2002 Cadillac Escalade Review

2002 CADILLAC ESCALADE

Price:
$47,290-$50,285
Likes:
Unique styling. Roomy. Nice ride. Fast. Decent handling.
Dislikes:
Overly light steering. High step-in. Low fuel economy.

A Cadillac truck? No way. That was Cadillac's stance before being forced to introduce its first truck the 1999 Escalade sport-utility to satisfy disgruntled dealers. They had been watching rival Lincoln dealers briskly sell the big, luxurious Navigator luxury sport-utility since 1998.
Cadillac had to move fast, so the Escalade was a rebadged version of General Motors' large, luxurious GMC Yukon Denali sport-ute. The Escalade wasn't bad, but lacked sufficient Cadillac input and a third-row seat. However, Caddy skipped 2001 and has introduce the early 2002 Escalade, which is a big improvement over the first generation model. It still shares a platform with the Denali, but it's an improved platform that provides better handling, braking and ride.

The Escalade now has third-row seating. It also features the most powerful V-8 in its class with the all-wheel drive version. And its front end has edgy new styling that will be on upcoming Cadillac cars. It's the first Cadillac to carry the automaker's new wreath-and-crest logo and has unique alloy wheels. The Escalade costs $50,285 with all-wheel drive and the 6-liter, 345-horsepower V-8. It's $47,290 for the rear-drive version, which has a 5.3-liter, 285-horsepower V-8. While costly, the Escalade has so much equipment, including a rear-obstacle detection system, that the only option is a $1,550 sunroof.

The all-wheel-drive Escalade weighs a whopping 5,809 pounds, but the V-8 is so strong this vehicle is a hot rod hitting 60 mph in 7.9 seconds. The rear-drive version reaches 60 mph in about 9 seconds because it's also heavy at 5,553 pounds and has 60 fewer horsepower and less torque.
Both engines work with a smooth, responsive four-speed automatic transmission. The 345-horsepower V-8 loafs at 1,900 rpm at 65 mph, but provides only 12 mpg in the city and 15 on highways. The lower-horsepower version delivers 14 and 18. At least only 87-octane gasoline is required.

The all-wheel-drive system delivers most power to the rear wheels for a balanced rear-drive feel unless wheel slip is detected by the sophisticated system. Cadillac expects 80 percent of Escalade buyers will get the all-wheel drive model, which isn't for off-road use.
The Escalade has a suspension with electronic damping that provides a smooth ride, although it sometimes allows excessive up-and-down motion. The steering is quick, but overly light at highway speeds. The brake pedal has a nice feel, and stopping distances are impressively short. The Escalade has good handling for such a high, heavy truck. The 345-horsepower model has Cadillac's sophisticated StabiliTrak traction-stability system.

There's room for eight in the larger, quiet wood-and-leather interior. Numerous retro-style gauges look classy, but most are small and hard to read quickly. Door handles are easily gripped. But the ignition switch is hard to reach on the steering column; too bad it's not on the dashboard.
The big front seats are supportive, but extra effort is needed to enter this tall truck. The third-row seat area is not just for kids, but isn't easy to reach. Running boards aren't wide, and narrow rear door openings hamper egress.

The cargo area has a large hatch and low opening. It's small with the 50-50 split third-row seats in place, but they fold to allow a decent cargo area and are removable. Both second row seats can be folded flat into the floor for a giant cargo area with the third-row seats gone. Generally, the 2002 Escalade is a success. The styling is unique, and it has plenty of comfort, utility, power and luxury to satisfy both old and new Cadillac customers.