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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Luxury Stops Here - 2014 Cadillac Escalade
By Jim - June 8 - 2:29 pmPowerful and Luxurious. This model year has not kept up to current technology, however it is acceptable for basic functions.
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2WD NOT A CADILLAC RIDE - 2002 Cadillac Escalade
By Guerry - June 4 - 2:00 am2WD different suspension than 4wd -- YOU FEEL EVERY bump-- and 2wd indistinguisable from 4wd -- we test drove a 4wd and were told it was a 2WD- 4wD a wonderful vehicle- One cannot get past call center people to talk to Cadillac -- We could not get a fair deal to upgrade to 4WD -- to correct what is an obvious CADILLAC problem
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Problems/not dependable - 2002 Cadillac Escalade
By Tom Del Torre - May 20 - 2:00 amNo doubt a beautiful vehicle BUT, 7months old and in the shop 7 times. A variety of problems the least a new rear end. The worst will not start and everytime it is allegedly a different problem. At this time it is not dependable. I ve had to use other vehicles for travel--just dont know when it will stop running. I contacted Bill Lang Cad today and am waiting for a response....
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Best SUV - 2002 Cadillac Escalade
By EDollesin - May 18 - 2:00 amThe Escalade is a looker and drives like a sports car. Lots of power and beautiful interior. The stabilitrac helps with corners and does not have body roll like a regular SUV.
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King of The Hill - 2002 Cadillac Escalade
By A. Fiorentino - May 7 - 2:00 amCadillac has hit a home run with the 2002 Escalade AWD. 345 ponies & 380lbs of torque, a blast to drive. Quality seems very high and design is exceptional. It seems as if Cadillac has risen to the foreign challenge and blown them away. The Escalade is priced better than the ML, X5, and Range Rover but will outperform them anyday.
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Worst Purchase we have ever made! - 2016 Cadillac Escalade
By Roger Lake - May 5 - 6:36 amWhere do I start? Engine is consuming oil at 20k. The transmission shifts hard from first too second. My wife smells coolant from the vents. The power running boards dont always go up. The rear DVD in the third row doesnt work. Dealer claims everything is fine. I have to add oil between oil changes on my 90,000 dollar Cadillac. These cars are junk. I told my wife this but she loves the space the car has. I dont recommend these vehicles. Dont waste your hard earned money on this. Buy an Infiniti or a Lexus.
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Excellent - 2002 Cadillac Escalade
By patricia pote - April 30 - 2:00 amI have found the Escalade to be one of the best vehicle in style and performance on the market.Other than the gas mileage its a fun vehicle to drive.I just purchased a silver sand 2002 and so far ive enjoyed the ride.I have not driven my vehicle on the highway and hope that when i do it handles the same as city,just better gas mileage.
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Outstanding SUV!! - 2002 Cadillac Escalade
By Shorty - April 27 - 2:00 amThis is a big SUV, with big power. Weve had it for 5 months and havent had a single problem.
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Love the Escalade - 2002 Cadillac Escalade
By Gary Alegre - April 14 - 2:00 amI am very please with this vehicle. I have had it for 8 months. It is very comfortable, has numerous safety features, and is very powerful. The fuel economy ave 13.7 mpg and is a little low.
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great suv - 2002 Cadillac Escalade
By robc - April 12 - 2:00 amDont even consider buying ANY import suv until you drive the ESCALADE.This is the most impressive domestic car since the introduction of the Corvette.
