2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV Review
2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV Review
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Used Escalade ESV for sale
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Vigorous power plant, best-in-class towing capacity, handles well for a large SUV.
Cons
- Poor mileage, huge size makes it cumbersome in tight spots.
What’s new
The ESV is an all-new model in the Cadillac lineup. Essentially nothing more than a slightly stretched version of the standard Escalade, the ESV incorporates all of the improvements made to the standard Escalade for 2003.
Edmunds says
With its brash styling, class-leading V8 power, well-sorted vehicle dynamics and lavish interior, the ESV is an SUV worthy of the Cadillac name.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$342/mo for Escalade ESV Base
Escalade ESV Base
vs
$254/mo
Avg. Large SUV
Vehicle overview
It may have a fancy new name, but don't be fooled. The Cadillac Escalade ESV is nothing more than a slightly stretched version of the standard Escalade -- think Chevy Tahoe vs. Chevy Suburban.
We expect that almost every feature available on the standard model will carry over to the ESV. That means brutish power in the form of a 6.0-liter, 345-horsepower V8, full-time all wheel drive, and a road sensing suspension that delivers a surprisingly taut and controlled ride.
Although almost all the interior features will remain the same, the ESV is expected to get a revised interior that will debut across the lineup for '03. The plush leather seats, Zebrano wood trim, and terrific Bose stereo system from the current model will likely stay, while the third row seat that's optional in the short wheelbase Escalade will probably come standard in the stretched ESV.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV.
5 star(74%)
4 star(22%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(4%)
1 star(0%)
23 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
I Love This Vehicle!!!
Pizzaguy, 08/21/2004
2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
The comfort, quality, reliability, and
styling of this SUV are outstanding! I
couldn't be happier!!
5 out of 5 stars
Best car I ever had
Vern Jordan, 02/21/2018
2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
I bought it used about 3 yrs ago and I had to get repairs done but that's expected, it's 15 yrs old. I am quite happy with this car. Very durable
A year later after original review,still very happy with the car. It's dependable. Just replaced fuel pump, pricey $800 range (8/23/19) but motor & transmission holding up very well. We do the necessary maintenance.
Still very happy with the … car
8/29/20
Still happy with car. Engine and transmission still run strong.
3.63 out of 5 stars
Bought Used
Corey, 12/15/2007
2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
Purchased this SUV in Nov 07 with 80,000 mi. Looks great and engine runs smooth. I am disipointed that I had to rebuild the front diff at 82000 and replace the power steering at 85000. If this continues I will have to trade it in for newer. With 5 kids my choices are limited. My other SUV is a 97 Lexus LX450 with 165000 mi and I have not had to replace or fix anything major. I hope GM … will step up the quality and build a truck that will last 200,000mi or I will go back to Toyota products once I don't need 7 seats plus storage.
4.38 out of 5 stars
Really nice traveler
bigtodd, 06/25/2008
2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
We bought this 2003 esv 1 month ago and we owned an 2000 excursion 4x4. We sold it to buy this what a great riding suv. The awd works great and we got an avg of 16.6 in stop and go traveling from va beach to north Carolina beaches.NOT BAD..we use to get 11 mpg The Int is so nice but I'm disappointed in the rear cargo area with all the plastic..could have done more...
2003 Escalade ESV Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $56,380 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 13 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $342/month |
Seating | 8 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 45.7 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Escalade ESV include:
- Alarm
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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