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Cadillac Escalade
992 messages, Last post on Apr 24, 2009 at 12:18 PM
You are in the Cadillac Escalade Forum. Your Hosts are steve_ & tidester
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No apology is necessary. My comments are directed at getting better products made. I have no ax to grind with Cadillac. I just want to see the best Cadillac SUV possible. From what I've seen of their future product with cars, they seem to be headed in the right direction. I do wish, however, that they would embrace AWD (for "ALL" their cars) like Subaru has. If they did, I would be singing nothing but praise for Cadillac. I take exception with your comment about the ML Mercedes being built off the E-Class chassis. That's just not true. The ML has a full-frame chassis. The E-Class is a unit-body design. Granted, it does share some components with the E-Class, but not the chassis. I'm glad you mentioned the M-Class however. I have felt from day one that this vehicle would be the blueprint for future SUVs. I still do, in spite of numerous problems that the M-Class has encountered to date. As I mentioned, it has a full-frame, truck-like chassis, yet employs a car-like independent rear suspension. It also is the only "new-generation" SUV that continues to have a low range in the transfer case. I've noticed that the new 2002 Escalade has abandoned the low range. This is a mistake on Caddy's part. I am convinced that if an SUV is to truly be an SUV, a low range needs to be part of the package -- even if it's only used once a year -- it needs to be there. I'm sure that when Mercedes introduces its next-generation ML, which is due around MY 2004, it will again raise the bar for this type of vehicle. I wish I could plug Cadillac's name in the above sentence, but to date, I've seen no evidence of that. Bob |
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The M-Class does deliver advanced engineering and technology at an affordable price, but it has lessened the value of the Mercedes star. As a current Mercedes owner, I tried hard to make myself like the M-Class, but to no avail. Plain and simple, the M-Class is a lemon. It's build quality is worse than an Isuzu Rodeo - Check Consumer Reports. I know you referenced comparison tests on SUV's and the Escalade finishing near or at the bottom of the list. Well the same can be said for the M-Class. I know styling is mostly subjective, but the M does not have the same presence or prestige of other Mercedes. Even the entry level C-class surpasses the M in ergonomics, build quality, styling, and overall panache. The Acura MDX has great features and technology, but it suffers from the same condition as most Japanese luxury vehicles--It has no soul. The current Caddy was clearly an attempt to get product to the market as quickly as possible in the most profitable segment. It has serious shortcomings, but it has succeeded in bringing younger, wealthier people to the Cadillac Marquee. When Caddy modified the Tahoe platform, they were aiming squarely at the Lincoln Navigator and to a lesser extent Lexus LX470. The Acura, M-Class, X5, RX300, and Infiniti were never intended targets. They are not even in the same category. Not only are they smaller, they are also hybrid vehicles intended for different buyers and purposes. The 02' Escalade will be even more successful for Cadillac because it will have the engineering and technology to rival all Full size luxury SUV's. It will provide the third row seating, stabilitrac, and the presence/prestige that discerning buyers demand. The 2005 M-Class will also address most of the current M's shortcomings, but unfortunately most buyers can't afford to wait that long. |
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I'm well aware of the M-Class's shortcomings, as I alluded to. The problems are in execution, not in concept. I am hoping, as I am sure are too, that these issues will have been rectified by the time the next-generation M-Class hits the streets. I agree with you regarding the Acura MDX. I will also add that it too lacks a low range, and I believe(?) also comes with a temp spare tire, which is absurd in an SUV. From what I've read, it sounds like the updated Navigator, which should debut on or around 2003, will be the leading "American" luxury SUV. All, or most of what I feel is lacking in the Escalade, will be featured on this vehicle. Bob |
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The last three or four post have got to represent the most "ideal" type of dialogue Edmunds ever intended when they created this "Townhall" forum. I love it; Objective and meaningful discussion! Truthfuly, I am not even an SUV fan. But, I am a Cadillac fan. It has taken me all these years to figure out what the heck all the buzz is about with these overpriced, gas guzzling, tip-over prone vehicles called "utility" vehicles that most people never take off the freeways and city streets! Having come to terms with the fact that the SUV craze just won't seem to die, I have also come to terms with the fact that the next generation Escalade will certainly open the doors to Cadillac dealerships even wider than than the 1st generation one has. Combine that with the new "near luxury" CTS that will debut in '02 (is it '02 or '03?), and things are certain to start changing in the Cadillac realm! By the way, I have not ever said that I will NEVER own an SUV. Ya' never know... |
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For those who are looking for more pictures of the new Escalade, go to this site, and in the SEARCH area type in "Escalade." Bob http://www.wieck.com/public/index.html |
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| Go to www.cadillac.com Click on the link for United states. Go to bottom left hand corner and click on link to "All New 2002 Escalade". They have 360 degree view of the exterior and interior, show how the rear seats move, have detailed info on options available, and many other things. Worth a look. | |
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Anyone know the MSRP on the 2002 Escalade? 2WD $$$$? AWD $$$$? |
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Since the AWD Denali is listing for 48,900, my guess would be around 53-54 range for AWD, and 50 for 2WD. Strictly a guess though. As soon as I have more info, I will post it here |
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| Just got the dealer info package on the new escalade. It has more equipment that originally thought. Yes, it will be coming in AWD with 345 hp. However, what I didn't realize is that it WILL have a low range to it. It is a matter of pushing a button on the gear shifter. I can't wait for this one to hit the ground. Already have four other people that can't either! | |
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I agree the new Escalade looks to be worlds apart from its predecessor. I do have a couple of nitpicks after reading Caddy's website. First, despite the new sound system and instrument cluster, the radio and climate control still looks like it's from the Tahoe/Yukon parts bin. Second, in an age where all Sevilles, Eldos, DHSs, DTSs all have Zebrano wood, is anyone else bothered by the fact that the Escalade's dash is fake wood (although the steering wheel is real wood)? Third, I know that tccad1 commented on the difficulty of adapting the Northstar to a rear wheel drive platform. Well maybe, but the Evoq will be that configuration. Of course that design team has a little more time to get the job done. Also, using the Vortec design means Caddy doesn't have to spend the money making a completely new transmission to go with it, which the Northstar would have demanded. Still, with Caddy products going RWD in the new few years, you gotta bite the bullet and spend the money to develop this sometime. The Northstar has been an extremely successful engineering and marketing platform for Cadillac. It's a shame not to use it in all applications possible. Lastly, it's too bad the "It's good to be the Cadillac" ad campaign was done away with. The slogan alone rocked. And I still think the name "Escalade" is lame. My pick? The Cadillac Ranch |
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