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:
Showing 311 through 320 of 520.00-
Excellent Ride - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
By Ron h. - July 10 - 2:00 amIf you want utility AND luxury, the Escalade is your toy. Go with the AWD and you wont be disappointed. Youll never be at a loss for horsepower. Regarding comfort Ill put it against any sedan ... the ride is smooth and bumps in the road are essentially none existant. If you dont mind watching the gas gage move in front of your eyes and want a pure luxury vehicle, GO FOR IT!
-
Safe and Roomy - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
By La Petite Ballen - July 10 - 2:00 amWe purchased this Escalade because we drive to the mtns alot with small children and TWO big dogs on a two way mtn road. We use our all-wheel drive when seeking out good trailheads in summer, and skiing in the winter. We have bad backs and nothing beats the comfort of the seats. There is plenty of room for passengers and storage the backup sound devise plus all-wheel safety with reasonable gas mileage considering the load all make it a winner for us. Oh! The TV is a God send for long trips to Disneyland. It is a luxury truck like no other on the market.
-
gordo - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
By gordochristian - July 8 - 2:00 ami love the handleling the nice stereo system it has also great for kids on long trips they can watch tv my kids like it and my wife rose does to we love our cadillac escalade
-
to cool! - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
By bdp - June 29 - 2:00 amunbelivable comfort, real head turner (especially with big wheels, steering controls for stereo and other items are excellent
-
2004 Escalade ESV AWD Platinum Edition - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
By Jackie570 - June 29 - 2:00 amThe AWD models feature a high-output 345 HP V8 engine.
-
Worst car Ive ever owned - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
By jojo324 - June 29 - 2:00 amThis car is most definitely the worst car Ive ever owned. Within the first week or so of owning it, I began to have problems with the vehicle. It has been in the shop frequently. This SUV purchase was a mistake!
-
Big gas hog - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
By Josh1 - June 28 - 2:00 amOversized and hard to park. Expensive to drive. Doesnt fit in city driving. Not much better on the highway.
-
WHEN YOU GET PERFECTION. . . . . . . - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
By Shauna38 - June 28 - 2:00 amI have wanted my Escalade for so long and I finally got it. Oh, boy, was it worth the wait. It is not only dependable and functional, but its gorgeous. I mean there is nothing as beautiful as a Cadillac. It just shines and always looks good. I love it and feel great driving it. It is everything I thought it would be. . . . .AND MORE!!!!
-
Leather but will all the Squeaks - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
By Reproman - June 28 - 2:00 amHard to believe that after all these years GM cannot build a dashboard that does not squeak! Not as noisy as my benchmark 74 Camaro, but cant the imports teach Detroit a thing or two in building a $62k car? The drivers door when slammed sounds like my old 85 K5 tailgate-like something is loose and broken inside. All these were present since purchase. Interior leather is excellent but lets add the standard Cadillac rain sensor, not the Chevy wiper delay. And how about he seat massager like the DTS? Great overall look but too many places to clean-how about moving the gaskets closer to the outside as to limit dirt from getting into so many panels?
-
GENERAL - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
By GENRAL2121 - June 28 - 2:00 amSAFE, SLEEK, DEPENDABLE, GOOD FUEL ECONOMY COMPARED TO SMALLER SUVS
