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Used 2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV Consumer Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
46 reviews

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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2004 Escalade ESV, so we've included reviews for other years of the Escalade ESV since its last redesign.

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Pros
Cons
3.88 out of 5 stars

Very reliable mechanically. Electronics...not so much. Gets very expensive!

carguy2021, 07/25/2012
2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
23 of 24 people found this review helpful

I had it from about 90k miles to 140k miles. You can't beat the interior comfort and ride quality. The engine performed flawlessly, as did the transmission. There was always a "growling" noise coming from somewhere in the transfer case. It was very annoying, but I never did anything about it other than change the differential fluids and trans/transfer case fluids. This did not make the noise go away. From time to time the "service ride control" message would appear...and then go away. The "service tire pressure monitor" message came on from time to time as well. I had to replace an abs wheel speed sensor at about 115k. Rear susp leveler compressor went bad. Front Heated seats broke.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

ESCALADE ESV

VICKY, 07/24/2004
2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum Edition AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful

We just drove from Thomasville,Ga to Long Beach,CA and back. We were officials at the Olympic Swim Trials. We had to take a lot of stuff as we made several stops on the way and back. The gas millage was acceptable. We have the navigation sytem, satellite radio, DVD and TV. It was like riding in a 5 star hotel by day. We love it.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Best Truck on Market

Bizzy, 12/19/2005
2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum Edition AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

fun, fun, fun

baru, 02/07/2004
2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum Edition AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

RAIN, WIND, DEAD OF NIGHT..ETC. IF THE US POSTAL SVC HAD A TRUCK LIKE THIS THEIR SLOGAN WOULD BE THE MOST BELIEVABLE STATEMENT EVER MADE.

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5 out of 5 stars

I Love This Vehicle!!!

Pizzaguy, 08/21/2004
2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

The comfort, quality, reliability, and styling of this SUV are outstanding! I couldn't be happier!!

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5 out of 5 stars

Best car I ever had

Vern Jordan, 02/21/2018
updated 08/31/2020
2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

I bought it used about 3 yrs ago and I had to get repairs done but that's expected, it's 15 yrs old. I am quite happy with this car. Very durable A year later after original review,still very happy with the car. It's dependable. Just replaced fuel pump, pricey $800 range (8/23/19) but motor & transmission holding up very well. We do the necessary maintenance. Still very happy with the car 8/29/20 Still happy with car. Engine and transmission still run strong.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Didn't want it, got it anyway and love it

Shawn Irving, 05/03/2016
2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum Edition AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
6 of 8 people found this review helpful

It's a beast!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4.38 out of 5 stars

Excellent overall package

Chas., 04/06/2004
2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Expensive but worth it. Feels safe as a vault, handles like a much smaller vehicle and has performance plus. Wonderful on long trips. Traded a 2002 Escalade AWD in for this one and the 2004 seems much improved. Seems to hold resale value well.

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3.63 out of 5 stars

Bought Used

Corey, 12/15/2007
2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful

Purchased this SUV in Nov 07 with 80,000 mi. Looks great and engine runs smooth. I am disipointed that I had to rebuild the front diff at 82000 and replace the power steering at 85000. If this continues I will have to trade it in for newer. With 5 kids my choices are limited. My other SUV is a 97 Lexus LX450 with 165000 mi and I have not had to replace or fix anything major. I hope GM will step up the quality and build a truck that will last 200,000mi or I will go back to Toyota products once I don't need 7 seats plus storage.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Really nice traveler

bigtodd, 06/25/2008
2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

We bought this 2003 esv 1 month ago and we owned an 2000 excursion 4x4. We sold it to buy this what a great riding suv. The awd works great and we got an avg of 16.6 in stop and go traveling from va beach to north Carolina beaches.NOT BAD..we use to get 11 mpg The Int is so nice but I'm disappointed in the rear cargo area with all the plastic..could have done more...

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5 out of 5 stars

All that and a bag of chips

jerry, 08/16/2005
2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This is the ultimate SUV, if your looking for class and style, while not having to compromise saftey or comfort this is the way to go. Sure you may pay a bit more, however you get a lot more. And you truely get what you pay for. The ride is second to none, and the performance is that of a mid size SUV, I highly reccomend this vehicle to anyone that is looking to experience the true full size class and luxury, that everyone should experience.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

An Excellent SUV

Susie Oursler, 03/27/2004
2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

The 2003 Escalade ESV is my family room on wheels. With an DVD player and 4 wirelsss headphones, our large family can travel in comfort over long trips. The acceleration in this large SUV is impressive). I am able to travel up steep grades with absolutely no feeling of engine struggle or hesitation. The brakes are also very effective. I have little difficulty maneuvering it, especially with the help of the park assist feature. Overall, this is a wonderful luxury SUV with all the desireable amenities.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Cadillac Escalade ESV

SamE, 05/16/2004
2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Never have I seen an SUV with as many practical and functional features as this one. Adjustable pedals, curbside assist mirrors when backing (select both or either one). The ride is by far better than most any luxury car that I have had the opportunity to ride in. You have plenty of "pick-up" when you hit the gas and it cruises and corners like it's on rails. I'm highly satisfied.

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5 out of 5 stars

2004 cadillac escalade esv

solomon, 11/20/2010
2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

i had a 2000 Cadillac Escalade and now i bought a 2004 and i love it believe it or not i just bought it on 11-15- 2010 and i can't believe the great fuel economy 15.9 wow my focus that is new only gets 22 miles per gal for a 4 cyl that's realy awful i rather ride my escalade i love my used truck and highly recommend buying one and it is fun to drive oh got to run premium gas on 6.0 engines .

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4.88 out of 5 stars

SSSWWEEEEEETT

Warren McCafferty, 02/05/2004
2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

I've owned Beamers and this thing blows them away. True American excess,it is spectacular

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4.25 out of 5 stars

It's Just okay!

G41, 04/07/2008
2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

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!

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4.5 out of 5 stars

v

Jay0450, 02/22/2004
2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum Edition AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
1 of 4 people found this review helpful

It is a great truck to me

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2.25 out of 5 stars

Driving a tank

Eurocardriver, 09/21/2003
2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
1 of 8 people found this review helpful

This is the first and last time I'm buying an American car. I got the car because of the space to transport 5+ people, which it's great for, but it feels like I'm driving a tank. For the price of the car quality is not up to par (same as a chevy truck). My 2 yr old could pull this car to pieces. Very plasticy inside with snap-on pieces. I would rather take 2 quality cars (BMW/Mercedes) with less seats than 1 plasticy tank.

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5 out of 5 stars

My Cadillac Escalade Esv

10/29/2002
2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My Last car was the 2003 Lincoln Navigator which dosn't even come close to my Escalade in every aspect. The Navigator's price quickly jumps up when you add pointless features and on the otherhand the Esv has all the opitions that you need in the base price. My Cadillac Escalade Has the most powerful V8's on the market at an amazing 345 hp! Overall The Escalade is the best Suv that ever came out!

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3.63 out of 5 stars

02 vs 03

REDDEB, 09/13/2003
2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I own both 2002 Escalade and the 2003 Escalade ESV and I do not like the 03 at all. The interior of the 03 is very cheap feeling and things were re- arranged (such as the folding mirror button and on-star buttons) making these options less convenient. They even cut cost on the tail pipe. Cadillac should go back to the 02 interior. I can't wait to get rid of the 03 and hope the 04 is nicer.

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5 out of 5 stars

best suv ever

djskittles1s, 10/03/2003
2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

it rides smooth and has a richy look

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4.88 out of 5 stars

great offer

erndog, 01/13/2004
2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

THIS SUV HAS BEEN AN EXCELLENT PURCHASE. IT'S A GREAT FAMILY SUV AND CAN ALSO BE GOOD FOR A NIGHT OUT IN TOWN

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Great Vehicle

Raymond Pezonella, 08/03/2005
2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The best vehicle I have owned! The mileage is a little less than desirable.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Simply the Best

ColoradoKid, 09/11/2007
2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

To be honest; if all American-made cars were this good there'd be no moaning in Detroit! It looks great, the smooth ride is inimitable and it's fired-up every time in hot and cold without a blip. I wish this vehicle would last forever; but then again, at this rate it just might!

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4.5 out of 5 stars

A great SUV

chuck1142, 04/29/2003
2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is the most comfortable vehicle I have ever owned in 50 years of driving. For the size, it is nimble, smooth and very powerful. As a road vehicle it is wonderful to drive.I just drove it 500 miles in one day and arrived rested and relaxed. It is definitely first rate in almost all respects.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

the best

dustin wells, 05/13/2003
2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

it is good but it seems plain if you added some more features and left the second row bucket seats.

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3.88 out of 5 stars

NICE BUT NOT A CADILLAC

TSPAT, 05/13/2003
2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

OVERALL A NICE VEHICLE BUT I EXPECTED A BIT MORE THAN JUST CADILLAC EMBLIMS ON A SUBURBAN/YUKON XL. THE "CADILLAC RIDE" DOESN'T APPLY TO THE ESV.

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5 out of 5 stars

this car be kick ass!!!

rollin_on_24's, 05/14/2003
2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

this is by far the coolest suv ever!! they are comfortable and so awesome to drive!! this is my favorite vehicle ever!!!!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

best damn car

death, 02/19/2003
2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

this is by far a sweet ass car, very nice ride, nice pickup for a SUV, all in all my favorite car outa the ones i got

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Pimp car

Cezary L, 05/25/2003
2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car is full of suprises, you would think that a full size SUV would be hell to drive, but the ESV is actually very nimble and maneuverable. I drive this car a lot, I go on buisness trips from Miami to new york and back at least once a month and From my personal expiriences with this car, I can tell you that it is very reliable, comfortable, and preformes great.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

New, but I really like it.

David Ivey, 06/07/2003
2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Although I paid just about MSRP since the vehicle is new to this area, I'm very satisfied. Excellent looks, good, tight handling, fit, and finish. The only drawback is that the interior finish should have been upgraded for a vehicle in this price range. The satellite radio is an unexpected pleasure and the OnStar system works very well with the integrated phone.

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5 out of 5 stars

Awesome!!!!

ToddBarraclough, 11/08/2003
2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is the coolest SUV i have ever seen!!!!!!!!!!!

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4.5 out of 5 stars

My review

SkyLiner139, 01/24/2004
2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum Edition AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car is awsome

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5 out of 5 stars

The Best SUV On The Planet.

nbaray23, 05/01/2004
2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is the best suv on the planet.You can't get any better than this.The luxury of a Bentley with the horsepower of a coupe.

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5 out of 5 stars

Cadillac of SUVs

Hz48yg, 08/27/2004
2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is one outstanding vehicles. It has the comfort and refinement that you'd expect from a premium SUV, but is also rugged and can handle agressive towing and off-road manuvers. We just returned from a long road trip and it was like staying at a 5 star hotel with wheels. The HVAC system is great. The entertainment system was a big hit with the kids (big & little), and the XM satellite radio keeps you entertained even where there is little or no AM/FM signal. The navigation system and OnStar are outstanding. Take it from us, there is no reason to buy an import as this SUV represents world class comfort and world class quality. We love this vehicle!

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Own One and Loving It!

yossi oren, 01/27/2006
2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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!

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5 out of 5 stars

It is better than I thought.

Paul, 07/30/2007
2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

Awesome machine

ludhiana, 08/06/2003
2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful

Can't be better than a Escalade ESV

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Typical

daurang, 10/27/2002
2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

I've had my Escalade one for only a month and have taken it back to the dealer for service twice...so much for the myth of GM catching up to the Japanese's quality. Nevertheless the car is a pleasure to drive because it is powerful yet quiet, roomy yet very maneuverable.

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5 out of 5 stars

AWESOME!!!!

hi, 11/06/2002
2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

this is great!i hope in the future everyone has a Escalade!!Thank you very much its my car!!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

escalades

uncheelz55, 11/20/2002
2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

I love my Escalade it is a great car. It's reliable when you need it and cool when you're rollin through town. A Cadallac Escalade is the best car I've ever had

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4.75 out of 5 stars

best suv in the universe

PAUL TOVIESSI, 02/21/2003
2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Best suv i have ever driven and top notch luxury vehicle

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Oh Baby!

Avon, 02/23/2003
2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

A wonderful machine. Extremely comfortable,smooth riding truck.At last,a large family vehicle that's fun to be in and to drive,loaded with high line features and quality.Now on a trip, I won't have to miss the BMW's& Mercedes' at home in the garage!

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3.75 out of 5 stars

GM Let Down

johnj, 07/13/2008
2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum Edition AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

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.

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3.25 out of 5 stars

Cadillac Escalade ESV

Don w/ an Escalade, 10/28/2003
2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Great In Looks Poor In Quality 5,000 miles - Transmission problems. It "clunks" when downshifting when coming to a stop. Dealer says its normal - BUT IS IS NOT NORMAL - no car I know does this. I have had other Cadillacs, nothing like this. FUEL ECONOMY: 12 MPG Combined City and Highway. Need high octance (expensive) fuel.

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4 out of 5 stars

great suv

foxcroft, 05/25/2004
2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD 4dr SUV (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Ithink it is really ugly but I love the comfort and the way it drives. No problems as yet poor gas mileage tho

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