Review - 2003 Cadillac Escalade - Review
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SEE ALSO: Cadillac Buyer's Guide
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WITH CAREY RUSS
The second generation of Cadillac's Escalade SUV debuted
partway through 2001 as a 2002 model. It was meant to bring
young, affluent buyers into the Cadillac fold, and succeeded beyond
Cadillac's expectations as it became a status symbol among
trendsetters like professional athletes and pop musicians. Often
second-year changes are minimal, especially to successful vehicles.
But in the auto industry these days, sitting on one's laurels is among
the best ways to lose, and so there are important new features for
the 2003 Escalade.
As before, the basic Escalade is offered in two-wheel drive or all-
wheel drive form, with the 2WD model equipped with a 285-
horsepower 5.7-liter V8 and the AWD model having a 345-hp 6.0-
liter V8. While the external styling is unchanged, both models have
a host of new interior features, thanks in part to a multiplexed
electrical architecture. The StabiliTrak stability enhancement system
standard on the AWD model has been upgraded, and the 2WD
model now has a version of StabiliTrak as well. XM satellite radio,
a DVD rear-seat entertainment system, and an upgraded Bose(tm)
sound system are now available.
I've been driving a new AWD Escalade for the past week. It's
large, but after doing a little historical research, I discovered that it
is actually shorter and narrower than some of the classics of the tail-
fin era. It is higher and heavier than those ancestors, but it also
holds more people in greater comfort. The Escalade big,
comfortable, and luxurious in a totally American way - those are
Cadillac core values, after all.
APPEARANCE: While the Escalade shares most of the gently-
rounded contours of the full-sized GM SUV family, the matte-silver
egg-crate grille, chiseled hood, angular lower cladding, and
protruding taillights distinguish it from its cousins. It's big, it has
presence, and it is the new look of Cadillac. Rearview mirrors with
integrated turn signals and factory optional chromed wheels are the
only changes to the Escalade's exterior styling for its sophomore
year - other Cadillacs are catching up to it. The angular ``stealth
fighter'' styling first introduced at the front of the Escalade can be
seen on the CTS sports sedan, and look for further development on
upcoming Cadillacs.
COMFORT: Inside, there is absolutely no doubt that the Escalade
is a Cadillac. Despite sharing its basic architecture with the other
GM full-sized SUVs, signature touches like style of the perforated
leather upholstery, and the Zebrano wood trim on the instrument
panel, center stack, and doors define the Escalade as a Cadillac.
And then there is the ``wreath and crest'' emblem embroidered into
each headrest. The instrument panel has been redesigned this year,
improving on the already good placement of instruments and
controls. Power-adjustable pedals add to driver comfort and safety,
helping to keep shorter drivers further away from the steering
wheel airbag. The steering wheel design is also new, with well-
placed auxiliary controls for audio, cruise control, and driver
information systems. As expected, the front seats are very
comfortable, with good support, and shoulder straps anchored to
the seat back make adjustment easy and add to comfort and safety.
Different heat levels can be adjusted for the back and cushion of the
front seats, and the second row seat has heating as well. For the
first time, reclining second-row bucket seats are available. My test
vehicle was so equipped, and they offer the same comfort and
support as the front buckets, plenty of head and leg room, and easy
access to the third row bench, which has a higher cushion height for
better visibility. ``Theatre seating''? Well, yes, with the new DVD
entertainment system. The third row can be removed, and the
second-row seats fold flat without removal of the headrests for
cargo versatility.
SAFETY: Dual-stage front airbags and a front passenger-sensing
system that deactivates the front passenger bag if there is less than
an adult weight in that seat are new for 2003. The four-wheel
antilock vented disc brake system has been upgraded, as has the
StabiliTrak stability enhancement system, which is now found in all
Escalades. The front seats meet 2005 Federal safety standards.
ROADABILITY: There is no denying that an Escalade is a large
vehicle, both in size and mass. And, with 10.7 inches of ground
clearance, it has a high center of gravity. So there is no way it will
change direction like a low, lightweight sports car. But good
matching of spring and shock absorber rates means luxury car ride
comfort, with less body motion (and consequent weight transfer)
than expected. The rear suspension is a solid axle, but excellent
five-link location and use of coil springs removes any axle hop. Few
owners will go off-roading, but the 10.7 inches of clearance is
handy in snow and when encountering road debris.
PERFORMANCE: At nearly 6,000 lbs, the AWD Escalade is no
lightweight. But with 345 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque, its
6.0-liter V8 has no problem moving that mass, and quickly. The
Hydra-Matic 4L65-E four-speed electronically-controlled automatic
transmission shifts smoothly, quickly, and efficiently. Acceleration
is no problem, ever, and is matched by a muscular note from the
engine. Despite its brute strength, the Escalade feels as smooth and
refined as any other Cadillac, although its 7800-lb towing capacity
is somewhat greater than that of other Cadillacs. The all-wheel
drive system is completely automatic, with no driver input
necessary.
CONCLUSIONS: What is ``The Cadillac of SUVs?'' Why, the
Cadillac Escalade, of course.
SPECIFICATIONS
2003 Cadillac Escalade
Base Price $ 53,205
Price As Tested $ 56,600
Engine Type 16-valve pushrod overhead valve V8
Engine Size 6.0 liters / 366 cu. in.
Horsepower 345 @ 5200 rpm
Torque (lb-ft) 380 @ 4000 rpm
Transmission 4-speed electronically-controlled
automatic
Wheelbase / Length 116.0 in. / 198.9 in.
Curb Weight 5809 lbs.
Pounds Per Horsepower 16.8
Fuel Capacity 26 gal.
Fuel Requirement 91 octane unleaded premium recommended
but not required
Tires P265/70 SR17 Goodyear Wrangler HP
Brakes, front/rear vented disc / vented disc,
antilock standard
Suspension, front/rear independent with torsion bars /
solid axle with 5-link location and
coil springs
Ground clearance 10.7 inches
Drivetrain front engine, all-wheel drive
PERFORMANCE
EPA Fuel Economy - miles per gallon
city / highway / observed 12 / 16 / 13.5
0 to 60 mph 8.6 sec
Towing capacity 7800 lbs.
OPTIONS AND CHARGES
Rear seat entertainment system $ 1,295
17-inch chrome wheels $ 795
XM satellite radio (subscription extra) $ 325
Trailer package $ 190
Destination charge $ 790