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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  Escalade=Navigator on Steroids - 2003 Cadillac Escalade
  By Yuppie Caddy-Lover - May 9 - 2:00 am

  This aint your grandfathers Caddy!!! This is by far the best SUV on the market. Inside and out, the Best. I actually consider driving on trips instead of flying! The reviews that tell you to buy a Lincoln instead were obviously written by people who have never driven the Escalade. That is the only way to explain their wrong advice. Granted, the MPG is not the best, but if you can afford a 50k+ vehicle, you dont care about the extra cost of the gasoline. Besides, Power=Fuel consumption. If your into Luxury and pure power, youve found it here. Yuppies have found their new signature.

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  big - 2003 Cadillac Escalade
  By boulderr - May 1 - 2:00 am

  the ride not quite as smooth as a sedan which i hoped for but adequate...overall fun to own and drive...

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  KID CAR/LUXURY VEHICLE - 2002 Cadillac Escalade
  By MLYNNESMITH - April 29 - 2:00 am

  I HAD BEEN DRIVING SEDAN DEVILLES FOR ABOUT 10 YEARS BEFORE CHANGING TO THE ESCALADE. I WATCHED THE VEHICLE UNTIL THE THIRD SEAT BECAME AVAILABLE, THEN I BOUGHT IT. I MUST SAY THAT I WAS A BIT SCHEPTICAL AS I WAS ABOUT TO CHANGE FROM A CAR TO A SUV. IN RETROSPECT, I AM GLAD I DID. I DO NOT BELIEVE I GAVE UP MY "caddie ride", NOR DID I GIVE UP MUCH OF MY ENGINE PERFORMANCE OR MANEUVERABILITY.

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  Smart Buy - 2003 Cadillac Escalade
  By rkelon - April 28 - 2:00 am

  Excellent truck, appears to have excellent build quality, rides alot like a German vehicle. Tight steering, minimum noise, we like to drive it. Could use more real wood and less plastic wood. Very good job Cadillac, vehicles like this will restore the Cadillac prestige! I hope service is included...need to ask the sales person.

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  Look into a Navigator - 2003 Cadillac Escalade
  By not_telling - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Basically just a "dressed up" Chevy suburban. looks too much like the 40k suburban but while its around 55k+. need yo put in more features/gadgets like the Lincoln. should have shift on the fly 4x4 so you can engage just 2wd instead of AWD.

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  Escalade Evaluation - 2003 Cadillac Escalade
  By bobp - April 18 - 2:00 am

  I selected the 2WD to get the 5.3L engine for better economy and with only 500 mi. on the vehicle, highway mileage is 16-18 mpg. Engine power is more than adequate. Handling for such a large vehicle is excellent with quiet ride and little wind noise. Steering responsive with good road feel. Navigation system works well once programmed with good voice prompts. Exterior finish good.

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  Great Car - 1999 Cadillac Escalade
  By EscaladeLady - April 7 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car. I have had NO trouble with my escalade, other than that the back windows only roll down about 5 inches. I just wish it was a little more distinctive than the tahoe

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  Great Truck - 2002 Cadillac Escalade
  By Jon Ukman - March 27 - 2:00 am

  Does everything and more than my previous Suburbans, Denalis, etc. Great Motor.

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  escalade - 2003 Cadillac Escalade
  By Princess9021076 - March 23 - 2:00 am

  The best truck in the world

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  Best SUV - 2003 Cadillac Escalade
  By easycad - February 21 - 2:00 am

  Excellent driveability but requires constant attention to the road. So many switches and displays that take your eyes off the road. The vehicle will drift very quickly if not constantly on guard.