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2008 Cadillac Escalade SUV

2008 Cadillac Escalade Consumer Reviews

MSRP: $55,990 - $79,095

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EDITORS' RATING:  CONSUMER RATING:

TOTAL CONSUMER REVIEWS: 15 Rate It

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Beauty with No Brawn
Date Posted: 05/07/2008
By: Me Myself & I
RATING:
DETAILED RATINGS:
Performance: 6 Fun-to-Drive: 9 Build Quality: 9
Comfort: 9 Interior Design: 9 Reliability: 10
Fuel Economy: 8 Exterior Design: 9
Vehicle
2008 Cadillac Escalade 4dr SUV AWD (6.2L 8cyl 6A)
Review
I own a 2007 and a 2008 ESV - Both Black on Black with 24" non-stock rims. BEAUTY: I truly love the vehicles luxury, style, class, and SIZE, there's nothing better offered by any manufacturer. But here is what I find missing, or don't like. 1) No light in the glove box. 2) No auto-down windows, except drivers door. 3) Cheap battery. 4) No telescope steering wheel. 5) Small brakes. 6) No independent suspension. NO BRAWN: 7) The Escalade at 403HP is grossly underpowered. I am forced to switch the vehicle into tow-mode, to get higher revs out of each gear, in order for it to perform decently. Unfortunately, when in tow- mode, it down-shifts like a jake-brake!
Favorite Features
Class, Luxury.
Suggested Improvements
MORE HORSEPOWER! As well as more sporty timing of the transmission. I am now *forced* to purchase superchargers, so I can get the desired performance out of these Escalades. I thought there was going to be a great difference in performance between the Suburban and Escalade. I thought wrong.
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Absolutely love it!
Date Posted: 04/25/2008
By: Len Cannarozzi
RATING:
DETAILED RATINGS:
Performance: 9 Fun-to-Drive: 10 Build Quality: 10
Comfort: 10 Interior Design: 10 Reliability: 10
Fuel Economy: 10 Exterior Design: 10
Vehicle
2008 Cadillac Escalade 4dr SUV AWD (6.2L 8cyl 6A)
Review
This Caddy (ESV) is an absolute dream. The sheer presence is impressive. Everyone that sees this thing loves it. When quickly accelerating the exhaust reminds of the race cars in "Days of Thunder". What a sound - almost better than my Vet. When you enter the car at night, the lighting, both inside and out, are unbelievable. Everything about this vehicle exudes luxury. I have read some complaints about the trans. But, I like the way it works. It tends to quickly go to the next gear. You have to go nearly 80 MPH to get to 2K PRM - an amazing engine. Still, if you're in hurry, you just need to punch it and it takes off. Like the TV ad says, if the Escalade had a bathroom, I'd live in it.
Favorite Features
Styling, inside and out; sound system; NAV; DVD; retractable running boards- AWESOME; amazing exhaust sound; powerful V8; heated and cooled seats; heated second seats - kids love this and the dual DVD screens; power hatch; 22in wheels/tires-you sit massively high off the ground; so much more.
Suggested Improvements
Two complaints - the second seats need to be able to move forward to give the 3rd row more room. Also, the old standby, the 3rd row seats should stow. Note: the ESV gives the third row more downward leg room. The 3rd row is too cramped in the regular Escalade.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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2004 Model ESV was better
Date Posted: 04/24/2008
By: Norm
RATING:
DETAILED RATINGS:
Performance: 6 Fun-to-Drive: 5 Build Quality: 5
Comfort: 4 Interior Design: 4 Reliability: 5
Fuel Economy: 5 Exterior Design: 5
Vehicle
2008 Cadillac Escalade 4dr SUV AWD (6.2L 8cyl 6A)
Review
My previous model ESV 2004, had features that I felt made it a luxury vehicle. The 2008 seats are hard, do not hold you in position when cornering. The sun visor is poor. Previous model had more flexibility. Headrest ability to bend forward is now seriously lacking. I happened apparently to be one of the few people that used the disc changer system under random ALL. Since the addition of the backup camera this feature has been removed. This last item damed near stopped the purchase. I now wish that I had purchased a Mercedes GL 550. Which at this point in time will be my next purchase; and most likely sooner than later. This is my 10th new Cadillac purchase in a row.
Favorite Features
No Favorites with this model. The people that are allowed to design these vehicles do not own them, it is very obvious. The 2004 had superior ride and better amenities.
Suggested Improvements
Get rid of those lousy seats. My wifes 2006 STS AWD had similar seats and we swapped for a DTS. This is SUPPOSED to be a luxury vehicle.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Best SUV
Date Posted: 04/18/2008
By: BUYUSA
RATING:
DETAILED RATINGS:
Performance: 10 Fun-to-Drive: 10 Build Quality: 8
Comfort: 9 Interior Design: 10 Reliability: 10
Fuel Economy: 7 Exterior Design: 10
Vehicle
2008 Cadillac Escalade Platinum Edition 4dr SUV AWD (6.2L 8cyl 6A)
Review
I love the Truck, The most impressive thing is the power, it moves, drives very smooth , the NAV is great very easy to follow, I traded up from a Ford Expedition..there is no comparison, this CADI is unreal, I test drove every SUV , the Range Rover and all, testes the CADI last and was sold instantly, Just go drive one! You'll buy one, if you can afford it!!
Favorite Features
The Power and Handling are awesome!
Suggested Improvements
It's American made. Need i say more!

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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first and last
Date Posted: 04/05/2008
By: first and last
RATING:
DETAILED RATINGS:
Performance: 5 Fun-to-Drive: 2 Build Quality: 4
Comfort: 10 Interior Design: 7 Reliability: 4
Fuel Economy: 3 Exterior Design: 7
Vehicle
2008 Cadillac Escalade 4dr SUV AWD (6.2L 8cyl 6A)
Review
This is my first caddy and my last. Don't get me wrong, looks great tons of room but it drives like a mack truck and it feels like something is going to break when you go over a bump. I sure miss my range Rover. Thank god I never went off road
Favorite Features
navigation, 3rd row seating, factory 22'wheels, sound system, satellite radio, onstar even though I never use it
Suggested Improvements
needs independent rear suspension.

1 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Exactly what I expected
Date Posted: 04/03/2008
By: BK
RATING:
DETAILED RATINGS:
Performance: 9 Fun-to-Drive: 8 Build Quality: 7
Comfort: 10 Interior Design: 10 Reliability: 8
Fuel Economy: 5 Exterior Design: 10
Vehicle
2008 Cadillac Escalade 4dr SUV AWD (6.2L 8cyl 6A)
Review
I bought my first Cadillac in October of 07 and have been happy with the experience so far. Exterior style is pretty much the best aspect of the car. It's classy and has an edge. The ride is luxury car smooth for the most part. I don't feel tired most of the time I drive home from a long day at work. Fuel economy is average at best but I expected that. At $3.10/gal a fill up is $60, which lasts me about a week. Build quality is as good as other luxury cars. Lots of cheap plastic and panels that do squeak and come off. It looks good though. Nav system is great. Seats are comfy. And caddy dealers are willing to deal a little for the car. All in all I'm very satisfied
Favorite Features
Looks, smooth ride, ergonomic interior, air conditioned seats, very roomy
Suggested Improvements
Gas mileage, wind noise(still there), cheap materials in the interior.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Surprisingly good
Date Posted: 03/25/2008
By: domesticdude
RATING:
DETAILED RATINGS:
Performance: 10 Fun-to-Drive: 10 Build Quality: 10
Comfort: 10 Interior Design: 10 Reliability: 10
Fuel Economy: 8 Exterior Design: 10
Vehicle
2008 Cadillac Escalade 4dr SUV (6.2L 8cyl 6A)
Review
Cadillac is on a role, and the Escalade is no exception. It has great looks, lots of luxury and features, 403 hp, and an exhaust note from a muscle car. I never thought i would buy and SUV, but the Escalade sold itself. The power and exhaust note surprised me most as it is quick (for and SUV), and sounds great. The handling also really surprised me as it handles like a much smaller car. The only negatives i can fin is the old school tilt only steering wheel, third row seat ( everything about it from room to not power folding), and a light in the rear of the car rattles. The GPS in this car is absolutely fantastic, it is the highlight of an already great interior. Just a great SUV.
Favorite Features
Power, exhaust note, handling, looks, features, interior, GPS, and the seat heaters are incredible!
Suggested Improvements
Everything about the third row, needs to fold flat and get more room in front of and behind it. and needs to have power telescoping steering wheel

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Great Ride
Date Posted: 03/19/2008
By: DTR969
RATING:
DETAILED RATINGS:
Performance: 9 Fun-to-Drive: 9 Build Quality: 9
Comfort: 9 Interior Design: 9 Reliability: 9
Fuel Economy: 6 Exterior Design: 10
Vehicle
2008 Cadillac Escalade 4dr SUV (6.2L 8cyl 6A)
Review
My wife just loves the car. We added 22" aftermarket rims on it at 1/3 the cost of what the dealer wanted and it looks much better. No mechanical issues experienced as noted by several previous postings. It's fun to drive and does exactly what I expected when I bought it - looks great, drives great, and hauls as a big rig!
Favorite Features
Onstar hands free phone, fold down rear seats, auto tailgate lift, and nav.
Suggested Improvements
Improved gas mileage - duh.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Rolling the dice on the 08 'Slade
Date Posted: 12/21/2007
By: Halls1030
RATING:
DETAILED RATINGS:
Performance: 9 Fun-to-Drive: 9 Build Quality: 7
Comfort: 8 Interior Design: 9 Reliability: 6
Fuel Economy: 3 Exterior Design: 10
Vehicle
2008 Cadillac Escalade 4dr SUV AWD (6.2L 8cyl 6A)
Review
Decided on the 08 AWD Escalade after test driving the 08: MDX, GL320 & 450, Q7, Range Rover Sport, X5, & Sequoia Platinum. We decided to roll the dice on GM after getting an unbelieveable deal on a lease. Now anyone doing homework on the Escalade knows this SUV has pros/cons. Reliability issues, possible wind noise, gas mileage...and while we liked the GL 320 & 450 the pricing was too good to pass up on the Caddy. Wife loves it. Tons of room inside, great rear-entertainment (unfortunately it blocks rear view mirror. No problems to date though. We love the curb appeal as well. I will say anyone shopping an large SUV must check out the 08 Seqouia Platinum. Understated & loaded!
Favorite Features
Looks, OnStar & Verizon cell phone integration with the OnStar system, cabin space/storage, horsepower, back- up camera, touch screen nav and ability to view DVD in front while SUV in park, throaty exhaust note, acceleration and horsepower.
Suggested Improvements
Gas mileage (should be a given with this vehicle if you have researched you know this is a trade-off of ownership), Telescopic steering wheel (power tilt and telescopic at that), 3rd row needs to be power fold flat seats, push button start, bluetooth or sync, ipod or mp3 jack(s).

30 out 32 people found this review helpful

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If you want luxury & performance...
Date Posted: 11/20/2007
By: Vic in CT
RATING:
DETAILED RATINGS:
Performance: 10 Fun-to-Drive: 10 Build Quality: 9
Comfort: 10 Interior Design: 9 Reliability: 10
Fuel Economy: 8 Exterior Design: 10
Vehicle
2008 Cadillac Escalade 4dr SUV AWD (6.2L 8cyl 6A)
Review
I just switched from a fully loaded BMW 745Li...I thought the BMW had it all. But this Cadi is kickin! Love the handling, the ride, the comfort & specially the retractable assist steps. Very nice!
Favorite Features
Retractable steps & of course OnStar! Talking to a real person who is polite was a pleasure - a rarity these days!
Suggested Improvements
Too much plastic used in the rear of the car. Could have been covered with leather or nice leather like material. The headlights could have been "adaptive" like the BMW. Nice feature to add.

8 out 11 people found this review helpful

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