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2002 Cadillac Escalade Large Luxury SUV
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What's Not To Like?
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Power to the all-wheel-drive Escalade is provided by a 6.0-liter (Vortec 6000) that outputs 345 horsepower - more than enough for any driving you may want to do. Acceleration is strong and tackling hills is no problem at all. The engine is mated to a Hydra-matic (heavy-duty) electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive.
On the rear-wheel-drive Escalade, you'll get the 5.3-liter (Vortec 5300) V8 engine that gives you 285 horses under the hood. A 4-speed automatic transmission is on board as well, but it's not the heavy-duty model.
The all-wheel-drive Escalade has little additions like a road-sensing suspension system and StabiliTrak, which makes the ride so, so fine. Never will you feel a bump in the road, unless it's a Michigan crater (pothole). I'll also comment that this is a very quiet vehicle. Road noise is absent.
As with every other carmaker this year, there's a standard third row of seats, which allow for eight passengers to fit in this sport utility. That's what my kids liked the most - the room in this Cadillac is superior. They were able to pick a row just for themselves. (Great way to keep them quiet, too.)
Other additions this year for Escalade include an 11-speaker Bose Acoustimass audio system with a single load 6-disc CD changer (in-dash), a one-piece liftgate that's a bit lighter and larger, heated, memory, fold-away rearview mirrors.
One of the things I liked best about the Escalade was the very large center console that continues up to the instrument panel, which was also redesigned this year to provide better visibility.
Cadillac did testing that shows it has best-in-class comfort. The last row of seats is a 50/50 split and is fully removable. The seats are a bit heavy, however. The first two rows of seating are heated. The driver's seat is a 10-way power unit that has heated cushions and seatbacks. Gotta be toasty, toasty, toasty on a cold winter morning.
The styling of the Escalade sets it apart from the rest of the SUV crowd - and it is getting crowded - and its stark shape and well-defined lines make it look a bit aggressive.
When you look at the front of the Escalade, you'll find it's definitely a Cadillac. The front grille, for example, has styling cues that unmistakably came from the Cadillac Evoq concept car that caused quite a stir last year.
The Escalade also has running boards that are quite useful and can get you in and out of the vehicle safely. There's even a luggage rack on top, and you can opt for a sunroof this year as well.
Dressed up and ready to go, this Escalade has two tow hooks and fog lamps in front. There's an automatic Twilight Sentinel system, which turns your lights on for you when it's dark. There are also daytime running lamps.
I can't say enough good things about the Escalade. It's something that I would really like to have in my driveway or garage. I just wish it was more affordable ($51,540 right now) for more people.
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