2000 Cadillac Escalade: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Introduced for 1999 to answer Lincoln's hot-selling Navigator, Cadillac's first truck is a gussied-up GMC Yukon Denali. Escalade, Denali, and the Chevrolet Tahoe Z71 and Limited retain their basic 1999 design for the 2000 model year, while their redesigned Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon cousins get new platforms, styling, and engines. Escalade's main Cadillac cues are its grille and its interior trim, which uses real wood and the same leather as Cadillac cars. It also has an enhanced version of GM's OnStar assistance system with a "reminder service" that helps owners keep track of appointments, birthdays, etc. Escalade now offers a choice of rear liftgate/tailgate or no-cost center-opening full doors; the latter were unavailable on '99 models. Escalade continues with an unchanged 5.7-liter V8, automatic transmission, and Autotrac 4WD, which can be used on dry pavement. Maximum towing capacity is 6500 pounds.

COMPETITION

Though this segment has cooled somewhat with the rise in fuel prices, it's still one of the hottest. Our Best Buy is the Ford Expedition. We love the size, comfort, and power of this big SUV. Hot on its heels are the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon. We were very impressed with these vehicles initially, and when we have more time to fully evaluate them we expect them to be Best Buys as well.
For a few more bucks you can get the highly recommended Toyota Land Cruiser. Its high price is the only thing holding back this refined and drivable SUV.