2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT Review and Specs

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

It's gaudy, expensive and sucks gas like a '70s Eldorado, yet somehow manages to retain a level of desirability we can't quite figure out.

Pros

Strong engine, innovative packaging, features galore.

Cons

Poor fuel mileage, steep price tag.

What's New for 2003

Despite strong sales in 2002, the EXT gets a host of new upgrades for 2003 to help maintain its momentum. An improved StabiliTrak stability control system is now standard along with an upgraded braking system, High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals and chrome wheels as an option. The interior also has a number of improvements, including tri-zone climate control, satellite steering wheel controls and a redesigned instrument cluster and center console. The standard Bose audio system receives some minor upgrades while new options include XM Satellite Radio, a DVD entertainment system and bucket seats for the second row. 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

Best Truck out there

Written by: SLT on 12/30/2008

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	9
Comfort:	9	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	9
Fuel Economy:	5	Exterior Design:	9

Vehicle

2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT 4dr Crew Cab AWD (6.0L 8cyl 4A)

Review

This has got to be the best truck I have owned! I bought it used to see if they are really truck worthy and yes they are! Great power, comfortable ride, all the bells and whistles, and beautiful looking! Get a lot of compliments from a lot of people. Does awesome in the Colorado snow, went up some hills that I didn't think I could go up, but it cruised right up with no problem!! This is the all around vehicle for families. Towing, running around, or just cruising, this is the ultimate Cadillac. I will most definitely be getting a 2009 model soon! Love these trucks!

Favorite Features

Power, towing package, comfort, style, and the little gadgets and extra features. Self Leveling suspension. Rear back up assist .OnStar wireless phone features. Steering wheel controls. Dual climate.

Suggested Improvements

Fuel could be better and a little more ground clearance.

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My Big Black EXT

Written by: frank mcbride on 11/09/2005


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	9	Build Quality:	5
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	4	Exterior Design:	9

My 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT has been amazing, especially in sloppy winter driving in up state NY. It handles amazingly well for someone with a led foot, even on icy roads. It's made up for a lot of my mistakes, and it does it discreetly. It currently has 42,500 miles, and I can't decide if I should keep it or get a new one. I love this truck.

The rear brake backing plates rusted through in less than 2 years, yes they were covered by my dealer under warranty, but this is still disconcerting when thinking about long term ownership. Also, CDs and credit cards can slip through the crevices on top of the center console with no means of retrieval. Improve the gas mileage. I know they say if you worry about gas miliage, don't buy a Caddy, but at 13 mph combined, gas is a $100 dollars a week and a consideration.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

Firefighter

Written by: JOHN ALMEIDA JR. on 04/14/2005


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

I have never been in a vehicle that has made me feel so proud. This vehicle exemplifies class. There is no other truck that can make the transition that Cadillac did from luxury to truck.

Style and comfort.

Power rear window.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

worth the extra bucks

Written by: mcgyver64 on 12/15/2003


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	8
Comfort:	9	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	2	Exterior Design:	9

Although the pricetag is substantially higher than the Avalanche, the features, performance and comfort more than make up for it. I have 4k miles on mine and so far it has been trouble free. Only complaint is gas milage is terrible. I am averaging 12 mpg city and not much better highway. Its alot of fun to drive and pulls a 30 ft 7500 lb travel trailer with ease.

lights in cargo area and storage bins. Engine offers plenty of power. adjustable pedals

could use better storage system for cargo cover. would like to see rain sensor wipers offered.

Best Car Ever

Written by: KayKay on 12/03/2003


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

This is the best car I have ever driven it has every thing. I get great mileage on the escalade and have lots of fun driving around town in it. The seat are comfortable and the color of the outside and the inside are outstanding. As much money as I have out into this vehical it has givin me so much more back. I think every body needs to have a cadillac escalade you will never regreat buying this vehical it is such a good car. I want to thank the company for making such a realiable truck. Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!

My favorite feature would eb every thing but on thing that stands ouut the most is the trunk space and the fold down seats it is so great having that. I like the bucket seats too they are soo comfortable .

I think one improvement could be more interior colors, I like the colors they have but I would like a black interior to go with the exterior.

3 out 4 people found this review helpful

2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT Consumer Ratings & Reviews