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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  Extreme Luxury - 2003 Cadillac Escalade
  By carlover14 - October 14 - 2:00 am

  I just recently bought a 2003 Escalade and it is exactly like the 2002, which means it is excellent. I just totalled my 2002 Escalade by getting hit by a speeding dump truck and walked away without a scratch. The power is endless and the ride is extremely smooth for an SUV. I wont get any other SUV.

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  Escalade is incredible - 2003 Cadillac Escalade
  By doggy style - October 14 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car ever. I love it!

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  Cadillac Escalade Is Sick!!! - 2003 Cadillac Escalade
  By EcKoX - October 9 - 2:00 am

  This truck is soo nice. Nothing can stop it.

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  GM/Cadillac Junk! - 2000 Cadillac Escalade
  By bill doobie - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Most un-dependable vehicle made. OnStar problems required 6 service visits as the system keep killing the battery. Front end cant be aligned right. Water leaks required 3 svc. visitsBraking system sucks! Cadillac service and Detroit Customer Service is useless. This owner will never buy a GM vehicle again.

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  Like Riding on Air - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
  By Jim Davis - October 6 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle for its all wheel drive (we live in the mountains and travel through snow) and its towing capability (8100 pounds). I have had the car for just one week and am very happy with it so far. The surprizing thing about it is that my milage is the same as I had with theToyota Tundra I traded in for it, 15.2 mpg overall.

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  My escalade - 2003 Cadillac Escalade
  By Dr. Chaudhry - October 6 - 2:00 am

  I like this escalade very muchAt first i wasnt very insterested but my kids thought it was the best After this my attention was also pulled much closer Everything in this car is very good besides the steering feel

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  Escalade - 2003 Cadillac Escalade
  By MikePoo - September 27 - 2:00 am

  This is the most incredible vehicle Ive ever driven bar none.

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  good vehicle - 2000 Cadillac Escalade
  By Erma - September 8 - 2:00 am

  this vehicle drives and rides good,classie vehicle air conditioning and heating could be inproved more comfort for each passenger

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  Big bang for the buck - 2000 Cadillac Escalade
  By chessiedog - August 23 - 2:00 am

  This is the greatest SUV I have owned. I have had a Honda CRV, Blazer, Jeep, & BMW. This is the best. Great power. All others undered powered. Cost less than others with out the options.

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  Finally! A Luxury SUV - 2002 Cadillac Escalade
  By AZHEAVEN - August 13 - 2:00 am

  As an owner of SUVs for the past 10 yrs, I am finally truly in heaven. Had plans to buy another Ford Expedition, but for 2002 nothing compares to the Cadillac Escalade AWD. You can pay more and get less or pay less and get a LOT less. If you looked at the 2001 model, come back and look again: 2002 is completely remodeled and worth your time! To think I almost didnt buy this one because the first dealer we went to was HORRIBLE. Glad we went to Coulter Cadillac. Dr Cooper was the best!