2005 Cadillac Escalade EXT Review
Price Estimate: $2,181 - $3,502





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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Huge power from its big V8, solid handling for its size, innovative packaging offers excellent utility, features galore.
Cons
- Poor fuel mileage, a few noticeable instances of cost cutting, steep price tag.
What’s new
Changes this year include a redesigned gauge cluster, touch-screen capability with the optional navigation system, a more user-friendly driver information system and a refreshed door panel appearance. Walnut burled wood trim replaces last year's Zebrano wood. A sliding load floor for the cargo bed is also new for 2005.
Edmunds says
It's gaudy, expensive and sucks gas like a '70s Eldorado. Still, well-sorted vehicle dynamics and a plush interior make the Escalade EXT an SUV worthy of the Cadillac name.
For sale nearby
9 listings
- 198,333 miles
- No accidents, 4 owners, personal use only
- 8'2” bed, 6l, 8cyl
- Badlands Brokers (309 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Leather Seats
- Upgraded Headlights
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
Close
Located in Rapid City, SD
Local trade in always serviced well. Runs and drives great a fully optioned Cadillac Escalade Series of the renowned Avalanche! You are going to Lo...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
13 Combined MPG (12 City/16 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 3GYEK62N65G290611
Stock: 290611
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 08-26-2025- 155,068 miles
- 1 accident, 3 owners, personal use only
- 8'2” bed, 6l, 8cyl
- Tom's Auto Sales North (360 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Upgraded Headlights
- Power Driver Seat
Close
Located in Des Moines, IA
2005 CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT AWD WITH HEATED LEATHER SEATS, MOON ROOF, TOW/HAUL, CD, AM/FM, CRUISE, TILT, FRESH DETAIL AND READY TO GO!
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
13 Combined MPG (12 City/16 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 3GYEK62N65G246253
Stock: N46253L
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 05-29-2025
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota
$289/mo for Escalade EXT Base
Escalade EXT Base
vs
$233/mo
Avg. Large Truck
Reliability
The 2005 Cadillac Escalade EXT has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 1 recall. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Recalls
1 recall foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:
- 05V055000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 05023
- Manufactured from:
- 2005-01-01 to 2005-02-28
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 7194
- Defect Description:
- CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT." UNDER CERTAIN VEHICLE STARTING CONDITIONS, THE SHIFT LEVER POSITION INDICATOR LOCATED IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER MAY NOT ILLUMINATE. IF THE SHIFT LEVER POSITION INDICATOR DOES NOT ILLUMINATE, THE DRIVER MAY NOT KNOW WHICH GEAR THE VEHICLE IS IN.
- Defect Consequence:
- THE VEHICLE MAY MOVE IN AN UNINTENDED DIRECTION RESULTING IN POSSIBLE INJURY TO OTHERS OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE.
- Corrective Action:
- DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 14, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, AND GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
Warranty
4 years / 50,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 6 years / 100,000 miles
- Roadside assistance Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
Cadillac Escalade EXT Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Chevrolet needs to get a better attitude
2.13 out of 5 starsshane, 08/22/2005
2005 Cadillac Escalade EXT 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
I leased a Cadillac Escalade EXT for 3 years now and I will never purchase one again! after the 80,000 KM warranty was up the diferential berrings went along with wheel bearings. Would GM help? NO! I was at 82,446 KM and they wouldn't even split the bill. Things continue to break. Now a front shock air bag is punctured and not covered by the warranty. Here's my answer to GM. I have been … faithful for the past 20 years, but no longer. Good luck with this Escalade when you get it back, becuse now you can pay to fix it!
Cadillac, worth every penny
5 out of 5 starsSaleenster, 07/14/2006
2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT 4dr Crew Cab AWD (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
My Escalade has been a very dependable truck. If you are looking for luxury, but still want the ruggedness of a truck, this is it. I highly recommend it. The Bose audio is decent, but you really need a sub to go with it. It is fun to drive. The factory chrome wheels will do for a while, but I really need to upgrade to bigger rims. Overall, I like the exterior and interior styling and the … performance is there when you need it.
Not again.
2 out of 5 starsLisa M. Kaiser, 12/18/2015
2005 Cadillac Escalade EXT 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
I purchased my 2005 Cadillac Escalade EXT with 90,000 miles. I have had to replace the transmission, front differential, and the transfer case (which I am currently looking for). I had a 1997 Tahoe with 287,000 miles and it ran like a new automobile until I was hit in the back and totaled it. That was the bomb. This one has been the biggest money pit. Sorry I ever purchased this … vehicle. The sunroof is leaking costs another $1,000.00. Close to $9,000...shame.
Could be Better
2 out of 5 starsChad Mollenhauer, 01/28/2006
2005 Cadillac Escalade EXT 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
I really like my 2005 Cadillac Escalade EXT until I started to have issues with it. With only 12,000 miles I had had problems with the seat controls, navigation system (x2), rear differental, and cruise issues with wiring. So it to recap it has been less than a good ownership expierence.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2005 Cadillac Escalade EXT, so we've included reviews for other years of the Escalade EXT since its last redesign.
2005 Escalade EXT Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $53,335 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 13 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $289/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Max Towing Capacity | 7,300 lbs. |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Escalade EXT include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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