EDMUNDS.COM 2004 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV
Find, Buy, Review, Make offers on, and View more vehicles like the 2004 CADILLAC ESCALADEESV new at UsedNewCars.com!
Click Here For More Reviews On Edmunds.com
 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.
Overview
Introduction:
When the Escalade was introduced in 1999, the Cadillac faithful were a little nervous. After all, the idea of a truck bearing the Cadillac wreath and crest just didn''t seem like it had much promise. And then there was the vehicle itself -- an underpowered, overclad behemoth that used heavy doses of leather and wood trim to conceal the fact it was nothing more than a slightly reworked Chevrolet Tahoe. But to everyone''s surprise, the Escalade sold well. The public''s insatiable thirst for SUVs overcame the original vehicle''s initial mediocrity to make it one of the best-selling models in Cadillac''s lineup.After skipping the 2001 model year, the Escalade returned in 2002 with an all-new look and significantly revised underpinnings. The results were nothing short of a home run as the Escalade became one of the most popular full-size luxury sport-utilities on the market. Its combination of bold styling and class-leading engine power made it popular with high-profile athletes and power-hungry executives alike. Last year''s introduction of the extended wheelbase ESV broadened the Escalade''s appeal even further, as it now offers buyers the most passenger and cargo capacity available in a full-size luxury SUV. If you like ''em big, bold and chock-full of high-tech goodies, the Escalade ESV is as good as it gets.
 |
For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The standard seven-passenger Escalade comes well equipped, but a limited-production Platinum edition offers several additional features for those looking for something more distinctive. The standard feature list includes everything you would expect in a luxury sport-utility. There''s tri-zone climate control, a multifunction driver information center, second-row captain''s chairs, the OnStar communications system, satellite radio, power-adjustable pedals, a thundering Bose audio system and the StabiliTrak electronic stability and traction control system just to name a few. The short options list consists of a rear DVD video entertainment system, a second-row bench seat that increases passenger capacity to eight, a sunroof and chromed aluminum wheels. The Platinum edition adds more wood and chrome trim to the interior, a dual screen DVD system, a chrome grille and a lowered suspension finished off with 20-inch chrome wheels.
Powertrains and Performance:
The ESV comes in all-wheel-drive only and its sole power plant is a high-output 6.0-liter V8 engine. With 345 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, the only other SUVs that can match it also wear Cadillac emblems. The maximum tow rating is 7,400 pounds. Acceleration is surprisingly brisk for such a large vehicle, but you pay for it with mileage estimated at 12 city/16 highway.
Safety:
All Escalades come standard with the StabiliTrak stability control system as well as four-wheel antilock disc brakes, side airbags for the driver and front passenger and the OnStar communications system. Additional safety enhancements include high-intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps, a tire-pressure monitoring system, rear parking sensors and a front-passenger sensor that can detect the presence of a child and depower the airbag accordingly. In government crash tests, the Escalade received three out of five stars for driver protection in a frontal impact and four stars for front passenger protection.
|
For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
The ESV''s interior features plenty of soft leather and shiny wood accents. The dashboard and instrument panel were redesigned last year with a new "cleaner" look, but we think the previous design was a bit more distinctive. There''s plenty of room for five adults to stretch out and even those banished to the third-row seats will find enough room to rest in comfort. The limited-production Platinum edition adds unique leather, wood and chrome accents along with a premium headliner and a dual-screen DVD system.
|
For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
Despite its imposing size, the Escalade ESV handles itself admirably. Body roll is kept well under control and the continuous adjustments made by the standard Road Sensing Suspension (RSS) maintain an excellent balance between ride quality and road feel. The steering can feel a bit numb on the highway, but it lightens up nicely during low-speed maneuvers. The enormous 6.0-liter V8 provides ample passing power, while the four-speed automatic always chooses the right gear. Overall, a very comfortable and competent cruiser that rarely gets out of sorts no matter what you throw at it.
|
For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
[ UsedNewCars.com ] [ Information Index ] [ Site Map ]
[ CADILLAC Information Index ] [ SUV Information Index ]
|
