2005 Cadillac Escalade Review
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
With its brash styling, class-leading V8 power, well-sorted vehicle dynamics and plush interior, the 2005 Cadillac Escalade is an SUV worthy of the Cadillac name.
Pros
Endless V8 power, plush ride quality, more nimble than you might think, 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 2005
Changes to the 2005 Cadillac Escalade include a redesigned gauge cluster and door panels, touchscreen capability with the optional navigation system and a more user-friendly driver information system. Additionally, burled walnut trim replaces last year's Zebrano wood.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Love my Escalade!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Cadillac Escalade AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
Review
We've had our Escalade for four months now and have no complaints. It a beautiful vehicle and handles well. The mileage is what you expect from an SUV. We are having some problems with the hands free phone not understanding us but have not yet looked into getting it fixed. The driver's seat is comfortable and with the memory settings there are no arguments about moving the seat. I am definitely impressed with the quality of our Escalade. We've had SUVs before and a common problem was an impaired view on turns. This is definitely not a problem with the Escalade.
Favorite Features
The memory seat for two drivers. The split rear seat makes it easier to load groceries in the back since you do not have to fold up the entire seat. The backseat passengers appreciated the heated seats in the second row.
Suggested Improvements
I prefer the cruise control buttons on the steering wheel for ease of use.
2 D Boat
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 4 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Cadillac Escalade AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
Review
We have had Cadillacs before. We also had an Acura that broke down a lot. Our Cadillacs have never broken down and have always worked properly. Our Escalade handles like a sports car and is very dependable on snow and ice. I love this truck.
Favorite Features
My favorite is the back sensor in the rear bumper. I wish it had this feature in the front bumper.
Suggested Improvements
I'm not particularly fond of the appointments of the dashboard. Such as the Burlwood. It looks dark and has a cheap to me. Lexus does a much better job with their quality interiors.
2005 Platinum Escalade ESV
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 2 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Cadillac Escalade AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
Review
This truck is beautiful to look at. It has lots of little annoying problems though, which shouldn't happen in a vehichle of this caliber. Mine has had had blown sensors, problems with Bose stereo, and the rear DVD system is not properly interfaced with the stereo system making the radio blast when the DVD is turned off. Cadillac not responsive to fixing problems. I also have problems getting loaner vehichles when in for service.
Favorite Features
It is beautiful to look at!
Suggested Improvements
Put a third row shoulder harness in the center position. The DVD system should completely interface with stereo system. Give it a nicer dashboard, plastic is kind of cheesy on a $70,000 vehichle.
Great Cad
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Cadillac Escalade Rwd 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
Review
Compared to other large SUVs, I feel that the Escalade is a very good vehicle in all areas. Toyotas and others are overrated on thier performance and milage abilities. I am a maitenance guy and have worked on vehicles and equipment for over 40 years. The one thing I have found is that most people are not totally honest about thier fuel mileage or maintenance problems. Most don't keep thier tires inflated to the proper inflation or don't realize how much fuel quality can differ from dealer to dealer.
Favorite Features
The powerful engine, interior quality, and handling.
Suggested Improvements
All that I would like to see is the fuel mileage increase.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
GM/Cadillac Could Care LESS!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 5 | Fun-to-Drive: | 3 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 4 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 3 | Exterior Design: | 6 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Cadillac Escalade AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
Review
My 2005 Escalade has been in the shop 9 times within a 7 month period for various problems. Now Caddy says they won't fix the whistling noise in the engine, the continuous buzzing of the navigation system, the clunking of the transmission and the blurry, defective driver side mirror. I was told I have to live with it. I hope no GM/Cadillac customer will just "live with" poor quality. From one Caddy customer to all the others...they will NOT back their product. They have over 120 technical service bulletins for just the 2005 Escalade alone, while most vehicles have maybe 10-20 a year. Oh, and GM's customer service stinks! Yeah, I'm mad!
Favorite Features
It has lots of room and plenty of power. I also like the attractive exterior.
Suggested Improvements
Make the interior more luxurious than the Tahoe & Yukon. Back your warranty and improve customer service.
5 out 5 people found this review helpful
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