For 2003, Cadillac delivers yet another truck-based vehicle, a huge SUV
constructed on a common General Motors¹ large-SUV platform and dubbed the Escalade ESV. It marks the third large SUV in the Cadillac corral.

The other flavors include a shorter version simply known as the Escalade as
well as the EXT model that can be configured as a pickup with an eight-foot
bed, or as a five-passenger SUV with a five-foot box in back.

The Escalade series is the best thing that Cadillac has done lately and has
given the franchise new life. The Escalade has acquired quite a reputation
since its launch a few years ago, and the larger ESV version will only
enhance its image as a big, bad truck. This aura resonates not only with the
executive set, but also with pro athletes and people of questionable
reputation and seem to have a lot of cash.

The popularity of the Escalade with pro athletes is obvious. First off, the
Escalade probably leads the industry in terms of a bold, macho look,
particularly when viewed from the front. A large Cadillac emblem is centered
an audacious egg-crate grille. The vertical headlight stack adds
significantly to the high and wide stance of the truck.

The big, bold approach is carried through in the engine department with what
Cadillac claims to be the most powerful vehicle in its class. The huge V-8
delivers outstanding acceleration, but also slurps gasoline with abandon.
But then if you¹re going to pay nearly $60,000 for a vehicle, two or three
dollars per gallon at the gas pump probably isn¹t of much concern.

Taking the theme of big and bold inside the ESV, the interior is huge. It¹s
no wonder that large pro athletes might be attracted to the car. The
Escalade offers immense amount of head, shoulder and hip room, probably
enough for a 300-pound lineman.

The Escalade offers a third row of seats that presents reasonable room for
two. Our test vehicle was configured with the second-row bucket seat option.
Believe it or not, there is considerable space between the two bucket seats
in the second row. This makes entry and exit to the third row a snap because
you can easily slip between the buckets to enter the third row. Once seated
in the third row, the passengers will enjoy a surprising amount of room,
made possible by the ESV¹s length. The seats are raised in stadium style
that allows the third-row passengers to enjoy some forward vision, even with
the other rows occupied.  The third row of seats in the ESV is superior to
every other such feature I have tested to date. Most require acrobatics to
enter and uncomfortable accommodations with very little legroom.

The ESV¹s length also offers another benefit. Even with the third row of
seats in the upright position, there remains an amazing amount of cargo room
in the rear.

Despite its ability as a giant vehicle, there¹s no mistaking that the
Escalade is a luxury transport, first and foremost. The interior is dripping
with all manner of special equipment to pamper the driver and a load of
passengers. The driver and front passenger are pampered with 10-way power
seats covered in soft, sumptuous leather and featuring heated cushions and
backrests. The second row of buckets is also heated. A new Bose audio system provides exceptional sound quality, particularly when coupled with the new XM Satellite Radio digital technology. The climate control system divides
the cabin into three zones so that the temperature can be set to individual
tastes. 

Despite my reservations about large gas-guzzling vehicles, there are some
times when you appreciate both the bulk and the technology in a
state-of-the-art SUV. During my test of the Escalade, I drove about 100
miles in an amazing Pacific storm complete with high winds and torrential
rain. Cars were spinning out of control right and left and the average speed
on the freeway actually dropped to as low as about 40 miles per
hour imagine. In this instance, I really appreciated the extra margin of
safety offered by the full-time all-wheel-drive system. The ESV is equipped
with Cadillac¹s StabiliTrak electronic system, a very sophisticated affair
that can instantly sense wheel slippage and redirect power to a wheel with
traction. 
 
 

Vehicle: Cadillac Escalade ESV

Price as tested: $58,765

Engine:

         Type: 6.0-liter V-8

         Horsepower: 345 @ 5,200

         Torque: 380-ft. lbs. @ 4,000 rpm

Fuel economy, automatic transmission

         City - 12 mpg

         Highway - 16 mpg

Curb Weight: 5,839 lbs.