2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV Review
Fuel Economy
13 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
With its brash styling, class-leading V8 power, well-sorted vehicle dynamics and cavernous interior, the ESV is the Escalade of choice for those who want maximum utility and luxury.
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, huge size makes it cumbersome in tight spots, a few noticeable instances of cost cutting.
What's New for 2004
For 2004, the ESV adds XM Satellite Radio, a tire-pressure monitoring system and a towing package to the standard equipment list. The rear-seat entertainment system and sunroof can now be ordered together. A limited-production Platinum edition ESV will become available in late 2003 that offers a more lavish interior, dual DVD screens for the rear seats, 20-inch chrome wheels and a lowered suspension.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
GM Let Down
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 6 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum Edition AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
Review
I purchased this vehicle with the understanding that it was Cadillac Certified with the extended warranty unfortunately the dealer ripped me off and there is no warranty. While Cadillac is a good product there are too many parts as pieces that can break. I have had the car in for warranty work 5 times in the last 10 months, nothing major but it will add up as soon as the original warranty runs out. The vehicle is still under the original warranty for another month but after that I am out of luck after that thanks to a dishonest dealer and GM customer service unwilling to do anything about it. Beside that I think it is a good vehicle but lacks a lot of features of the new models.
Favorite Features
Cooled Seats
Suggested Improvements
Honesty
It's Just okay!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 4 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
Review
Purchased the 2004 Caddy ESV in 2005 on a trade in of the 2002 Cadillac Escalade which was a lemon. The longer body style has improve for long hauling then the short body style. My 2004 Caddy does not have the DVD entertainment, but does have everything else i.e. navigation, satellite radio, CD player and a decent radio. Now that analog has become extinct OnStar and the other related emergency connections are useless. Vehicle has great "get up and go power!" Navigation CD is now outdated there is no new CD for the 2004 system to update, what a joke. Have not tried this vehicle off road, but in some of the heavy snow falls in the North East it out performed it self. It's just okay!
Favorite Features
Acceleration handles like that of a compact car. The outdated Navigation is still a great feature. Back-up warning is a must.
Suggested Improvements
Placement for the parking brake is bad. No locks for center console and glovebox. No light for the glovebox. Upgrade the interior with items that would be useful in 2009. Vehicle road noise. Increase storage and leg room for the second row passengers, seats to close to the front.
It is better than I thought.
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
Review
The vehicle has a lot of power. When it engages, it sets you back in the seat and lets you know but it does it gently, not like my previous 1999 Suburban with a 5.7L. More plush over bumps, on turns, and acceleration. The ammenities are overwhelming compared to a Suburban, and it feels like you got what you paid for.
Favorite Features
My family and I really like the DVD, rear audio, and rear climate controls. I like the extra power, the AWD, 4wheel disc brakes with hydroboost, and the 345hp. It is amazing how well this large beast handles in and out of traffic and is a pleasure to drive long distances.
Suggested Improvements
I recommend that a power hatch be an option, and the access to the rear seats be improved by power as well. Also the trip computer info could be better seen in either a Heads Up Display or in the Radio/Navigation combo device. More horsepower is always better.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
Own One and Loving It!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
Review
I leased my Cadillac Escalade ESV almost a year and a half ago. I love it! It gets looks and compliments where ever I go (I have black with shale leather and ALL the windows tinted. It rides like a dream and has got lots of power and tourque. Everyone at my daughter's class loves to ride in it and blast music or watch a DVD. I can't wait to get an '07 or '08 when my lease expires!
Favorite Features
Everything!
Suggested Improvements
Add a heated steering wheel (this is an option on the '07 model). Put a mirror folding button on the remote and make the sunroof automatically close when the truck is turned off (with an option to leave it open).
Best Truck on Market
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum Edition AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
Review
My Platinum Escalade ESV is the best truck on the market. It handles superbly, and for a big truck it has a lot of get up and go. I love to put it on the highway and go from Maryland to Miami or beyond. For long distances driving there is nothing better. The gas mileage isn't great, but it's well worth it. I will definitely trade it in for another one just like it in a year or two.
Favorite Features
I love the Stabilitrack, OnStar, and the dual DVD players that were standard.
Suggested Improvements
The navigation system should be voice activated and allow you to use it while in motion, which is when you really need it.
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