2004 Cadillac Escalade Review

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

With its brash styling, class-leading V8 power, well-sorted vehicle dynamics and plush interior, the 2004 Cadillac Escalade is finally an SUV worthy of the Cadillac name.

Pros

Endless power from V8, plush ride quality, feels nimble around turns, comfortable seats, plenty of cargo capacity, all the latest technological gadgets, best-in-class towing capacity.

Cons

Poor mileage, a few noticeable instances of cost cutting, must pay a premium to get the big engine.

What's New for 2004

Although the 2004 Cadillac Escalade remains basically unchanged, there are a few upgrades to the standard equipment list and how some optional equipment can be configured. XM Satellite Radio, a tire-pressure monitoring system, second-row bucket seats and a tow package are all now standard equipment, while a sunroof can now be ordered in conjunction with the rear-seat DVD entertainment system. Blue Chip, Quicksilver and Red E are new exterior colors.

2004 Cadillac Escalade Overview

Introduction

When the Escalade was introduced in 1999, the Cadillac faithful were a little nervous. After all, the idea of a truck bearing the Cadillac wreath and crest just didn't seem like it had much promise. And then there was the vehicle itself -- an underpowered, overclad behemoth that used heavy doses of leather and wood trim to conceal the fact it was nothing more than a slightly reworked Chevrolet Tahoe. But to everyone's surprise, the Escalade sold well. The public's insatiable thirst for SUVs overcame the original vehicle's initial mediocrity to make it one of the best-selling models in Cadillac's lineup.

After skipping the 2001 model year, the Escalade returned in 2002 with an all-new look and significantly revised underpinnings. The results were nothing short of a home run as the Escalade became one of the most popular full-size luxury sport-utilities on the market. Its combination of bold styling and class-leading engine power made it popular with high-profile athletes and power-hungry executives alike.

Although it's still based on the Chevrolet Tahoe-GMC Yukon twins, the Escalade now features enough exclusive hardware to qualify it for premium status. Upgrades like a road-sensing suspension, a 345-horsepower V8 and a thundering Bose sound system rank the Escalade right up there with the best in the business when it comes to luxury sport-utes. If you like 'em big, bold and chock-full of high-tech goodies, the 2004 Cadillac Escalade will certainly fill the bill.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

In keeping with its premium image, the seven-passenger 2004 Cadillac Escalade comes in one trim level only. The standard features list is extensive, including everything from electronic stability control to a Bose audio system and satellite radio. Options include a DVD entertainment system, a DVD-based navigation system, chrome wheels and a second-row bench seat (instead of the standard twin buckets) to increase passenger capacity to eight.

Powertrains and Performance

Escalade buyers can choose between an all-wheel-drive model and a less expensive two-wheel-drive model. The 2WD version comes standard with a 5.3-liter V8 rated at 295 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. Stepping up to the AWD version lands you a high-output 6.0-liter V8 with 345 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque, one of the most powerful SUV engines on the market. Both engines use a four-speed automatic transmission. The maximum tow rating for AWD models is 7,800 pounds, while 2WD versions can lug up to 7,300 pounds. Acceleration with either engine is surprisingly brisk for such a large vehicle, but buyers who tow heavy trailers on a regular basis will want the added muscle of the 6.0-liter V8. On the flip side, those who don't need the extra oomph will find the smaller V8 perfectly adequate and more fuel-efficient.

Safety

All 2004 Cadillac Escalades come standard with the StabiliTrak stability control system as well as four-wheel antilock disc brakes, side airbags for the driver and front passenger and OnStar telematics. Other safety features include high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps, a tire-pressure monitoring system, rear parking sensors and a front-passenger sensor that can detect the presence of a child and depower the airbag accordingly.

Interior Design and Special Features

The Escalade's interior features plenty of soft leather and shiny wood accents. Some of the cabin's design cues and materials are too derivative of a Chevy Tahoe, but the Cadillac mostly pulls off the role of a luxury vehicle. The front bucket seats feel like big lounge chairs, and well-cushioned second-row buckets are standard fare -- a bench seat for the second row is a no-cost option. There's plenty of room for four or five adults to stretch out and even the optional third-row seats are comfortable enough for shorter trips. A DVD entertainment system is available to entertain rear-seat passengers, and XM Satellite Radio provides audiophiles with 100 channels of digital-quality audio programming.

Driving Impressions

Despite its imposing size, the 2004 Cadillac Escalade handles itself admirably. Body roll is kept well under control and the continuous adjustments made by the standard Road Sensing Suspension (RSS) maintain an excellent balance between ride quality and road feel. The steering can feel a bit numb on the highway, but it lightens up nicely during low-speed maneuvers. Both engines provide ample passing power and the four-speed automatic always chooses the right gear. Overall, a very comfortable and competent cruiser that rarely gets out of sorts no matter what you throw at it.