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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  2002 escalade 1 year report - 2002 Cadillac Escalade
  By Raymond Malen - January 2 - 2:00 am

  Very good reliability with this vehicle,first year it was back to the dealer only once.Truck is fun to drive and has a tendancy to spoil you, you think all trucks are this good.

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  The best vehicle in the world - 2002 Cadillac Escalade
  By Tiffany Schuffenecke - December 26 - 2:00 am

  i love this truck so much and want to get another one cause it rocks so much and is the bomb baby i went to florida and virginia in this instead of flying cause i love it so much

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  Awesome Car! - 2003 Cadillac Escalade
  By Blockhead - December 22 - 2:00 am

  This si the best car ever! I looked at the 2003 navigator and it just looked cheeply made! when i saw the Escalade i was amazed at the quality and the interior was fantastic!

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  Simply Awesome!!!! - 2003 Cadillac Escalade
  By dilham3 - December 20 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my Escalade for three weeks and must say i have never been happier with a vehicle. The look is sharp and the engine is so dang powerful its scary. The room inside is very plentiful and the controls are all right there for the grabing. I must say I now look for places to drive (far away) just so i can be in my Escalade.

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  bset of the big SUV - 2003 Cadillac Escalade
  By grl - December 16 - 2:00 am

  I have driven every big SUV out there, and this caddy is the best ride of all. It has plenty of power, and has a very "car like" ride If you are spending north of 50K , you can afford the gas it guzzles

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  the gas eater - 2002 Cadillac Escalade
  By spano - December 12 - 2:00 am

  over all i think this car is very godd. It has very good mileage for my uses its comfortable and roomy, the sound system in the car is good considering its the manufactured one, and the steering is excellent

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  escalade - 2002 Cadillac Escalade
  By john b - December 11 - 2:00 am

  The escalade is a dream to drive a real head spinner theres no suv on the planet that can run with the big caddy fully loaded or other wise. The only problem that I found was cabin noise fixe that and Ill buy another and another......

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  Bad to the Bone - 2003 Cadillac Escalade
  By Mongoose45 - December 10 - 2:00 am

  I traded a BMW X-5 on the Cadillac Escalade and it is one of my best decisions ever. The Escalade is a far superior vehicle. It rides so much better that it is not even close. Much more interior room, better looking interior, better exterior styling. I put 24 inch wheels on it and it is truly "Bad to the Bone". The Onstar system is fabulous. I highly recommend this vehicle for those who love luxury. Cadillac did it right!

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  Fun 2 Drive - 2002 Cadillac Escalade
  By rwmgd2 - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Awsome, fun 2 drive SUV. Could use more room for the driver and passengers.

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  great car - 2002 Cadillac Escalade
  By joeygiut - November 28 - 2:00 am

  best car ive ever driven- great milage- worth every penny