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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  RYMATT - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
  By RYMATT - March 3 - 2:00 am

  THE BEST SUV I HAVE EVER OWNED.IT IS A WHAT THEYADVERTISE AND MORE.BUY IT NOW!!!!

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  Needs some changes - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
  By donny190 - February 29 - 2:00 am

  Love the car looked at many other like the navigator and x5. I choose this because of its looks i love it. i like the handeling and how easy it is for a person to drive. i let my 75 year old mother drive it and she thinks it is very easy to drive. i have two kids and like the third row feature its just when u need the cargo space it is kind of hard to change from passenger to cargo mood. but this is great i luv it in the winter. it has great handeling and i like how high it sits up but it still is low enough to comfortably get in.

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  2000 suv wonder - 2000 Cadillac Escalade
  By crm - February 26 - 2:00 am

  good ride and high visability, classy look

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  caddy guess - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
  By Cedric/Michael - February 25 - 2:00 am

  excellent car /best car to buy on the market

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  Micheles SUV - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
  By palspomed - February 22 - 2:00 am

  Great truck! all the bells and whistles your looking for. for the money your putting out, you wont find a better vehicle for horsepower and gadgets. very spacious and comfortable. cons: i am in the process of trying to acquire a gas station to make it easier for the almost seemingly daily fuel stops.................but if you want to drive a 345 HP luxury SUV, you are going to pay a ton for gas...........

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  king of all trucks - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
  By escalade #1 - February 19 - 2:00 am

  I test drove them all, this was by far the most impressive suv I have ever driven. Cadillac is king in my book.

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  A SUV with the ride of a Mercedes - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
  By Robert Nappi - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Comfortable, reliable, the best in snow, ice, rain. Great visiablity, ease to drive, self correcting, e.g. skid control, anti lock bracks, traction control. Its all here in the Escalade.

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  Caddy Escalade - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
  By Jeffro1234 - February 17 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle. The kids love it more than I do.

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  good car - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
  By cadillac - February 14 - 2:00 am

  its a good car but reliability isnt too good as well as the gas mileage.

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  Cadillac Kicks Ass - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
  By platinum_gucci - February 14 - 2:00 am

  If you want top of the line Luxury then go with the Escalade. The Body Definition stands out among other SUVs and you will be noticed. You do get your moneys worth with this vehicle. You will be amazed at how much stuff this vehicle will do for you to make your driving experience much easier and it will make it 100 times harder to go back to anything other than an Escalade. This vehicle does everthing but drive itself and I wouldnt put that out of the question in the near future!