MSRP: $55,990 - $60,990
Invoice: $51,791 - $56,416
MPG: 12 City / 19 Hwy
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U.S.News Scores

Overall:9.3
Performance:8.2
Exterior:9.3
Interior:8.4
Safety:9.8
Reliability:7.0
Pros and Cons
  • Distinctive styling
  • Powerful acceleration and good handling for its size
  • Luxurious, richly finished interior
  • Low third-row seat is uncomfortable for long trips

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Cadillac Escalade - What the Auto Press Says

The Escalade earns its premium, flashy reputation with unrivaled style and strong V8 power, along with a comfortable and luxurious interior.

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). "If you like your bling on a grand scale, it doesn't get much grander than this, says Car and Driver.  Buyers can expect their gas bills to be as grand as the bling on the Escalade.  While the SUV is reasonably fuel efficient for its size, its 12 city/19 highway estimated fuel economy may be enough to give some buyers pause. However, if you need the Escalade's size and want its luxury, you can take heart in the fact that its fuel economy, though not great, is among the best in a very thirsty class.

  • "The sexiest full-size SUV on the market," -- the Detroit Free Press
  • "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 - 8.2 (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."  Read More

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 More

Escalade Interior - 8.4 (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 More

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. Read More

Escalade Reliability - 7.0 (Good)

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. Read More

Review Last Updated: 3/12/09