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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  Best SUV - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
  By Matt_adams - January 18 - 2:00 am

  The 2003 Cadillac Escalade I purchased delivers great power and performance, stylish looks, loads of features and a great roar from the 6.0L V8. The first thing that caught my eye is the distinctive look. The SUV is very flashy especially with the white diamond paint. The fit and finish in the SUV is very fine and the SUV has had no relaiblity issues.

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  Best Suv Ive Had! - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
  By JFajnor - January 18 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle Rides like a luxary car yet has all the features of an SUV. Better value for your money then high -end SUV from Japan. Previous SUV was a Lexus same price but less Vehicle.

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  SWEET RIDE ALL THE WAY!!! - 2000 Cadillac Escalade
  By Del@ - January 1 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST IVE EVER DRIVEN, I HAD A CORVETTE AND TRADED IT IN BECAUSE MY 97 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE WAS A LITTLE TOO SMALL, EVEN THOUGH IT WAS A GREAT SUV TO DRIVE, I NEED SOMETHING BIGGER. I CAN TELL YOU THAT THIS IS A VERY SMOOTH RIDE, BOTH IN LOOKS AND RIDE OVERALL. THERE ARE NO OTHER TO COMPARE. ONE OF THESE DAYS I TRADE IT IN FOR A NEWER MODEL!!!!

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  Lexus to Cadillac - 2003 Cadillac Escalade
  By BJSMOM - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Nice looking but definitely not quality built. Have had amplifer and rear wiper replaced since purchased in mid August.

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  DIAMONDS AND PEARLS - 2003 Cadillac Escalade
  By bundy - December 26 - 2:00 am

  I BOUGHT MY ESCALADE RIGHT OFF THE SHOWROOM FLOOR. TOTALLY LOADED, WHITE DIAMOND EXTERIOR. A JOY TO LOOK AT AND DRIVE. THE RUMBLE OF ITS OVERSIZED V-8 SENDS CHILLS DOWN MY BACK. ALL I ADDED WAS 22" RIMS AND TIRES WHICH INCREASED ITS OVERALL STABILITY. WHAT A CHARM TO DRIVE.

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  The Best On Road - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
  By mlfone - December 13 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle by far is the best purchase I have ever made. The gas mileage is ok for an suv of its size. I drove all the top brands before this purchase and none held a candle to the Cadillac. Dont make a mistake and purchase something a little cheaper youll hate yourself in the long run.

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  greatest ride - 2003 Cadillac Escalade
  By chinaview1999 - December 6 - 2:00 am

  It is a thrill every morning to watch my wife drive away in our diamond white Caddy. we still can not believe that we actually own this ultimate SUV. It is definitely a beauty with a monsterous power inside. Its comfort makes your heart want to sing. Great reward for our hard work.

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  Caddys=$$$ - 1999 Cadillac Escalade
  By Some pinoy guy - November 27 - 2:00 am

  I love my escalade. It is a reliable car and I can probably use it for about three more years!!!

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  Strong SUV - 2000 Cadillac Escalade
  By John Roger - November 14 - 2:00 am

  Interior design and comfort is exceptionalDo not like the rear split hatch design or lock release of samegreat on long trips but not a good city car other than visibility.

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  Cool Escalade - 2003 Cadillac Escalade
  By maria gordon - November 8 - 2:00 am

  I enjoy driving a SUV vehicle, owned Jeeps before for 18 years and find the Escalade much better. Visibility is great, the car seems to handle the curves much better than any Jeeps.The interior stays cleaner, seating is very comfortable, acceleration is super therefore passing another vehicle is easy..in fact much better than the DeVille 2002 model.My only gripe...the radio buttons they are not equal to the rest of the Escalade..seem shoddy!!