Cadillac Cars

Cadillac Escalade

The Cadillac Escalade moves to the new GMT900 platform for the 2007 model year. Its introduction was accelerated as sales began slipping. The regular Escalade will be joined by a stretched ESV version as well as a new EXT pickup truck. The 2007 Escalade was the official vehicle of Super Bowl XL, with MVP Hines Ward being awarded one of the first Escalades produced.

Cadillac Escalade
$54,945

4WD Escalade
$57,280

Upon introduction, both trims are equipped with a standard 6.2-liter, V8 engine that achieves 13-mpg in the city and 19-mpg on the highway (this engine produces 403 hp (301 kW) and 417 ft·lbf (565 N·m).). A new six-speed 6L80 Hydra-Matic automatic transmission will be used. The new body boasts a 0.363 drag coefficient, though the large frontal area will hurt aerodynamics.

The 2007 Cadillac Escalade is a 4-door, up to 8-passenger luxury sport-utility, available in two trims, the 2WD and the AWD. One major new feature absent from the production vehicle is American Axle's "I-Ride" rear independent suspension module. Instead, a conventional five-link suspension is used.

A special Platinum ESV model will follow in 2007. GM's Active Fuel Management will come in 2008.

The Cadillac Escalade can accelerate to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 6.8 seconds. Fuel economy is rated at 14 mpg (16.8 L/100 km) in the city and 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km) on the highway.

The 2007 Cadillac Escalade is redesigned for 2007.

Cadillac Escalade EXT

The Escalade EXT pickup truck (released alongside its twin, the Chevrolet Avalanche) was introduced in 2002. 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 seating for five. The EXT was only offered with the 6.0 L High Output engine. high-intensity discharge headlights were offered for 2003.

The 2006 Cadillac Escalade EXT receives an optional power sliding tonneau cover for the bed and a sliding load floor capable of holding 1,000-lbs. of cargo. The latter, available as a late introduction option, is attached to the truck bed and slides out over the open tailgate for easy loading and unloading. Additional minor changes include revised illuminated vanity mirror and PRNDL instrument panel display lighting, the latter using LEDs for overall clarity and reliability. Other alterations include relocating the outside temperature display from the rearview mirror to the climate controls. Lastly, rest assured that the body-to-chassis bolts have been beefed up from 12mm to 14mm.

Cadillac Escalade EXT
$54,430

Advantages of the 2006 Cadillac Escalade EXT:

Stout power from the 6.0-liter V8 engine

Comfortable seating front and rear

High-amperage alternator for powering plasma TVs

Huge amount of cargo space

Pop-culture icon status

Cadillac Escalade ESV

The extended-length Escalade ESV (based on the Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon XL) was introduced in 2003. The Escalade ESV is also Cadillac's most expensive SUV with prices ranging from $59,680 for a base Standard version to $71,050 for a top-of-the-line Escalade Platinum.

Cadillac Escalade ESV
$59,890

Having received a host of changes for 2005, alterations to the 2006 Cadillac Escalade ESV border on the miniscule. The illuminated vanity mirrors and PRNDL instrument panel display are updated with revised lighting, the latter using LEDs for overall clarity and reliability. Other changes include relocating the outside temperature display from the rearview mirror to the climate controls. Lastly, rest assured that the body-to-chassis bolts have been beefed up from 12mm to 14mm. An all-new 2007 Cadillac Escalade ESV is slated to arrive by summer of 2006.

The 2006 Cadillac Escalade ESV is the largest, most luxurious SUV you can buy, especially the tricked-out Platinum Edition. Fuel economy is terrible, build quality sometimes haphazard, and forget about doing any serious off-roading - with no low range transfer case, the toughest trails this SUV should see are those to the local mall. If you can live with these few detriments to ownership, the 2006 Cadillac Escalade ESV is an excellent choice.