Vehicle History Report
Get a CARFAX Vehicle History... the first step to protecting yourself from costly hidden problems.
- • New Cars
2003 Cadillac Escalade Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Also in the 2003 Cadillac Escalade Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Cadillac Escalade Full Review
7.
8.
2003 Cadillac Escalade Review
Cadillac's luxury SUV gets an extended-length wagon for 2003. Joining the Chevrolet Tahoe-size Escalade is the longer, Chevy Suburban-length Escalade ESV. Escalade EXT, meanwhile, is a gilded version of the Chevrolet Avalanche SUV/pickup truck. New for all Escalades are standard power-adjustable gas and brake pedals and optional XM satellite radio and navigation system. New for the wagons are 2nd-row bucket seats.
Escalade's SUVs share a platform with GM's other full-size SUVs, including the GMC Yukon and Denali, but have more power and unique appointments. Standard are front side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, traction control, Cadillac's automatic-adjusting road-sensing suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels, and rear-obstacle-warning and OnStar assistance systems.
The ESV adds 22 inches to the regular-length Escalade, primarily as cargo space. Two 2nd-row buckets are standard on ESV and optional on the regular Escalade for 7-passenger capacity. Both seat eight when equipped with the 2nd-row bench. The regular Escalade offers rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive without low-range gearing. ESV is AWD only. AWD Escalades have a 6.0-liter V8 and tow up to 7800 lb, 2WD models have a 5.3 V8 and tow 7300 lb. EXT is a 4-dr crew cab pickup with a "midgate" wall between cab and cargo bed. The rear window removes and the midgate folds with the rear seat to extend the bed from 5.3 ft to 8.1. It seats five, but just two with the midgate folded. EXT comes only with AWD and the 6.0 V8; towing capacity is 7400 lb. All Escalades have antiskid control. The power-adjustable pedals work with the standard seat-memory system.
Escalade's SUVs share a platform with GM's other full-size SUVs, including the GMC Yukon and Denali, but have more power and unique appointments. Standard are front side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, traction control, Cadillac's automatic-adjusting road-sensing suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels, and rear-obstacle-warning and OnStar assistance systems.
The ESV adds 22 inches to the regular-length Escalade, primarily as cargo space. Two 2nd-row buckets are standard on ESV and optional on the regular Escalade for 7-passenger capacity. Both seat eight when equipped with the 2nd-row bench. The regular Escalade offers rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive without low-range gearing. ESV is AWD only. AWD Escalades have a 6.0-liter V8 and tow up to 7800 lb, 2WD models have a 5.3 V8 and tow 7300 lb. EXT is a 4-dr crew cab pickup with a "midgate" wall between cab and cargo bed. The rear window removes and the midgate folds with the rear seat to extend the bed from 5.3 ft to 8.1. It seats five, but just two with the midgate folded. EXT comes only with AWD and the 6.0 V8; towing capacity is 7400 lb. All Escalades have antiskid control. The power-adjustable pedals work with the standard seat-memory system.
Competition
Luxury SUVs vary in size and type, including former members of both the Full-size and Midsize SUV classes, along with a few all-new models. All offer higher standards of workmanship, comfort, refinement, and pricing than other SUVs.
Our Best Buys are Acura MDX and Toyota Land Cruiser. Both are extremely capable on-road and offer roomy interiors that feature quality workmanship and materials. MDX gets slightly better fuel economy and is more reasonably priced. Land Cruiser offers a V8 engine, rugged body-on-frame chassis, and true off-road ability.
Though rugged and trucky, the Recommended Mercedes-Benz M-Class is spacious, offers a variety of model and engine choices, and numerous safety features. If you don't venture too far off-road, take a look at the car-based Lexus RX 300. Recommended based on price, refinement, and luxury appointments.
Our Best Buys are Acura MDX and Toyota Land Cruiser. Both are extremely capable on-road and offer roomy interiors that feature quality workmanship and materials. MDX gets slightly better fuel economy and is more reasonably priced. Land Cruiser offers a V8 engine, rugged body-on-frame chassis, and true off-road ability.
Though rugged and trucky, the Recommended Mercedes-Benz M-Class is spacious, offers a variety of model and engine choices, and numerous safety features. If you don't venture too far off-road, take a look at the car-based Lexus RX 300. Recommended based on price, refinement, and luxury appointments.
News
Cadillac truck sales soared 56 percent in 2002, helped by the addition of the EXT and continued volunteer endorsements by "bad boy" celebs who just love the "'Slade". The long-body ESV wagon was not a factor, but may be this year.
All 2004 Escalades reportedly get minor styling changes, a revised dashboard, and probably a few new features. GM won't issue clean-sheet full-size trucks, Escalades included, until at least 2008.
This summer, however, Cadillac enters the crossover fray with the 2004 SRX, which shares a basic platform and some underpinnings with the entry-level CTS sedan. Aimed at the BMW X5 and Mercedes M-Class, SRX offers rear drive or optional all-wheel drive and an updated version of Cadillac's well regarded Northstar V8 with 315 hp. A CTS-based 3.6-liter V6 with 260 hp reportedly comes online a few months later. A 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift gate is standard, as are ABS and StabiliTrak antiskid system. Options include a third-row bench seat, rear DVD entertainment, and a king-size "UltraView" moonroof. Also available is GM MagneRide--special shock absorbers that use a magnetized fluid to automatically vary damping firmness as needed. It's basically the same system found in Chevrolet's 50th Anniversary 2003 Corvette. SRX prices have yet to be announced, but Cadillac says MSRPs will range from just under $40,000 for a rear-drive V6 to just over $50K for a loaded AWD V8.
All 2004 Escalades reportedly get minor styling changes, a revised dashboard, and probably a few new features. GM won't issue clean-sheet full-size trucks, Escalades included, until at least 2008.
This summer, however, Cadillac enters the crossover fray with the 2004 SRX, which shares a basic platform and some underpinnings with the entry-level CTS sedan. Aimed at the BMW X5 and Mercedes M-Class, SRX offers rear drive or optional all-wheel drive and an updated version of Cadillac's well regarded Northstar V8 with 315 hp. A CTS-based 3.6-liter V6 with 260 hp reportedly comes online a few months later. A 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift gate is standard, as are ABS and StabiliTrak antiskid system. Options include a third-row bench seat, rear DVD entertainment, and a king-size "UltraView" moonroof. Also available is GM MagneRide--special shock absorbers that use a magnetized fluid to automatically vary damping firmness as needed. It's basically the same system found in Chevrolet's 50th Anniversary 2003 Corvette. SRX prices have yet to be announced, but Cadillac says MSRPs will range from just under $40,000 for a rear-drive V6 to just over $50K for a loaded AWD V8.
2003 Cadillac Escalade Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration | Steering feel |
| Quietness | Fuel economy |
| Passenger and cargo room | Entry/exit |
| Trailer-towing capability | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Ample, despite occasional transmission indecision in full-throttle downshifts. Cadillac pegs 6.0-liter Escalade SUVs at about 8.5 sec 0-60 mph, the 2WD 5.3-liter version at 9.5. EXT weighs only slightly less, shares 6.0-liter acceleration feel.
| AWD Base | ESV | EXT | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.4 |
Ample, despite occasional transmission indecision in full-throttle downshifts. Cadillac pegs 6.0-liter Escalade SUVs at about 8.5 sec 0-60 mph, the 2WD 5.3-liter version at 9.5. EXT weighs only slightly less, shares 6.0-liter acceleration feel.
Fuel Economy
Test regular-length AWD SUVs averaged 13.7-15.6 mpg in city/highway driving, just 12.6 in all-city use. Similarly, test ESV averaged 14.9 overall, 12.9 in city. Test EXT averaged 15.7 mpg in primarily highway work, 11.2 city. Cadillac recommends regular-grade fuel for 5.3 V8, premium for 6.0.
| AWD Base | ESV | EXT | Class Average |
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 1.9 |
Test regular-length AWD SUVs averaged 13.7-15.6 mpg in city/highway driving, just 12.6 in all-city use. Similarly, test ESV averaged 14.9 overall, 12.9 in city. Test EXT averaged 15.7 mpg in primarily highway work, 11.2 city. Cadillac recommends regular-grade fuel for 5.3 V8, premium for 6.0.
Ride Quality
Mostly absorbent, though wallowy at times and always obviously trucklike. Ride quality composure better in longer ESV. Standard rear-leveling suspension a benefit.
| AWD Base | ESV | EXT | Class Average |
| 5 | 6 | 5 | 5.4 |
Mostly absorbent, though wallowy at times and always obviously trucklike. Ride quality composure better in longer ESV. Standard rear-leveling suspension a benefit.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Ponderous in all but gentle cornering, and slow to respond to steering inputs. Steering itself light and vague, demands fatiguing attention on highway. Brakes feel spongy but have adequate power, though don't expect quick, short stops.
| AWD Base | ESV | EXT | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.3 |
Ponderous in all but gentle cornering, and slow to respond to steering inputs. Steering itself light and vague, demands fatiguing attention on highway. Brakes feel spongy but have adequate power, though don't expect quick, short stops.
Quietness
Fine isolation from wind, road, engine noise. Removing EXT's rear window or dropping midgate increases noise levels, but not unduly so.
| AWD Base | ESV | EXT | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.2 |
Fine isolation from wind, road, engine noise. Removing EXT's rear window or dropping midgate increases noise levels, but not unduly so.
Controls
Well-arranged dashboard shares layout with Chevy/GMC versions, but Cadillacs get classier-looking instrumentation. Interior decor plushest of any GM SUV, but plastic trim, generic controls, and fit and finish keep it well below that of import-brand competitors.
| AWD Base | ESV | EXT | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 |
Well-arranged dashboard shares layout with Chevy/GMC versions, but Cadillacs get classier-looking instrumentation. Interior decor plushest of any GM SUV, but plastic trim, generic controls, and fit and finish keep it well below that of import-brand competitors.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Plenty of head and leg room, vast shoulder width. Plush seats with fold-down armrests. Commanding road view, but small nearby objects are hidden. Helpful audio/visual rear-obstacle system warns of the unseen when backing up.
| AWD Base | ESV | EXT | Class Average |
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 7.4 |
Plenty of head and leg room, vast shoulder width. Plush seats with fold-down armrests. Commanding road view, but small nearby objects are hidden. Helpful audio/visual rear-obstacle system warns of the unseen when backing up.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Ample space for adults in 2nd row on comfortable, heated seats--bench or bucket--SUV or EXT. Third-row seat roomy in ESV, sized for preteens in regular-length Escalade, not easy to access in either. Narrow doorway bottoms hamper egress. Lofty step-in on all models.
| AWD Base | ESV | EXT | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 6.4 |
Ample space for adults in 2nd row on comfortable, heated seats--bench or bucket--SUV or EXT. Third-row seat roomy in ESV, sized for preteens in regular-length Escalade, not easy to access in either. Narrow doorway bottoms hamper egress. Lofty step-in on all models.
Cargo Room
Unlike ESV, regular Escalade SUV has little space behind 3rd row. On both, 3rd row folds for extra room and removes fairly easily to open up vast cargo area--especially with 2nd-row seat folded. EXT hauls what most big pickups can, though rear bench seat sacrificed to bulky or long loads. Folding midgate no major chore, though quicker with two people.
| AWD Base | ESV | EXT | Class Average |
| 9 | 9 | 6 | 6.9 |
Unlike ESV, regular Escalade SUV has little space behind 3rd row. On both, 3rd row folds for extra room and removes fairly easily to open up vast cargo area--especially with 2nd-row seat folded. EXT hauls what most big pickups can, though rear bench seat sacrificed to bulky or long loads. Folding midgate no major chore, though quicker with two people.
Value within Class
Interior detail execution and steering feel aren't up to the price, but Escalades have plenty of power, no-fuss AWD, and--for better or worse--styling that exudes attitude. The ESV gives you more for your money than the regular Escalade, and it feels more refined than Lincoln's Navigator. The EXT's assets are available for less money in the Avalanche.
| AWD Base | ESV | EXT | Class Average |
| 3 | 4 | 2 | 3.4 |
Interior detail execution and steering feel aren't up to the price, but Escalades have plenty of power, no-fuss AWD, and--for better or worse--styling that exudes attitude. The ESV gives you more for your money than the regular Escalade, and it feels more refined than Lincoln's Navigator. The EXT's assets are available for less money in the Avalanche.
Total Score
| AWD Base | ESV | EXT | Class Average |
| 56 | 58 | 52 | 49.3 |
Scores for all Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 23 | |
| Average Score | 49 | |
| High Score | 64 |
2003 Cadillac Escalade Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 05/29/2003
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| 2WD Base 4-door wagon | $51,055 | $46,715 | $815 |
|
|
|||
| AWD Base 4-door wagon | $53,955 | $49,369 | $815 |
|
|
|||
| AWD ESV 4-door wagon | $56,380 | $51,588 | $815 |
|
|
|||
| AWD EXT 4-door crew cab | $51,230 | $46,875 | $815 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
2WD Base
Powertrain
5.3-liter V8 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, antiskid system, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, rear-obstacle-detection system, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
OnStar System w/one-year service (navigation, roadside assistance, emergency and concierge services), air conditioning w/tri-zone automatic climate control (including rear controls), power steering, tilt leather-wrapped/wood steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, 10-way power front bucket seats, power-adjustable pedals, memory system (driver seat, pedals, mirrors), center console, cupholders, heated front and 2nd-row seats, 2nd-row split folding seat, 3rd-row stowable split folding seat, wood interior trim, overhead console (universal garage-door opener, rear radio controls, rear headphone jacks), heated power mirrors w/driver-side automatic day/night and tilt-down back-up aid, outside-mirror-mounted turn signals, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, Bose AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, analog clock, tachometer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature display, trip computer, map lights, rain-sensing intermittent wipers, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, illuminated visor mirrors, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, high-intensity-discharge headlights, fog lights, rear privacy glass, running boards, roof rack.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Front tow hooks, automatic shock-absorber control, load-leveling rear suspension, full-size spare tire, 265/70R17 tires, alloy wheels.
AWD Base adds to 2WD Base:
Powertrain
6.0-liter V8 engine, all-wheel drive.
AWD ESV adds to AWD base:
Comfort and Convenience Features
2nd-row bucket seats, 3rd-row stowable folding seat, variable-intermittent wipers.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Deletes: rain-sensing wipers.
AWD EXT adds to AWD Base:
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Removable rear window, folding midgate, stowable cargo cover.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Deletes: rain-sensing wipers, rear climate controls, 2nd-row-seat heating, split folding 3rd-row seat, rear wiper/washer.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Marketing Vehicle Pkg.
|
||
|
2WD Base, AWD Base, AWD ESV, AWD EXT
|
$3,870
|
$3,290
|
|
Power sunroof, navigation system, satellite radio.
|
||
|
Heavy-Duty Trailering Equipment
|
||
|
2WD Base, AWD Base, AWD ESV, AWD EXT
|
$190
|
$161
|
|
Trailer-hitch platform 7-wire harness, transmission-oil cooler.
|
||
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Navigation system
|
||
|
2WD Base, AWD Base, AWD ESV, AWD EXT
|
$1,995
|
$1,696
|
|
Requires satellite radio.
|
||
|
Rear-seat entertainment system
|
||
|
2WD Base, AWD Base, AWD ESV, AWD EXT
|
$1,295
|
$1,101
|
|
DVD player, overhead screen, wireless headphones. NA w/power sunroof.
|
||
|
Satellite radio
|
||
|
2WD Base, AWD Base, AWD ESV, AWD EXT
|
$325
|
$276
|
|
Requires monthly fee.
|
||
|
Power sunroof
|
||
|
2WD Base, AWD Base, AWD ESV, AWD EXT
|
$1,550
|
$1,318
|
|
2nd-row bucket seats
|
||
|
Base
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
2nd-row split bench seat
|
||
|
ESV
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
Chrome alloy wheels
|
||
|
2WD Base, AWD Base, AWD ESV, AWD EXT
|
$795
|
$509
|
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Special paint
|
||
|
2WD Base, AWD Base, AWD ESV, AWD EXT
|
$995
|
$846
|
|
|
||
2003 Cadillac Escalade Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Cadillac Escalade 4-door wagon | Cadillac Escalade ESV 4-door wagon | Cadillac Escalade EXT 4-door crew cab |
| Wheelbase, in. | 116.0 | 130.0 | 130.0 |
| Overall Length, in. | 198.9 | 219.3 | 221.4 |
| Overall Width, in. | 78.9 | 78.9 | 79.5 |
| Overall Height, in. | 74.2 | 75.7 | 75.6 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 5809 | 5839 | 5752 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 108.2 | 131.6 | -- |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- | 1147 |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 26.0 | 31.0 | 30.9 |
| Seating Capacity | 8 | 8 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.7 | 40.7 | 40.7 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.3 | 41.3 | 41.3 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.0 | 39.0 | 38.6 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 39.1 | 39.1 | 38.9 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| ohv V8 | ohv V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 5.3 /327 | 6.0 /366 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 285 @ 5200 | 345 @ 5200 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 325 @ 4000 | 380 @ 4000 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 4-speed automatic | 14/18 | 12/16 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Cadillac Escalade 4-door wagon | Cadillac Escalade ESV 4-door wagon | Cadillac Escalade EXT 4-door crew cab |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 | 4 | 3 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| Rollover Resistance | 3 | 3 | 2 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 6/100,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA, Mexico
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
Also in the 2003 Cadillac Escalade Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Cadillac Escalade Full Review
7.
8.
Car Buying Resources
Vehicle History Report
Sell Your Car
Powered by:
-
MAKE -
CATEGORY
Acura
Audi
Bentley
BMW
Buick
Cadillac
Chevrolet
Chrysler
Dodge
Ferrari
Ford
GMC
Honda
Hummer
Hyundai
Infiniti
Isuzu
Jaguar
Jeep
Kia
Lamborghini
Land Rover
Lexus
Lincoln
Lotus
Maserati
Mazda
Mercedes-Benz
Mercury
Mini
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Pontiac
Porsche
Rolls-Royce
Roush
Saab
Saturn
Scion
Smart
Subaru
Suzuki
Toyota
Volkswagen
Volvo
Subcompact Car
Compact Car
Midsize Car
Large Car
Premium Midsize Car
Premium Large Car
Sporty/performance Car
Premium Sporty/performance Car
Minivan
Full-size Van
Compact Sport-utility Vehicle
Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle
Large Sport-utility Vehicle
Compact Pickup Truck
Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle
Premium Compact Sport-utility Vehicle
Large Pickup Truck
Premium Compact Car
Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicle
Exotic Car
