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Overview

The Cadillac Escalade is a full-size Sport Utility Vehicle manufactured by General Motors under the Cadillac brand. The car was marketed as a Luxury SUV and it was introduced to compete with the Lincoln Navigatorn and the Japanese SUV’s. The first generation of the Cadillac Escalade was introduced in 1999, after only 10 months of development. The second generation of the Cadillac Escalade was introduced in 2002 and stayed in production until 2006, when the third generation replaced it.

When the second generation Escalade was introduced, the car was completely redesigned. Until 2003 the Cadillac was available in two trims, the base Escalade and the Escalade EXT, which was a similarly embellished version of the Chevrolet Avalanche pickup. The base Cadillac Escalade was a 5-door SUV and the Cadillac EXT was a 4-door SUT ( Sport Utility Truck). The second generation Cadillac Escalade was available in 2-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive. The Cadillac EXT was only available in 4-wheel drive. Engine choices for the Cadillac Escalade were a 5.3 L Vortec V8 engine that produced 285 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque and a 6.0 L Vortec V8 engine that produced 345 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. The 5.3 L Vortec V8 was used on the 2-wheel drive Escalades and the 6.0 L Vortec V8 was used on the 4-wheel drive Escalades. The only transmission offered was a 4-speed automatic transmission. Standard equipment on the Cadillac Escalade included front airbags, front-side airbags, antilock four-wheel disc brakes, traction control17 inch alloy wheels, Onstar assistance system, rear-obstacle warning and Cadillac’s automatic adjusting road sensing suspension.

Year to year changes

In 2003 Cadillac introduced a new model to the line-up, the Cadillac Escalade ESV. The Escalade ESV added 22 inches to the overall length of the base Cadillac Escalade, primarily as cargo space behind the third row swat. Like the EXT the Cadillac ESV was available only in 4-wheel drive and the only engine choice was the 6.0 L Vortec V8. The same 4-speed automatic transmission was used. New this year were standard power-adjusted gas and brake pedals, power adjustable pedals tied to the seat memory system, optional second row bucket seats to replace the three-person bench seat and an optional XM radio, available to all models, that offered local programming and 100 exclusive channels for a minor monthly fee.

In 2004 a Platinum edition Cadillac Escalade ESV was introduced. This Platinum Edition available only for the Cadillac ESV featured 20 inch chromed wheels, a navigation system, and special exterior touches. A satellite radio, a tire-pressure monitoring system and a trailering package were offered as standard equipment on all 2004 Cadillac Escalades.

In 2005 the Escalade received a new interior trim, a restyled gauge cluster, an upgraded cooling system and standard chrome exhaust tips. The available navigation system was revised, and now had a touch screen interface.

In 2006, the last year of production for the second generation Cadillac Escalade, the car did not suffer any significant changes.

Additional Information

Just like any other vehicle the Cadillac Escalade did have some problems and every year there was a number of cars recalled. Most of the problems the Escalade had were only minor problems and most of them could have been fixed at the dealership.

NHTSA RECALL HISTORY

2000-04 EXT: The tailgate support cables may corrode, resulting in the sudden loss of the tailgate. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.

2002: Certain rear-folding head restraints may have been constructed to allow fingers to get pinched if inserted.

2003: AWD vehicles may have a faulty power steering bracket, resulting in a possible short to the power steering.

2003: Due to out-of-spec welding, side doors may not hold up as well as they should in a side impact crash.

2003-04: Certain vehicles may have been produced with an out-of-specification brake relief valve, making steering difficult when braking.

2003-04: Due to a production error, brake valves may have a fractured O-ring seal, requiring the driver to have to apply more pressure to brake.

2003-05: Seatbelt routing for second-row center occupant may make it difficult to position the lap portion of the belt low around the occupant's hips.

2005: Under certain vehicle-starting conditions, automatic-transmission shift lever indicator in instrument panel may not illuminate.

2006 Escalade: During extreme steering maneuvers, the power steering hose on some cars may fracture and leak fluid, causing loss of power assistance and increased steering effort.