Ask the Car People.SM


Cadillac Escalade

1000 messages,  Last post on Nov 30, 2012 at 1:51 PM

You are in the Cadillac Escalade Forum.

What is this discussion about? Cadillac Escalade, Cadillac Escalade EXT, Cadillac Escalade ESV, SUV

Messages Page 6 of 101

#49 of 1000 no_body_74 by no_body_74

Nov 07, 1998 (8:55 pm)

Just wait untill the 2000 model year. GM will have all thier SUVs based on the new truck platform. This will also give GM time to actually plan a new Escalade instead of just saying lets slap this part here or there on a Denali and call it a Cadillac. GM will really be moving foward in the next couple of years. As far as Cadillac goes there will be the redesigned Catera built in the U.S. and made for the U.S. market unlike the current generation Catera. For those of you who like the Lexus RX 300 or other SUVs based on a car platform Cadillac will produce a "LAV" or "Luxury Activity Vehicle" based on the new Catera metioned above. It will be an all wheel drive SUV that should come out in 2001 or 2002. There will also be a new rear wheel drive platoform that GM will use throughout its divisions. I think all Cadillacs will be rear wheel drive in the future except for the Deville which is scheduled for a redesign in 2000. I don't know the reasoning behind the Deville staying at FWD. Maybe CadillacMan can explain this. Anyway like I said GM is really moving foward.

#50 of 1000 What I have heard... by CadillacMan

Nov 18, 1998 (7:21 pm)

Nicely put no_body_74


The main reason for Deville staying front wheel drive is because of it's goal of a luxury ride and not a "performance-oriented" ride. Measuring the "pros and cons" of front wheel drive vs. rear wheel drive for this segment, at this time, GM will elect to keep the Deville FWD.
Additionally, less torque steer will be noticed on the new Deville when the new platform will be introduced in 2000, based on stiffer beaming of the new Seville for the 98 model year.
The 2001 Seville & Eldorado will change in to RWD given their competitive class.
The Escalade should be impressive in it's next generation - but take nothing away from it now... compared to its rival - the Navigator - stacking up value per dollar of MSRP - the Escalade will get a fair market share. We can't keep one here at our dealership for more than 48 hours... People are impressed with the fit and finish.

#51 of 1000 patman47 by patman47

Dec 02, 1998 (6:54 pm)

Glad to meet you Cadillacman. I have a '96 STS and simply love the car. I've put 78,000 on it already with the only problem being two burned out fog lamps; however, I am experiencing some oil loss (approx. 1 qt per 1500 mi) and will switch to Mobil 1 at 80,000. One thing, I'm sick and tired of hearing all the crap about how much better the E Models, 540's and Lexus' handle than the Caddy. I've owned a 420 and an XJ6 and wouldn't dream of giving up my Seville. Sure, rear wheel drive has the advantage in the dry, but I live in Seattle. Believe me, the Seville is much quicker in the rain!

#52 of 1000 mendoroger by mendoroger

Dec 27, 1998 (3:46 am)

CadillacMan...you're truly a salesman. I am considering buying an Escalade myself...and find the difference in price above the Denali worth every penny. I worry about the service however. I would feel far more confident having the GMC guys handling service on my vehicle. By the way, what does the OnStar service cost annually after that first free year?

#53 of 1000 oilman2 by oilman2

Jan 11, 1999 (10:22 am)

I drove into Dallas a few days ago with my
'95 tahoe looking pretty dirty going through
the recent snow storms and I stopped by the
GMC/Cadillac dealer, what do you know I drove
out with an Escalade. Don't let anyone ever
tell you that the Escalade rides like the
tahoes and yukons. The suspension is completely different. It rides so much like an STS that my mom traded in her '97 for an Escalade as well. The tightness of the construction from the Arlington plant is amazing. I've never driven a GM truck like this. If you're considering the Denali, go for the Escalade, its much better looking despide the limit of four colors. I also looked at the Lincoln Navigator, but aside from the electronically adjustable pedals and 3rd seat, which you have to be very small to get to anyway (no texans I know), there wasn't much that the fake leather and unappealing looks could offer. Not to mention you can actually feel the road in the Escalade, I do wish however the dash was updated. They changed the colors of the blacklighting so its easier to see, and all mirrors are electrochromic so night time isn't so bad with those big mirrors. I had a an expensive aftermarket stereo system in my tahoe, but saw no need to transfer it because the bose system with subwoofer is just fine for me now (maybe I grew up). At least there's enough truck in the escalade that you don't feel back about the occasional off road trip. In the navigator I felt like I'd rip off all that pastic body panels any minute. There's nothing that anyone could say about the Escalade that would make me feel bad about my decision.

#54 of 1000 greenml430 by greenml430

Jan 17, 1999 (4:58 pm)

I also as many of you did, drove the Navigator, Denali, Escalade, LX470, & Mercedes extensively before buying! While I am totally pleased with my choice of the ML430, the only other vehicle truly considered in the same class was the two GM variants! My biggest problem was why GM wouldn't spends a few dollars for rear discs on a 45K+ SUV. I was left totally unimpressed with the Lincoln and concerned about their transmission woes,the Lexus was OK, but over-priced for what it offered,the Mercedes fit my needs best, & the 4.3 V-8 truly transforms the M-Class into a fun vehicle! I looked at the 99 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the 4.7 & QuadraTrac but was a little leary of it, & noone that you care about over 5'6" should ever be sentenced to that rear seat, "Sheesh" it's tiny! I have a late model Suburban & it has 240,000 miles with no major problems! I actually prefer the Denali's grill & trim, but would have bought the Escalade for the Cadillac perks! I can hardly wait to see the Escalade that will be based on the "New Platform" when it arrives! It may be trading time for me then! Well good luck to you all, & thanks for your time!

#55 of 1000 Rocky by kuchnicki

Jan 27, 1999 (2:39 pm)

Does anyone know when the "New Platform" Escalade will be available, and what it will look like? Is it worth waiting for? Why didn't Cadillac just wait for the new technology?

#56 of 1000 kuchnicki by rsholland

Jan 30, 1999 (4:43 pm)

>>Why didn't Cadillac just wait
for the new technology?<< I agree. Apparently the loss of sales (marketshare) was just too much for Cadillac (GM) to cope with. Speaking of marketshare, since it was introduced, I've seen fewer than dozen Escalades on the roads. On the other hand, Navigators, Expeditions, MLs, RX300s, Grand Cherokees, and Land Cruisers/RX470s seem to be everywhere. Bob

#57 of 1000 slyone1 by slyone1

Feb 02, 1999 (5:40 am)

Well, after reading all the Escalade negative commments here, what did I do? Bought one this weekend. I have tested the Durango, presently own
a Jeep Cherokee. I may say something different in the coming weeks, but I can say without reservation, this is the best automobile I have ever driven. My brother bought a Ford Expedition 2 weeks ago, paid 38k and I paid 45k for mine, and I will say, without reservation, the Cadillac quality, etc, eats the fords, durango, etc alive.
I would suspect all the negative comments here come from two factions, want-a-bes and others who have not driven one and probably wouldnt be allowed to if they went to a dealer.

#58 of 1000 AutoCom test by rsholland

Feb 14, 1999 (3:03 pm)

For those interested in what AutoCom thinks of the Escalade, check this site:


http://www.auto.com/topstories/r1.htm


For what it's worth, I think they nailed it dead on.


Bob

Messages Page 6 of 101

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement