Used 2005 Cadillac Escalade Consumer Reviews
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
05 AWD Cadillac Escalade BEST SUV CADDY MADE 02 17
If your looking for a top notch American Quality SUV then the 05 Escalade beats them ALL hands down. Ive driven Domestic and foreign and won't let my 05 Escalade go. I can get a new 2017 but don't want it. THIS YEAR AND MODEL YOU CAN'T FIND. I HAVE DEALERS CALLING ME TO SELL AND ANSWER IS NO. I'M PUSHING 150K AND KNOCK ON WOOD NO MAJOR ISSUES JUST MAINTENANCE. IF YOU CAN FIND ONE LOADED LIKE MINE YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED. GO CADILLAC......
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Cadi ESV is the best
This is a best SUV, car and truck. I have driven ESV for 5 yrs and love it. Driven in the snow storm and full snow on the road, it feels like car hugs the road. Going up the mountain, CanWhistler, Salt City, Colorado, Lake Tahoe, it has the all the power you need and more. Driving in the city, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle, it feels like your driving a car and it is has the luxury ride. This Cadi is very reliable and I have not had any problems of any sort. Pulling a 3-5 ton trailer no problem, you can't even feel your even pulling a trailer. After 67,000 miles on the Cadi, it beats any Toyota, Lexus, Mercedes and Rover. You got to try it to believe it. I have for 5yrs.
- Base 4dr SUVMSRP: $10,000288 mi away
- Base 4dr SUVMSRP: $8,277368 mi away
- Base 4dr SUVMSRP: $6,300929 mi away
Wonderful
I put 7500 miles on it this summer when we took a drive from California to Pennsylvania. It is a wonderful vehicle to travel in. I also tow a jeep wrangler with the Escalade, its easy to forget you are towing anything. If you are looking for an SUV and want the very best, by an Escalade.
Not sure where to go from here...
10 years ago, my wife's dream car was the 2004 RAV4 L...Today, she now owns the 2005 White Diamond Escalade Rwd that she saw (and had to have) a successful drug dealer driving in an episode of Burn Notice. Even got comparable 22" chrome bling. It is, without question, the prettiest, beefiest, most noticeable production car on the road today, even after 10 years post-concept (first production version was model year '02). Now the problem is, without spending $100K+ on something really highend, what do we replace it with in 5-6 years? There is nothing even up to the 2012-hopper even comparable.
$55,000 Peice of junk
I replaced the fuel pump at 61000 miles.Speedo Doesn't work anymore.and at 84000 miles i just got to replace the transmission.over car looks and feels great but has alot of issues.
The beast
We own a car dealership and have had just about everything. But haven't came across nothing like the Escalade we love the power luxury and how same we feel in it. We wouldn't be afraid to take it anywhere.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Why did my dad sell this car....
My dad bought this car from a huge car enthusiast. It was fully decked out, on 22s, chrome door handles, gas door, mirrors, all 4 windows were tinted, remote start, second row tv, gps. the previous guy even took out the original seats and put in custom black leather seats, he also put in a train horn alarm, ipod auxillary, and thousands of dollars worth of speakers and subs to make the bose audio twice as loud, just as bassy, and very very clear froma distance. The car was in perfect shape inside and out, very reliable for the 1 year we had it. I got to drive it twice a week, and my girlfriend loved it jsut as much as she loves me. The reason we sold it-gas mileage. I still miss it
Luxury, Performance, and Fun
This is the best truck I have ever driven. Every time I drive my Escalade SUV it's like an adventure; from the stereo system to the beefy performance and luxurious ride, 2005 Cadillac Escalade is the best SUV ever. I have never heard a better stereo system in my life, and I actually own a BMW with a Harmon Cardin stereo system. It cannot touch the Escalade. It is like my own personal symphony orchestra at a touch of a button. I attempted a trade in a year ago, but change my mind after the test drive. I am fully convinced that the 2005, Cadillac Escalade is the best SUV truck available, hands down. If you want a reliable truck, go find you a 2005, Cadillac Escalade truck.
The best vehicle I have own!
I have the white pearl Caddy. This vehicle turns eads everywhere. I have taken it off road and up the hills in the Rockies. This Caddy has a lot of power and handles like a sport car.
GM/Cadillac Could Care LESS!
My 2005 Escalade has been in the shop 9 times within a 7 month period for various problems. Now Caddy says they won't fix the whistling noise in the engine, the continuous buzzing of the navigation system, the clunking of the transmission and the blurry, defective driver side mirror. I was told I have to live with it. I hope no GM/Cadillac customer will just "live with" poor quality. From one Caddy customer to all the others...they will NOT back their product. They have over 120 technical service bulletins for just the 2005 Escalade alone, while most vehicles have maybe 10-20 a year. Oh, and GM's customer service stinks! Yeah, I'm mad!
Love my Escalade!
We've had our Escalade for four months now and have no complaints. It a beautiful vehicle and handles well. The mileage is what you expect from an SUV. We are having some problems with the hands free phone not understanding us but have not yet looked into getting it fixed. The driver's seat is comfortable and with the memory settings there are no arguments about moving the seat. I am definitely impressed with the quality of our Escalade. We've had SUVs before and a common problem was an impaired view on turns. This is definitely not a problem with the Escalade.
Now and Then
Well the first Cadillac I owned was a 1979 Seville (new). It had some problems with the fuel margel (computer) under the hood, where it would stop sending fuel to the injectors. Then I bought a 1999 Cadillac Escalade (new) had very few problems except that OnStar kills the battery about every 18 months and that it is not very good on gasoline. Well this 2005 Escalade is very stylish, has lots of power, is comfortable, and not that bad on gas. Its gas mileage could be better, but it's not nearly as bad as the 1999 Escalade that I owned previously.
Great Cad
Compared to other large SUVs, I feel that the Escalade is a very good vehicle in all areas. Toyotas and others are overrated on thier performance and milage abilities. I am a maitenance guy and have worked on vehicles and equipment for over 40 years. The one thing I have found is that most people are not totally honest about thier fuel mileage or maintenance problems. Most don't keep thier tires inflated to the proper inflation or don't realize how much fuel quality can differ from dealer to dealer.
2 D Boat
We have had Cadillacs before. We also had an Acura that broke down a lot. Our Cadillacs have never broken down and have always worked properly. Our Escalade handles like a sports car and is very dependable on snow and ice. I love this truck.
This is my 3rd Escalde
This is my 3rd Esclade and I love it. It is a very solid riding and handling vehicle. It has plenty of power and great passing speed. They did take a few things out of the 2005 like the dual compartment console and also the lock on it. I do wish the second row of seats would lay flat to give me more room in the back for long cargo. Over all it's a great vehicle and I will buy anther one.
Making them better for 2005
I purchased this vehicle two months ago and it has been a great experience. I currently have 14,000 miles on it and it runs great, and rides very smooth. The 2005 model seems to have a smoother transmission and an improved navigation unit, now touch screen. I originally purchased this vehicle because of its performance capabilities and and it's all wheel drive for the part of the country I live in. I would recommend this SUV for anyone looking for a high performace smooth luxury SUV that actually looks good!
Cadillac Escalade
Car is exceptional to drive and is very comfortable and roomy. It meets my needs and expectations in an SUV with the exceptiond of gas mileage (about 14-16 mpg). The electronics and automatic features are wonderful with the way the electronic sunroof closes automatically upon exiting the vehicle. The backup warning feature is also quite helpful. Since I did not get the navigational system, the rear camera feature is not avaiable. The exterior styling and engine size of the vehicle, puts it ahead of other comparable vehicles, in my view.
*All Season Road beast*
I have had countless cars ever since 16yrs old.. I am now 43 and finally feel that I've landed my feet into the vehicle I had aspired to, all these years. If I knew that All WHEEL DRIVE would be sooo convient and give me great road control.. I'd bought one years sooner.. I While I have NEVER had brand new I am just as satified with my 2005 Black Escalade AWD.. my only problems are that of the Cluster Board, blanked out face to radio, front end suspension, and falsely presented rear climate control. That rear climate control neither gets hot or cold.. just a fan to circulate.. dial description showshot and cold adjustments but it changes nothing.. it's just designed to circulate air pulled from the front.. smh.. POOR JOB G.M!!.. when you spend money like that you exspect maximum comfort on spell!!.. Heated seats don't stay on long... I've only had my truck for 3 months but with our crazy weather in Saint Louis, Missouri I don't miss a beat.. I laugh when it's rainy and every one else is fish tailing when light turns green.. lol.. Gas is not nearly as bad as most bloggers give off.. Best spark plugs, pure purple senthetic oil, K&N Oil & Air filter.. cant go wrong.. #LearnYourCar.................. MrSupaman Gillespie
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
Another Cadillac
The Cadillac Escalade lives up to the Cadillac reputation. The Escalade has sexy styling with well contoured curves. The interior of the Escalade is where is really shines, with all the bells and whisltes you can imagine, you feel like your in a small jet. It takes some reading and practice to get use to its instrument panel and if your lucky enough to have it, the readout on the trip computer and satelite radio. The stereo is built in digitally and sounds very nice as well as the 5 CD changer. The most fun is the dual climate control (really tri) for driver, passanger and rear passanger (all seperate for each persons comfort) The vehicle handles well, but it takes longer to stop.
Warranty Not Good
Lots of problems: Every startup the engine ticks, it has gotten better in the hot weather, but the problem is still there-did not experience says dealer. Lost all audio from rear warning system, OnStar, phone, cd, radio etc-intermittent at first then completely. After 4 attempts to fix, dealer and GM customer service says too bad something was spilled onto amplifier--(a 1/2 ounce of coffee did drip out of a cupholder as it was being removed in the dealers driveway for an appointment to fix this problem at that time 3 months old) they want $1,500 to fix the Bose amp. Power Steering squeels like a loose belt when turning. I was told it is a pressure relief valve..it is being fixed now, we'll see. I experience a loud transmission noise at about 1,700 rpm.
2005 Cadillac Escalade AWD
I was surprised that my 2005 Cadillac Escalade vehicle did not have a power rear door to assist with opening and closing. Also, the low tire pressure warning lamp does not indicate which tire is low. I found this to be a neat feature on my previous vehichle, a 2002 Cadillac STS. I also think that additional interior colors should be made available.
Luxury and Power
This car is amazing. It is comfortable, yet powerful. It is fast, yet you feel extremely safe while riding in it. I would truely recommend this car to anyone looking at Full Size Luxury SUVs.
Great fun
This SUV is great fun to drive.It is very responsive,so that even my wife can easily drive it (and she was afraid at first) Also the quality of design and workmanship is evident everywhere,even long distances are not tiring! You just feel that you have a lot of space,a lot of air to breathe and the acoustics are outstanding... OnStar and voice activated phone systems are of great help and super to use... I have driven BMWs and Lincolns ...and it's just not the same...This Cadillac is in a class of its own!
Standard Of the SUVS
Hands Down The Best Sport ute out there. Unbeatable power . I have driven many many miles through deep snow and the awd system has performed perfectly always get me where I need to go .The interior is a masterpiece. One worthy of kings and Queens .
225000 going strong
I bought this truck used with 18,000 miles on it. I thought I'd trade it in after the 100 mile warranty. The newer models dont have the towing capacity of this truck. Everytime I look at new vehicles they dont have that feel. I have never had a car this long. Just had the headliner and front seats done for 1000. 228,000 running strong just 43 tune ups and 1 full A/c front then rear. I had the tranny cleaned and said it looked great no metal bands looked good.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
At first we were skeptical
Having driven Japanese suvs for the last 6 years -- Acura, Lexus, etc. -- we were apprehensive about joining the big GMC SUV club. We are very happy thus far. So far we have put on around 500 miles. The truck drives like a car -- very little, if any, road noise, very easy to handle, great horse power and I have to admit, its easy to see why the "Cadillac" thing is for real. I'm thinking my next car is going to be their new convertible. Very hot!
Best car i ever owned
You feel safe in this vechile. The ride is a smooth luxury ride. The response is right there, it handles well if you worry about gas mileage you would never buy this car. On long trips we put all the grand kids in the back pop in a video and off you go, this is just a great car
Fine Vehicle
Handles very quick for a vehicle of its size
Strong Engine
Bought at 145,000 miles and had it four years. Have only had to replace wheels, water pump and AC fan during that time. Strong engine that will easily go to 300,000 miles
luxurious caddy
the ride is very comfortable. has all the bells and whistles inside! Can pull boat or trailer with ease! Only con is gas mileage!!!!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Own American
This vehicle is fun to drive, rides exceptional well gas milage could be inproved quality is very good,vehicle has room for six audlts comfortably, Driven this vehicle on trips, short drives very satisfacting both for comfort and reliablity.
Love my Escalade
I love my 2005 Escalade. I bought it as a demo with 3000 miles on it in 2005. I have 80,000 miles on it now and haven't had anything go wrong other than an issue with the heater fan, it wouldn't stop running even when off, so the dealership fixed it and haven't had any other issues. It just now needs new brakes, other than that I haven't put a dime into it as far as repairs go. I wanted to trade it in for a newer model, but I wasn't impressed with the interior on the new Escalades, my 2005 is much more plush and looks way better; the new ones look cheap inside...no caddy logos in the seats? I just can't say enough good things about this SUV...I love it!
Best SUV on the road
The Escalade was purchased for the style and comfort. The ride is compared to riding your living sofa with wheels. Sure some of the interior plastic is cheap looking but I did not buy it for the interior appearence, We enjoy the looks and ride, I like to sit above the traffic and see what's ahead of me with the Escalade, I have the best SUV on the market. I'm one proud owner.
Worst suspension and handiling
Worst suspension and handiling ever expierienced. Vehicle throws you off road when riding over a small pothole.At 23000 miles transmission had to be rebuild, consitant problems and having to send back to dealer. Power on vehicle is to much for the poor handiling and suspension. Vechile is to overrated.
Escalade six months old.
Wonderful to drive but gas milage is not good. Averaged 12.7 for 188 gals used. Best ever 15.7 on road trip. auto climate control not great, prefer the manual type in the Tahoe I drive.
Great vehicle
After all of the vehicles that I have owned this is the best.
2005 Platinum Escalade ESV
This truck is beautiful to look at. It has lots of little annoying problems though, which shouldn't happen in a vehichle of this caliber. Mine has had had blown sensors, problems with Bose stereo, and the rear DVD system is not properly interfaced with the stereo system making the radio blast when the DVD is turned off. Cadillac not responsive to fixing problems. I also have problems getting loaner vehichles when in for service.
I smile when I drive this car
I replaced a 2002 Yukon Denali xl with a 2004 Esclade ESV ( GM pull ahead made me a deal I couldn't refuse). I considered getting another Denali but I heard the suspension on the Esclade was better than the Denali. It truly is even better than my Denali. The car cruises beautifully on the highway for long hauls, it carries my kids and dogs all together. The climate control is great for such a big vehicle. I am very very happy and will hold this one until they come out with the redesign in 2007.
Good SUV
Like it a alot
escalade
best car i've ever owned, not even close
MY PHATTY CADDY
all around hot truck, many parts are lower end gm parts..
Love My Escalade
This is the first American car I have ever purchased, but I have benn an SUV driver for years. This is by far the nicest looking, head turning comfortable ride out there!!! But dont want to ride to far! It gets terrible gas mileage, but if you have money like most who drive one, it is not an issue!
luxury
It's pure luxury and highly recommended
My 04 Escalade
This is a big truck and I love every inch of it ! Cadillac nailed it when they came up with this body style . Once inside the cabin you are treated to the Cadillac comfort that I remember as a kid . It definitely rules the road , and knowing that it is the "most powerful SUV on the planet " only adds to the experience . I only hope when GM changes the truck in '06 or '07 , it doesn't ruin the appeal this one has .
Escalade
Real good driving, smooth and good 4 wheel drive i really go heavy off road
Escalade - Style!
This is the first SUV that I have ever owned and it will now be hard to go back to a normal car. My previous car was a Lexus IS300 which I loved as well. I haul around a lot of computer servers so upgrading to the Escalade made a lot of sense and it has not let me down. I have not had any major problems and the ride is smoother than expected. I would buy another Escalade in the future.
Worth the price
Worth the money...could get better gas milage but the V8 power is worth it at the gas pump.
I'd rather be driving it.....
It is a very comfortable car with great head and leg room for everyone. The ride is as good as any car in the world and far better than most. It is eye candy to any fan of good quality and good design. The Cadillac Escalade is the best of all worlds.
My 05 Escalade
This is my 2nd Escalade . I owned an '02 ( it was a GM Certified vehicle) , and never had a problem with it , so I decided before GM changes the model I would get me a new one ( 2005 ) . Nothing like the smell of Cadillac Leather! The interior is nice, like the subtle changes, miss some they deleted on the newer models . But overall this is truly a Cadillac for car or truck nuts ( like me ) . And just knowing that there are 345 horses under the hood makes you feel like you can own the road if you feel like it !
Riptide Rush
This SUV is fun to drive. This is hands down better than my 2000 Navigator. The new features are striking. The factory Nav unit is awesome. The new color Riptide, Blue Green Crystal is a great color. I get some many compliments on it.