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2004 Cadillac Escalade Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Also in the 2004 Cadillac Escalade Review:
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6.
Cadillac Escalade Full Review
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2004 Cadillac Escalade Review
Standard satellite radio and a premium edition with 20-inch wheels top 2004 additions to Cadillac's line of full-size luxury SUVs. Escalade is based on the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, but has upscale trim and different engines. The base Escalade is Tahoe sized. Escalade ESV is Suburban sized, adding 22 inches of length to the base Escalade. Both seat up to eight when equipped with a 2nd-row bench seat. Two 2nd-row buckets are standard, for 7-passenger capacity. Escalade EXT is a 4-dr crew cab pickup similar to Chevrolet's Avalanche with a "midgate" wall between the 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. EXT seats five, but just two with the midgate folded.
The base Escalade comes in rear-wheel drive with a 5.3-liter V8 or all-wheel drive with a 6.0 V8. ESV and EXT come only with AWD and the 6.0 V8. AWD models do not have low-range gearing. Standard on all are front side airbags, ABS, traction/antiskid control, and Cadillac's automatic-adjusting Road Sensing Suspension. Also included are power-adjustable gas and brake pedals, rear-obstacle warning, and OnStar assistance. A navigation system is optional. Building on the ESV is the new Platinum Edition model that includes a navigation system, special exterior and interior appearance touches, and 20-inch chrome alloy wheels in place of Escalade's standard 17-inch alloys. Now standard on all Escalades are the previously optional tire-pressure monitor and trailering package.
The base Escalade comes in rear-wheel drive with a 5.3-liter V8 or all-wheel drive with a 6.0 V8. ESV and EXT come only with AWD and the 6.0 V8. AWD models do not have low-range gearing. Standard on all are front side airbags, ABS, traction/antiskid control, and Cadillac's automatic-adjusting Road Sensing Suspension. Also included are power-adjustable gas and brake pedals, rear-obstacle warning, and OnStar assistance. A navigation system is optional. Building on the ESV is the new Platinum Edition model that includes a navigation system, special exterior and interior appearance touches, and 20-inch chrome alloy wheels in place of Escalade's standard 17-inch alloys. Now standard on all Escalades are the previously optional tire-pressure monitor and trailering package.
News
Reports have Escalade being redesigned for 2007 or '08 along with GM's other full-size SUVs and pickups. There's also talk of a hot V-Series model or two, possibly for '06, with a souped-up V8, a new V10, or even a V12. Cadillac has been testing a V12 based on its 4.6-liter Northstar V8 that fits the Escalade engine bay without major modification. As it happens, GM opens a new plant in mid-2005 to build low-volume, high-performance engines, and this plus hints from Cadillac execs are fueling rumors that a V12 'Slade is imminent. Some think Caddy would introduce it before the redesign to shore up buyer interest in the current model.
Then again, Caddy may have to shift gears if gas prices soar and buyers start shunning thirsty vehicles. No problem, because GM should soon be converting most of its V8s to Displacement on Demand, a system that shuts down half the cylinders at light throttle loads to save fuel, such as in highway cruising. Look for Escalade to get DOD sooner rather than later if America experiences another prolonged fuel shock.
Then again, Caddy may have to shift gears if gas prices soar and buyers start shunning thirsty vehicles. No problem, because GM should soon be converting most of its V8s to Displacement on Demand, a system that shuts down half the cylinders at light throttle loads to save fuel, such as in highway cruising. Look for Escalade to get DOD sooner rather than later if America experiences another prolonged fuel shock.
2004 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. Towing capacities are 7400 lb for base Escalade, 8100 for ESV, 7700 for EXT.
| AWD Base | ESV | EXT | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.6 |
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. Towing capacities are 7400 lb for base Escalade, 8100 for ESV, 7700 for EXT.
Fuel Economy
Test regular-length AWD base Escalade 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 | 2 |
Test regular-length AWD base Escalade 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 better in longer ESV. Standard rear-leveling suspension a benefit. We have not yet tested Platinum Edition with 20-inch wheels.
| AWD Base | ESV | EXT | Class Average |
| 5 | 6 | 5 | 5.4 |
Mostly absorbent, though wallowy at times and always obviously trucklike. Ride quality better in longer ESV. Standard rear-leveling suspension a benefit. We have not yet tested Platinum Edition with 20-inch wheels.
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 | 5.3 |
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 | 7.6 |
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 | 7.4 |
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 $50,000 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 $50,000 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 | 50.4 |
Scores for all Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 23 | |
| Average Score | 50 | |
| High Score | 63 |
2004 Cadillac Escalade Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/22/2004
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| 2WD Base 4-door wagon | $52,635 | $48,161 | $850 |
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| AWD Base 4-door wagon | $55,535 | $50,815 | $850 |
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| AWD ESV 4-door wagon | $57,935 | $53,011 | $850 |
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| AWD ESV Platinum Edition 4-door wagon | $69,305 | $63,414 | $850 |
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| AWD EXT 4-door crew cab | $52,815 | $48,326 | $850 |
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, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
OnStar telematics system w/one-year service, 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 bucket seats, 3rd-row split folding seat, wood interior trim, 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, satellite radio (requires monthly fee), rear radio controls, analog clock, tachometer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, overhead console, universal garage-door opener, trip computer, map lights, variable-intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, 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, trailer-hitch platform, 7-wire harness, 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
3rd-row folding seat.
AWD ESV Platinum Edition adds to ESV:
Comfort and Convenience Features
14-way power front seats w/power lumbar adjustment, heated/cooled front and 2nd-row seats, heated/cooled cupholders, power sunroof, navigation system, rear-seat DVD entertainment system.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Lowered suspension, 275/55R20 tires, chrome alloy wheels.
AWD EXT adds to AWD Base:
Comfort and Convenience Features
2nd-row split folding seat.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Removable rear window, folding midgate, stowable cargo cover.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Deletes: rear climate controls, 2nd-row-seat heating, 3rd-row split folding seat, rear wiper/washer.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Select Edition
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2WD Base, AWD Base, AWD ESV, AWD EXT
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$4,340
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$3,689
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Power sunroof, navigation system, AM/FM/CD player, chrome alloy wheels. NA Platinum Edition.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Navigation system
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2WD Base, AWD Base, AWD ESV, AWD EXT
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$1,995
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$1,696
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Replaces standard AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer with AM/FM/CD player. Std. Platinum Edition.
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Rear-seat entertainment system
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2WD Base, AWD Base, AWD ESV, AWD EXT
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$1,295
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$1,101
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DVD player, overhead screen, wireless headphones. Std. Platinum Edition.
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Power sunroof
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Base, EXT, ESV
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$1,550
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$1,318
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2nd-row split bench seat
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Base, ESV
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$0
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$0
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Special paint
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2WD Base, AWD Base, AWD ESV, AWD ESV Platinum Edition, AWD EXT
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$995
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$846
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Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
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Chrome alloy wheels
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Base, EXT, ESV
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$795
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$509
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2004 Cadillac Escalade Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Cadillac Escalade 4-door wagon | Cadillac Escalade ESV 4-door wagon | Cadillac Escalade EXT crew cab |
| Wheelbase, in. | 116.0 | 130.0 | 130.0 |
| Overall Length, in. | 198.9 | 221.4 | 221.4 |
| Overall Width, in. | 78.9 | 78.9 | 79.5 |
| Overall Height, in. | 74.2 | 75.7 | 75.6 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 5571 | 5820 | 5879 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 104.6 | 108.0 | -- |
| 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. | 39.4 | 39.0 | 38.6 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 38.6 | 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 |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 4-speed automatic | 14/18 | 13/17 |
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 crew cab |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 | 4 | 3 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 | 3 | 4 |
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/-- | Premium Care standard on XLR. Includes oil and oil filter replacement, engine air filter replacement, and passenger compartment air filter replacement at regularly scheduled maintenance intervals for the first four years or 50,000 miles. |
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
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
Also in the 2004 Cadillac Escalade Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Cadillac Escalade Full Review
7.
8.
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