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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Not Happy with this Car - 1999 Cadillac Escalade
By ironhorse - August 7 - 2:00 amCar has basically new tires on it. I have spent the last 3 Fridays either at the dealership or tire shop trying to figure out why the car wobbles at 65-72 mph and 30 mpn. They are going to try another set. The windows creak still and the rear end still shudders on take off.Its an ok SUV but I am ready to trade it back in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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The best ride - 2000 Cadillac Escalade
By T HALL - August 3 - 2:00 amyou know what Ive owned Chevrolet,GMC,jimmys and they all just fall apart .Several months after my purchase of GMC, I noticed rattling noise while driving. Sometimes I think the doors are going to fly open. Not a peaceful roadtrip vehicle! ever so comfortable this truck has the power with out all noise great on roadtrips and it has every thing you need in a truck but the only thing I mite not like about the truck is its so nice that you dont want to take it off roading .and the service that you get with a Cadillac theres no comparison .
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Great Truck - 2002 Cadillac Escalade
By Time Out - July 18 - 2:00 amMy second escalde, A pure pleasure to drive.
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Very Satisfied - 2002 Cadillac Escalade
By Mr. ATL - July 16 - 2:00 amI have driven high-end luxury cars for most of my adult life. I currently own a 2001 BMW X5 (wife car) and traded out of a 99 Mercedes ML430 for the Escalade. That being said, I would like to say that the Escalade to date has more than met my expectations. I actually enjoy driving this vehicle more than the ML and BMW. I know the quality question is still unanswered with the car being so new but so far, I have not had any problems with the vehicle.
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Dont Buy - 2007 Cadillac Escalade
By Dillpickle AndDena - July 14 - 4:05 pmI have two Cadillacs I bought new. We did all the maintenance but yet both cars needed new engines. My 2008 cts at 110,000 miles. And my 2007 escalade about 105,000 miles. I had an aftermarket warranty on both cars thank goodness! If not, I would be carless. I will no longer buy Cadillac. They dont make their cars to last. In my area I have a dealership in Naples and ft myers. Ft myers one treated me so good until my car got old! In fact they didnt want to work on them after the 100,000 mile mark. They put in the engine in the cts and did such a poor job. I will never use that dealership again!
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Disappointed with Cadillac - 2000 Cadillac Escalade
By HL - July 14 - 2:00 amThe power steering was almost impossible to turn at times,the power locks did not work on certain doors, the radio stations would not come in because the TV sound kept defaulting, and the door would not close on occasion because the latch was stuck. They didnt even have the common sense to put a REAR DOOR LATCH on the vehicle so that you could get into the back when the doors are unlocked. My husband and I are very disappointed with the so- called "Cadillac". He feels that the Escalade is junk and that our GMC Jimmy was far better. We are considering purchasing the new GMC Envoy. It seems far more superior.
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Its All That - 2002 Cadillac Escalade
By Escalade - July 9 - 2:00 amI love this Truck, ive had about 4 or 5 Suvs over the years and known of them compare. The Ride and comfort make it feel like your not even driving.
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earcad - 2004 Cadillac Escalade
By fredneck - July 6 - 2:00 amPurchased Escalade ESV (long wheelbase) as replacement for older suv and car (2 vehicles)got all I bargained for and more. Roomy-stylish-practical-responsive More car for your dollar than any others, with nav, sunroof, mag wheels, three seats that adults can actually sit in w/o being cramped, firm road feel with all the safties, stabilitrak, levelride etc. Cad. did their homework.
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Escalade style - 2007 Cadillac Escalade
By matthew hall - July 4 - 5:59 pmLove my escalade most of my car have been customized to make them suit my taste. The escalade is just right the way it comes. Great power and sound, yet quite and comfortable on the road. And with factory 22 wheels it comands attention where we go.
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2000 Cadillac Escalade - 2000 Cadillac Escalade
By MDC - June 13 - 2:00 amThis vehicle is a major disappointment. Ergonomics/design are horrible and quality is unbelievably bad for any vehicle, especially a Cadillac. If you dont need the size, get something more reliable and less of a headache, like a GMC Jimmy/Envoy.
