 188 gals used. Best ever 15.7 on road trip. auto climate control not great, prefer the manual type in the Tahoe I drive.

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  Another Cadillac - 2005 Cadillac Escalade
  By Cadillac SUV - June 11 - 9:09 am

  The Cadillac Escalade lives up to the Cadillac reputation. The Escalade has sexy styling with well contoured curves. The interior of the Escalade is where is really shines, with all the bells and whisltes you can imagine, you feel like your in a small jet. It takes some reading and practice to get use to its instrument panel and if your lucky enough to have it, the readout on the trip computer and satelite radio. The stereo is built in digitally and sounds very nice as well as the 5 CD changer. The most fun is the dual climate control (really tri) for driver, passanger and rear passanger (all seperate for each persons comfort) The vehicle handles well, but it takes longer to stop.

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  My 2003 Escalade - 2003 Cadillac Escalade
  By John Gentile - June 1 - 8:17 pm

  The only thing that has gone wrong for me is the front seat has poped off twice. The bottom of the seat material pops away from frame of seat and makes a loud noise every time. I do not care about the milage. I think it is fine for the weight of the car. I love my Escalade. I think Cadillac has got it right. It handles like a dream and turns on a dime. I love the interior but the clock is a little loud. I had a blowout on the freeway while on vacation with my family. The stability Track worked perfect and did not pull stopping straight as an arrow.

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  Great Truck - 1999 Cadillac Escalade
  By Thomas39 - June 1 - 4:10 pm

  This vehicle is very reliable, 104k miles on it and runs like new. The most notable thing about this vehicle is how stable it is, note that this is an older generation SUV without stability control or other systems. It looks like it would have bad handeling given its size but it dosnt. Also the turning radius is outstanding. It does lack some key features like auto climate control and a sunroof.

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  Best SUV on the road - 2005 Cadillac Escalade
  By Bob Vanard - June 1 - 1:58 pm

  The Escalade was purchased for the style and comfort. The ride is compared to riding your living sofa with wheels. Sure some of the interior plastic is cheap looking but I did not buy it for the interior appearence, We enjoy the looks and ride, I like to sit above the traffic and see whats ahead of me with the Escalade, I have the best SUV on the market. Im one proud owner.

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  Love My Escalade - 2005 Cadillac Escalade
  By Kirsten Stafford - May 29 - 9:31 am

  This is the first American car I have ever purchased, but I have benn an SUV driver for years. This is by far the nicest looking, head turning comfortable ride out there!!! But dont want to ride to far! It gets terrible gas mileage, but if you have money like most who drive one, it is not an issue!

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  Best Escalade Yet - 2005 Cadillac Escalade
  By BOB - May 21 - 11:28 am

  With the exception of the poor fuel milage (with the most powerfull V8, what do you expect?) this is the most capable luxury SUV on the market today.

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  GMs Best SUV - 2005 Cadillac Escalade
  By Keith - May 14 - 3:50 pm

  I love my new Escalade! I just bought an 05 , Black with the 20" Cadillac chrome wheels. When you drive this truck you get noticed a lot. I had an 02, it was a Certified vehicle and never had any trouble with it, so after 2 years with that one I wanted a new one. Nothing like the smell of Cadillac leather. Not only is the truck awesome, the dealership is top notch (hard to find these days)!

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  Own American - 2005 Cadillac Escalade
  By American Built - May 14 - 10:16 am

  This vehicle is fun to drive, rides exceptional well gas milage could be inproved quality is very good,vehicle has room for six audlts comfortably, Driven this vehicle on trips, short drives very satisfacting both for comfort and reliablity.