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 391 through 400 of 520.00-
Nice SUV - 2000 Cadillac Escalade
By Seanster - November 5 - 2:00 amI got a great deal on this SUV with only 10,000 miles. The warranty is good until 12/04 or 50,000 miles. What a find!.
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lade back - 2002 Cadillac Escalade
By VICTORIA & WAYNE - November 4 - 2:00 amOUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE, GREAT STABILITY, AND COMFORTABLE.
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super - 2003 Cadillac Escalade
By lastminute - October 31 - 2:00 amI used to drive an Ford Expedition. The escalade is a wonderful cadillac product that has power, cornering and comfort NOT like a truck. I love it. I drive a lot of highway miles and find the gas mileage isnt bad.
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Incredible - 2002 Cadillac Escalade
By sileagle - October 25 - 2:00 amCompared to my 1999 Escalade this vehicle has been incredible. It would be hard to envision how GM could improve on this SUV.
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LOVE IT!!! - 2003 Cadillac Escalade
By Krissa Takatsuka - October 21 - 2:00 amMy husband and I have now had our Escalade for about 6 months and its been great. Its definately a keeper. We pay alot per month but its worth every penny! The pearl white paint is beautiful, and it hides dirt pretty well. We have dubs on it, and man is it an eye catcher! People just stare when I drive by. The only complaint I have is at first the speedometer was sort of hard to read. But I love it and we plan on keeping it for a very long time. THANK YOU CADILLAC!!!
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2003 Escalade, Love it! - 2003 Cadillac Escalade
By cadman - October 8 - 2:00 amI have owned luxury SUVs in the past, Lexus 470, Infiniti QX4, etc. The 2003 Escalade offers outstanding value! I went with the Diamond White color and its beautiful. I have received several compliments about the color in the short time weve had it. Took the Escalade on a Phoenix to Denver roadtrip. It handled great, outstanding ride feel. XM radio is a must! I installed an aftermarket 15" video/DVD screen. Didnt like the small 7" screen available from Cadillac.
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I LOVE IT - 2003 Cadillac Escalade
By youknowimcute55 - September 22 - 2:00 amI love this SUV better than anything i have ever owned it is well worth the money, however gas is expensive where i live. I like everything about it. i dont think it should have been $55,000. that is like a house downpayment but i have the money so its alright i guess.
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Great Truck - 1999 Cadillac Escalade
By Oasis - September 6 - 2:00 amGreat Luxury SUV. This SUV is very powerfull, has great Leather seats, Great Bose soundsystem w/ 6 Disc Changer AND in-dash CD player. Great AUTO 4WD Feature.Great turning radius .This car does have its down sides. Barely Adequate braking. Poor Gas milage (like most other SUVs) no 3rd row seating, No Sunroof(even as an option!), so far 72k Miles and not a single problem. Very Strong and Reliable w/ great style.
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great car - 2003 Cadillac Escalade
By ken s - September 3 - 2:00 amIt is a great vehicle. I would buy another one when its time to. Love it. I got a fully loaded one w/ xm radio and navigation and onstar and sunroof. Lots of power and I always get a look from people when driving it. Very cool car.
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Excellent Escalade - 2003 Cadillac Escalade
By Goof - August 26 - 2:00 amAwesome to own and drive --- my husband enjoys his "conjicle visits" on the weekends when he gets to switch w/ me and I drive the Deville!!! I look forward to getting it back and driving it again on Mondays!!!! And man are the children ever spoiled!!!! Love it -- I dont ever want to own anything else!!!
