2003 Cadillac Escalade Review and Specs

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

With its brash styling, class-leading V8 power, well-sorted vehicle dynamics and upgraded interior, the 2003 Cadillac Escalade is finally becoming an SUV worthy of the Cadillac name.

Pros

Vigorous power plant, best-in-class towing capacity, handles well for a large SUV.

Cons

Poor mileage, must pay the premium for all-wheel drive to get the big engine.

What's New for 2003

Despite brisk sales of the Escalade in 2002, there are numerous upgrades for 2003 to keep the luxury sport-ute at the top of its game. An improved StabiliTrak stability control system is now standard on both two- and all-wheel-drive models, while all Escalades get an improved braking system, High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals and chrome wheels as an option. The interior has also been updated with new features like tri-zone climate control, satellite steering wheel controls and a redesigned instrument cluster and center console. The standard Bose audio system received some minor upgrades while new options include XM Satellite Radio, a DVD entertainment system and second-row captain's chairs. Added safety comes in the way of dual-stage airbags, adjustable pedals, a front-passenger seat sensor and three-point belts for all first- and second-row passengers.

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

The Slade

Written by: Rex on 11/21/2006

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	8	Interior Design:	6	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	2	Exterior Design:	10

Vehicle

2003 Cadillac Escalade AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)

Review

This is a great vehicle. It sounds like a muscle car when started. The only thing that I don't like is where the heated seat warmer button is. This is because every time I lock the door or open the window, I accidentally hit the stupid heated seat button, and the next thing I know, my butt is on fire (or it feels like it). This is very frustrating. Other than that, the truck is very reliable and has very good performance. It also turns heads. I love the halogen lights as well. Overall this is a great vehicle!

Favorite Features

The halogen lights, AWD, and the 6.0 V8 engine.

Suggested Improvements

Move the heated seat button. Also, I would like to get better than 13 mpg,

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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'03 Escalade

Written by: R & D on 09/02/2006


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	8
Comfort:	9	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	7	Exterior Design:	10

After my first week of owership I became very disappointed for about the next three months because it turned out that we wound up with an Escalade that had a lemon differential. Once the service department figured out what was wrong with the car and totally replaced the differential with a brand new one, my truck started spending more time with us instead of in the shop. Although it was fun driving all the different "new lenders" they gave us to drive while the car was in the shop.

The passing power that this vehicle has while towing a very heavy boat and trailer is great.

It needs a better Navigation system, more like the ones in Lexus or Nissan.

We still love our Escalade!

Written by: Dar on 07/11/2006


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	7	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	5	Exterior Design:	10

2003 Cadillac Escalade Rwd 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 4A)

We have been very happy with our Escalade. At about 70,000 the transmission went out and our extended warranty took care of. They did a repair and not a replacement. Other than that this has been a great truck. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a newer one next year.

The Escalade looks good and has plenty of room.

The console display needs to be turned towards the driver. It would be better if it was centered. Also the console box opens towards driver. Since a truck that big usually has passengers it should open in the front. I think the Escalades now have a power rear door. The door is very heavy to shut and huge to open.

My first American made vehicle

Written by: msjanuary on 12/26/2005


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	9
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	8	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	3	Exterior Design:	9

I love the performance of the 2003 Cadillac Escalade as a whole. The gas mileage is tough, but it drives like a dream. I have owned Mercedes and Lexus and the comfort on this Escalade runs circles around those cars. I love how high it sits and the way it handles through mountains. I generally keep vehicles for three years, but I will keep this an extra year then buy the new model. It is super.

Improve the gas mileage.

What an SUV, What an SUV

Written by: I gotta Escalade on 10/25/2005


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	8	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	10	Exterior Design:	10

The Cadillac Escalade is a very nice SUV even eith gas prices rising. I bought a 2003 White Diamond Escalade and it draws attention when people see it going down the road. It enables me to carry all of my family at once and be comfortable. It also enables me (the driver) to be comfortable and have fun. Truly it is a good, stylish luxury vehicle.

The color, seating capacity, CD player, DVD player, sunroof / moonfroof, OnStar, and navigation system.

Make the floor deeper or the seats higher on the 3rd row.

2003 Cadillac Escalade Consumer Ratings & Reviews