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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Better than expected - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
By LeeReavis - June 28 - 2:00 amWe needed something to transport my handicapped wife and her electric three- wheeler. The ESV Escalade far surpassed our expectations. It is comfortable, powerful, smooth and easily swallows her alternative transportation. We have averaged 15-16 MPG in town and 17-18 MPG on the road at 75MPH, A/C on. I will not buy another car without the GPS NAV system and Satillite radio. We are spoiled rotten!
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1 - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
By ABLE - June 28 - 2:00 amGreat ride, car laid out really well on the interior.
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ESV - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
By EdwardD908 - June 26 - 2:00 amGreat vehicle put the corsa exhaust system should be standard equiptment
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DISAPPOINTMENT - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
By JUDY - June 19 - 2:00 amIT ALL TOLD IN THE SUGGESTIONS TOO MUCH IS PLASTIC. FOR THE COST YOU DESERVE BETTER. ITS COPY CAT JAPAN
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Very Nice - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
By BroncoJef - June 12 - 2:00 amJust got my Escalade this last month, Ive driven just about everything and this ranks among the best. SUV has a very quiet confidence and definitely turns heads. All my friends are now shopping for an Escalade.
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Black Beauty - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
By Jared Arango - June 8 - 2:00 amThe ride is smooth. The Nav sys is fantastic. The sound is tops. The on- star feature are superb.
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Luxury and Power at its Best. - 2016 Cadillac Escalade
By Dan Erickson - June 2 - 12:45 pmI am kind of a cheep stake and like a good bargain. I never thought I would buy a car off the showroom. My wife and I were just shopping for an upgrade of our current 2010 Denali. We looked at the Escalade, we were swept off our feet and signed the paperwork that night. This vehicle is nothing short of amazing. I never in my wildest dreams thought I would get a back massage while cruising at 75 mph down the interstate. We are still discovering the latest gadgets and taking it in tomorrow to have upgraded software installed to integrate our phones for easier applications of usage. Another plus, we got an astounding average of 26mpg at 70 mph last weekend on a road trip. The down side is that the apative cruse control would go offline going down the highway due to an error in the system. That is going to be addressed tomorrow also. As far as buyers remorse, its nonexistent here folks.
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Cool!! Suv - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
By raj_lko - May 29 - 2:00 amThis is best SUV in the market in terms of style,power and reliability.Driving exprerience is far better than Benz,Lexus and Bmw.
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The best ever - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
By gollfguy - May 29 - 2:00 amSimply the best vehicle I have ever owned.
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Going for the third - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
By golie - May 29 - 2:00 amOnly suggestion - go for the 4 captains chairs rather than bench seat on second row. Bench seat uncomfortable for long trips for an adult. We have driven Escalades for over a year and we love the horsepower matched to comfort and style. Great vehicle. We are about to purchase our third.
