The Cadillac Escalade is sold by the General Motors luxury brand, Cadillac. It is a full-size, luxury sport utility vehicle. It was Cadillac’s first major entry into the popular SUV market. The Escalade was introduced for the 1999 model year in response to German and Japanese competitors and to Ford's 1998 release of the Lincoln Navigator. The standard Escalade is built in Arlington, Texas. It was originally based on the GMC Yukon Denali, but was redesigned for the 2002 model year to make its appearance become more in tune with Cadillac’s new design theme. As of today, the Escalade and Escalade EXT pickup are, together with the Cadillac BLS, the only Cadillac vehicles made outside of the United States. Both the Escalade ESV (a luxurious Chevrolet Suburban) and Escalade EXT (based on the Avalanche pickup truck) were made in Silao, Mexico before the 2006 redesign. The new Escalade ESV is sourced from Arlington, Texas. Major competitors of the Escalade include the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, Lexus LX series, Infiniti QX56, and the Lincoln Navigator.
The Escalade was not sold for the 2001 model year, and then returned completely redesigned for the 2002 model year. Rear-wheel drive became standard, as was a 5.3 L V8, with all-wheel drive and the special high-output Vortec 6.0 L V8 engine as options. All models (except for the EXT) began seating a total of eight people. The "StabiliTrak" stability control system was upgraded to a four-wheel version for 2003 and power-adjustable pedals were added. For 2004, 20-inch chrome wheels were offered, and XM Satellite Radio, second-row bucket seats, and a tire pressure monitoring system were made standard on all Escalades except the EXT. The 5.3 L engine was dropped for 2005 and the OnStar system was upgraded.
The Escalade EXT pickup truck, released alongside the Chevy Avalanche (its twin), was introduced in 2002 from the Cadillac division of General Motors. It features a "Convert-a-Cab" composite pickup bed that can be expanded into the truck's cab through a bottom-hinged door. Like the Avalanche, the EXT has four full-size doors and seats five. The EXT was only offered with the 6.0 L High Output engine. High-intensity discharge headlights were offered in 2003. The Escalade EXT (based on the Cadillac Escalade) was created as a direct competitor to the failed Lincoln Blackwood, a luxury pickup truck based on the Ford F-150. Currently, it competes with the Lincoln Mark LT, another F-150-based pickup truck that made its debut in 2006.Engines
- 2002-2003 5.3 L Vortec V8, 285 hp (213 kW)
- 2004-2006 5.3 L Vortec V8, 295 hp (220 kW)
- 2002-2006 6.0 L HO Vortec V8, 345 hp (257 kW)
Options, Features, & Specifications
Year Range: 2002-2006
Passengers: 5-8
Fuel Mileage: 13-17 MPG
Horsepower: 285-345 BHP
Torque: 350-380 LB-FT
Towing Capacity: 7,400-8,100 lbs
List of some of the standard features:
A/C, Rear Air, Power Everything, AM/FM Stereo, Multi CD, Premium Sound (Bose), OnStar, Parking Sensors, Front Air Bags, Front Side Air Bags, ABS, Traction Control, Leather, Dual Power Seats, Roof Rack, Running Boards