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 car ever! - 2002 Cadillac Escalade
  By escalade23 - August 5 - 3:34 am

  I wanted one since I was 12 and its everything and more I dreamed of! The ride is so smooth and luxurious. So quiet the first day I got it. I turned over the key cause I thought it was off. It is like driving an airplane at night. Has every feature you could possible want. The body style is so good Cadillac didnt change it for 5 years. Feel so safe and sound whenever I drive it. Not good on gas but its worth the price. Has a powerful huge engine that can get up and go when you need to.

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  Nice with style! - 2006 Cadillac Escalade
  By Eva - July 27 - 7:15 pm

  We bought a 2006 last summer in 2010 and since the moment I started driving this beauty I realized what Cadillac is all the fuss about. I love it. Front differential went out and could be an expensive fix. Other than that the car has 100 + miles and it drives like new.

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  Best Ride Ever! - 2008 Cadillac Escalade
  By BDC - July 19 - 3:43 pm

  I just recently purchased my 2008 ESV Black and Chrome escalade. I would never thought about purchasing a Cadillac Truck or any vehicle from Cadillac. Once I saw the exterior and the interior I was a more than a little impressed however, once I took a test drive I was sold! This is one of the if not the smoothest drives you will ever have. The way it shift gears and accelerate in speed is so smooth it is sweet! Everyone that sees my truck like it and everyone who test drives it love it. It is really a dream truck! (Just keep the warranty for annoying little repairs).

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  Great Ride - 2007 Cadillac Escalade
  By Cuervo_Black - June 20 - 1:19 am

  Omg! Im in love with a Cadillac. I love this vehicle. At first I was looking to buy a Denali and to my fortune god gave me this escalade. Let me start with the bad first. The door handles are cheap, they break but are not expensive to repair. Second, gas mileage in the city. Its a beast on the streets but on the interstate it does good. Well it has the best gas mileage for its size and class. Im spoiled with all the features. Dvd, navigation, stability, camera, comfort and power. This baby purrs when you floor it. People have given this SUV a bad review dont understand that you rather have safety comfort and power over price and gas mileage. Its a balance of what you get. You wont regret it

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  Big mistake GM - 2009 Cadillac Escalade
  By Sean - June 18 - 11:03 am

  I have had nothing but problems. It isnt even one year old and the service engine light has gone of three (3) times withing a year. The problem is always fuel system or engine. Second, the not spacious, cheap interior angers me. Wobbly center console, loud, cheap tailgate, glove compartment has no room for owners manual, you can hear the lumbar support cracking and bending inside the seat when you inflate it. The rear leg a/c didnt work, when I fold the seats I hear this cheap squeaking and all the doors can close without making the squeaking noise when there is no lubrication. Chrome is plastic. Dont waste $80,000 and buy a BMW or Mercedes SUV and youll be pleased.

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  Looks arent everything - 2008 Cadillac Escalade
  By cbloomers - May 9 - 1:09 pm

  Brought an 08 escalade drives OK not to clever around corners, and auto box has problems keeping up with engine sometimes. Build quality was the down fall and the reason I got rid of it, went for a LR3 Land rover instead much nicer to drive

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  Cadillac Escalade - 2010 Cadillac Escalade
  By Dan Trang - April 16 - 5:09 pm

  This is my first ever own a Cadillac. A ride a little bumpy, maybe with 20+ wheel, comparing with my Yukon trade in this one is awesome look and hi tech.

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  Escalade - 2010 Cadillac Escalade
  By Sergio - April 10 - 9:04 pm

  We had first looked at the 06 Escalade but didnt like it. We went with the Mercedes R350, but when it was time to change, the styling was a turnoff compared to the GL. So we went with the Gl450. It has a great third row, but the bench seat is a turnoff. So we decided it was time for a new luxury SUV, with captain chairs, leaving us to the Navigator, extremely bold, the QX56, in which the redesign didnt thrill us but was a near choice, or the Escalade. By far the styling is great and overall i am pleased with it. It has AWD, which I need, and is VERY difficult to get in Florida.

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  Love this SUV - 2007 Cadillac Escalade
  By sammy500c - April 10 - 7:28 pm

  I love everything about this car. Its sleek, sophisticated, and a luxury to drive in SUVs. Gas mileage could be improved of course with the economy the way it is, but over all, you cant go wrong to own this car. ENJOY

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  Great SUV with a few quirks! - 2008 Cadillac Escalade
  By z costello - March 19 - 10:28 pm

  I really do like my Escalade. However I am thankful it is still under warranty. I have had it in for several small but annoying reasons. Not sure why but the armrests become loose all the time. I had to get the center caps fixed do to squeaking issue. The radio/cd player will shut off every now and again for no apparent reason and the door latch became disconnected so you couldnt open the rear door from the inside. No, the child lock feature was not engaged. All problems were fixed but I only had 8000 miles on it when all this happened. The armrest issue seems to be the only problem that seems to not get handled. Other than that its a great looking truck with tons of power. Would buy again