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SUVs Cadillac Escalade Cadillac Escalade
994 messages, Last post on Oct 13, 2009 at 4:12 PM
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In response to both posts above, I'll combine the comments. I started driving GM SUV's in 96. 1996 Suburban w/ 4WD H/L. Only ever used LOW for novelty when driving on a dirt road once, but never really had to use it. If I put it in 4WD during the snow, the front steering became a bit tight on dry pavement. In 2001, got my 1st Denali. The steering was a non issue now because of the mechanical improvements. However, one time I was pulling the boat on Lahonton lake (shore), we got stuck in some soft sand. Even with everyone out of the truck, and unloading the camp gear, the AWD could not pull free. No wheel spin, just not enough low gear. Had to get pulled out. 320 hp (2001 rating) floored was not doing it. I had 305x50x20 wheels, so the grip was good, and floated above the sand. In 2005, I traded the Denali for a Denali XL. Even though it was the same body style (but like driving a cave), it was mechanically more refined than the 2001. AWD very smooth, and steering was much firmer (in a positive way) (even before putting on the 20's I had on the 2001). In December when I found out about the new 2007 GM line, I put it up for sale before the resale value dropped too much. Paid $44k during GM's give-away period (May '05 - $6k incentives), and the dealer sold it at invoice as well. $56k sticker for $44k. In Feb this year, I sold it for $40k, 5500 miles) I've never since had a need for low gear, and I like the idea of not even having to think about it. Same with my wife's BMW X3. Regarding the wheels, (GAP2006), my humble opinion would be to get (and keep) the 22's. The ride on the '07 is tuned for the higher wheel weight, and the ride is fine. Admittedly, it is firmer than the 2005 Denali was (on 17" wheels), but not near as bumpy and squirrelly as my aftermarket 305x50x20 wheels. The squirrelly part is how I describe the wheels seeking hi/lo spots in the road. I hated this attribute in the steering, but as guy fighting middle-age, I decided the cool factor took precedence. Anyway, the 07 drives straight, and the ride is far less jarring than the BMW's. The rack & pinion steering is an improvement, as I'm not "sawing" the steering wheel on the freeway. However, I think they could have made it firmer. Feels a bit over-boosted, like the 2001 was. As for snow traction, I found it pretty good so far. In winter, I put the Denalis back on the factory 265x65x17 wheels, and these are just as good. The 305's floated badly, and I had to go stock in winter. If your thinking of putting alternate rims, keep in mind that GM has pushed out the axles a bit. You need to have a pretty large positive off-set. The factory wheels say 35mm, which isn't that common on the off-the-shelf wheels. So if your thinking 305mm tires, you'd need 40 to 44mm off-sets. Even with the 285mm tread and 35mm off-set, the wheel is just barely tucked. My only complaint therefore is that in snow and rain, lots of muck gets thrown on the mirrors, running boards and doors. The '02-'06 Caddy cladding (and Denali too) kept the sides cleaner. As for safety, I would think that Caddy has put a reasonable amount of testing in the 22' wheels. The 285mm width isn't really that radical, and worst risk is a big pot-hole (at high speed) compressing the sidewall enough to cause rim damage. The rim is about 3/4 inch inside the outermost portion of the rubber, so scrubbing on the curb won't be an issue at slow speed when parking. Sorry for the long answer, but I can type faster than I can talk. Dave
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Replying to: awf_axis (Mar 31, 2006 7:10 am) Thanks for that great answer. It really helps a lot. I know what you mean about the middle-age cool factor. That's why I'm going from a Mercedes E500 to an Escalade. Plus I think it's time I started to buy American again and am a little tired of the smug attitude we get from Germany and Japan. The dealer is loaning me the car for the weekend so I'll have a good chance to check out the 22s on all the country roads around here and get a good feel for it. I will report back to you and the Forum on my experience. Thanks again. Greg |
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A large newspaper is looking to interview consumers who have large SUVs but might rent a car to save on gas when going on long trips. Please send an e-mail to ctalati edmunds.com no later than Thursday, April 6, 2006 containing your daytime contact information, along with the make and model your vehicle. Thanks, Chintan Talati Corporate Communications Edmunds.com |
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I've had my '07 since March 1 now. There is 2700 miles on the odo. It's definitely a head-turner out on the town. Black on Black with 22's, HID headlights and all LED marker/tail lights. It's fun to see other driver's on the road take notice, and interestingly enough, its not only the young crowd: lots of 50-somethings and women too. I've yet to even see another one on the road around me. I live in Lake Tahoe and frequent Reno for evenings, movies, etc. So here's a list of issues I've come across, for those considering this vehicle. Positive List: 1. Handling - Firmer suspension (less like a cow on rollerskates), and better steering response. Doesn't get pushed around like previous generation. 2. Much tighter tolerances. No interior rattles, squeaks, thumps, etc. Previous vehicle would report any bumps on the road with rattles, or door jarring. Very quite cabin. 3. Transmission - Much more "feel" of power, due to lower 1st gear, and closer shift ratios. Smoother. 4. Visibility. Better, although still can't judge the front accurately (yet). 5. Flip-up seats, power tailgate, remote start, all great gadgets. 6. HID lights definitely improves visibility, in all weather conditions. 7. Gas mileage. A bit better than my '05 Denali. 2 mpg average better. The Pet Peeves list: 1. Contour of fender, and lack of mud/splash guards causes water, and debris to spray up the driver door, and drenches the mirrors. I've ordered Cadi molded splash guards, coming this week. 2. Navigation Radio has a busy user interface. For music, its kind of like using Windows XP, which means you have to really look at the monitor to control things. Has a 'tabbed' interface, and options don't seem that intuitive. 3. DVD Entertainment system for rear passengers is driven off the front 6-changer CD system. This means that you cannot have the grand-kids (in my case) watching a movie, AND listen to a music CD at the same time. My '05 had the DVD load in the unit itself. Have to use the XM/FM/AM Radio while kids watch Nemo. You might consider buying the aftermarket head-rest units. Many places have this for the same cost (for 2 units), already built into headrests, for the same amount that GM charges for the option. See EBAY. 4. Seats. Firmer than previous GM models, but this is good. What's NOT good is that it seems to have less side support, and so when cornering hard, I feel like I'm sliding out of the seat (sideways). 5. Key Remote Fob is so busy, that I end up doing the wrong things (in the dark). Instead of unlocking the doors, I sometimes open the rear glass. While trying to open the tailgate, I fire off the horn alarm, etc. 6. The small cargo area behind the 3rd row is compromised by the large, protruding handle which allows the removal of the 3rd row. You have to see it to understand. It prevents me from loading a case of waters from Costco, without putting UP the 3rd row. Groceries are OK, but large flats are a problem. 7. The rear end sticks up like a stink-bug. Not that I want a "dropped" SUV, but its a bit much. There is 2" of extra wheel gap in the back vs. the front. Kind of like a custom vehicle that has hydraulics in the raised position. Problems which will require a service visit: 1. Left 3rd row seat latch doesn't hold seat UP properly. Comes crashing down on your cargo if you hit a bump. Right one works, so this is a defect. 2. Left driver side mirror "vibrates" at highway speed. Other mirrors all solid. 3. Left driver mirror "whistles" at 50mph and above. I already heard there is a dealer service fix, which is a piece of foam inside the mirror gap. 4. Engine serpentine belt is starting to squeal. This happened on a 2001 Yukon I had, and turned out to be a mis-aligned idler pulley. Belt was replaced 3 times before GM figured out the pulley was the problem. I suspect this will be a similar issue. 5. Rain sensing wipers doesn't know what snow is. Windshield can be completely opaque, and it refuses to wipe. Even in moderate rain, it isn't sensitive enough to keep the visibility correct (at most sensitive setting). Works great in a deluge of rain. Sprinkles are totally ignored. 6. Rear DVD fails to back-light when re-starting vehicle. Movie plays, but the rear monitor stays off. Have to stop DVD, close screen, open screen, re-start movie. Then it works. Meanwhile, the grand-kids are screaming.... ----- Well, that's about it. I do enjoy this vehicle, in-spite of said issues. I always expect problems with 1st year productions. I did the same with the 2001 Denali's, and was amazed at how the 2005 had so many little tweaks that made it a much more solid vehicle, although basically the same. I expect to roll-over the Cadi in 4 years, so by then, it should be a solid vehicle. It's fun being the 1st on the block with a new generation vehicle. Dave |
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Replying to: awf_axis (Apr 25, 2006 9:12 am) |
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Replying to: awf_axis (Apr 25, 2006 9:12 am) Scott 
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A reporter is looking to talk with someone who bought a large suv or truck within the past year and is thinking about trading it in for a smaller vehicle. Please respond to jfallonedmunds.com with your daytime contact info and vehicle info by Monday, May 1, 2006.
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Replying to: kirstie_h (Apr 29, 2006 8:46 am) |
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Replying to: awf_axis (Apr 25, 2006 9:12 am) My issues: 1) I'm starting to hear the NAV DVD constantly spin and find this annoying. Any fix for this or is this normal? 2) I do see the driver's side mirror shake on the highway. What exactly is the fix for this? I doubt my dealership would know. 3) How do I know if my HED lights are aimed to high? I went on a trip at night on a one lane highway and i had to keep my finger on the highbeam flash as 1 out of 3 cards would flash me and get mad at me when I didn't even have my high beams on! I'm not sure if having the 22" wheels makes the angle higher and as a result they need to be tilted down? Thanks
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Replying to: auto007 (May 04, 2006 7:47 pm) I saw the mirror issue mentioned somewhere and it's a known issue. I think the dealer fix is inserting a piece of foam somewhere. Your dealer should know about it. Either I don't notice the DVD or it's not happening for me. I get flashed too but I think it's because the car's so high it blinds people just like I used to be blinded when I had my E500. I suppose your dealer could check it out for you. I love the car. Everyday I find a new little trick or gadget that I didn't know about. Good luck!!
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