PRICE AS TESTED: $51,540
CONFIGURATION: All Wheel Drive model - Vortec 6000 6.0-liter V8 engine, 345 hp; Hydra-matic heavy duty electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive; Two Wheel Drive model - Vortec 5300 5.3-liter V8 engine, 285 hp; 4-speed automatic transmission
FUEL ECONOMY: 12 mpg city / 15 mpg highway
SAFETY FEATURES: Airbags, driver, passenger and side, standard; ">ABS, standard; OnStar onboard
IMPRESSION: There simply are not enough positive words to describe the Escalade.
When I first spied the 2002 Cadillac Escalade at January's North American International Auto Show in Detroit, I was immediately drawn to it. I was with a colleague and commented, "How can Cadillac improve the Escalade? Isn't it near perfect already?"
My colleague grinned. We hopped inside. We were impressed.
And that's what you will be - impressed - by the many improvements in the 2002 Cadillac Escalade.
I drove the Escalade all week and never found anything to complain about. It performed well, served me well and always did what I asked it to do. Much unlike my kids.
And the best feature? The ultrasonic rear parking assist. That's a sensor in the back bumper that tells you when you're getting close enough to actually hit something you don't see. Invaluable for someone like me. Seems like the kids always park their bikes in back of whatever vehicle I'm in.
I'm a little surprised that they did a remake on the Escalade, considering it was first introduced as a 1999 model in the fall of 1998. It's done what it was supposed to do - infuse a buyer base that's much younger, something that's important for Cadillac's future.
This year, there are three distinct models of the Escalade to choose from: an all-wheel-drive, two-wheel-drive and an export version that's going to the Middle East. This is also the first Escalade to sport the new Cadillac wreath and crest.
Just as an aside - the Middle East version is essentially the same as the Escalade we drive around here with a few exceptions. It doesn't have OnStar, it runs on leaded fuel and has all-wheel drive capability to handle loose sand or gravel.
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.
