2008 Cadillac Escalade [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 68 Escalade reviews and test drives.
Cadillac Escalade - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Cadillac Escalade ranks 1 out of 9 Luxury Large SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 68 published reviews and test drives of the Cadillac Escalade, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The Escalade earns its premium, flashy reputation with unrivaled style and strong V8 power, along with a comfortable and luxurious interior.
The 2008 Cadillac Escalade is generally viewed as a swaggering, stylish SUV that offers a high level of luxury, good performance, and status The 2007 Escalade was named Best New American Car by Forbes and BusinessWeek ranks Cadillac as the best automotive company in customer service, awarding the company Customer Service Champion status.After its redesign last year, the Escalade remains virtually unchanged for 2008; this review uses data that cover the 2007 and 2008 model years. The Escalade can seat up to eight people and comes in three models: the Escalade, Escalade ESV (an extended version) and the Escalade EXT (which trades the third row seat and enclosed cargo area for a short truck bed).
- "The sexiest full-size SUV on the market," -- the Detroit Free Press
- "If you like your bling on a grand scale, it doesn't get much grander than this." -- Car and Driver
- "There is very much to admire here" -- The Los Angeles Times
- "Boy, was this vehicle a welcome addition to the weekend" -- U.S. News' Rick Newman
- Compared to the Land Rover Rnage Rover, "the reborn Escalade also is quicker, roomier, better equipped, and cheaper" -- Motor Trend
Escalade Performance - 8.4 (Very Good)
Test drivers find the 2008 Cadillac Escalade to be an able performer that offers a smooth ride, V8 power and handling in line with its size. Motor Week says the Escalade offers a "driving experience that's as close to a premium luxury sedan as any SUV we've ever tried." To find out how the Escalade's size and available 22 inch wheels affect performance, read our full performance review. continue
Escalade Exterior - 9.3 (Excellent)
While the Escalade is known for its over-the-top styling, many writers believe the Escalade's 2007 redesign takes the SUV into more elegant territory. But it's still an Escalade, and as the test driver at the Kansas City Star put it, has "so much chrome that it was hard for me not to blush while I was driving it." Read our full exterior review to see if other reviewers feel the same way, or check out our Cadillac Escalade photos to see if this bling-wagon is too much for you. continue
Escalade Interior - 8.6 (Very Good)
The luxurious and spacious interior of the 2008 Cadillac Escalade receives mostly favorable reviews. With the seating for up to eight people and a host of luxury features standard, the Escalade can transport a crowd in comfort and style. The Detroit Free Press even says, "The Escalade also has a far more luxurious and attractive interior than the Mercedes." Read our full Escalade interior review to see if others agree, and check out the Escalade interior pictures. continue
Escalade Safety - 9.8 (Excellent)
The 2008 Cadillac Escalade does very well in federal government crash tests. It also offers safety features similar to others in its class. continue
Escalade Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)
The 2008 Cadillac Escalade reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Escalade comes with GM's 10-year/100,000-mile transferable powertrain warranty, which matches the warranty of many imports and lasts longer than those of the typical luxury cars. continue