Cadillac Escalade ESV 2004 $18,995

Vehicle Overview Cadillac expanded its sport utility vehicle lineup to three models when it added the Escalade ESV, which was introduced during the 2003 model year. Not only is this the largest full-size luxury SUV on the market, but its also the biggest Cadillac ever produced. Measuring 22.5 inches longer than the regular Escalade, the ESV provides more than 20 additional inches of interior length. According to Cadillac General Manager Mark LaNeve, the ESV is aimed at successful, status-driven, forward-thinking individuals and is made for buyers who appreciate bold styling and ingenious technology. The Escalade ESV is built in Mexico, and it competes against such vehicles as the Land Rover Range Rover, Lexus LX 470, Lincoln Navigator and Mercedes-Benz G-Class. But the ESVs dimensions put it in a class by itself. An ESV Platinum Edition joins the lineup for 2004 it features 20-inch chrome-aluminum wheels and a premium interior that includes an ebony and shale dashboard, shale leather upholstery and pleated door panel bolsters. A dual-screen DVD entertainment system and a navigation system are installed. In addition to a 345-horsepower V-8 engine, the ESV has full-time all-wheel drive and GMs StabiliTrak electronic stability system. Technical features include a Road Sensing Suspension System, Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist and GMs OnStar communication system. XM Satellite Radio, a trailering package and a tire-pressure monitor become standard in the 2004 model year. Exterior Cadillac notes that the ESV shares the same bold exterior design and commanding road presence as the regular Escalade. High-intensity-discharge headlights flank an eggcrate grille. The front fascia incorporates recessed tow hooks and rectangular fog lamps. Chrome badging features the Cadillac wreath-and-crest insignia. Signature seven-spoke chrome-aluminum wheels hold 17-inch tires. Power folding and heated mirrors are equipped with turn-signal indicators. A functional step bumper at the rear shrouds a Class VII trailer hitch. The Escalade ESV rides a 130-inch wheelbase, measures 221.4 inches long overall, stands 75.7 inches tall and has a ground clearance of 10.7 inches. Interior Depending on the ESVs seating configuration, either seven or eight people will luxuriate on soft, aromatic Nuance leather seating surfaces. The front bucket seats have 10-way power adjustment, power-adjustable side bolsters, power lumbar and seatback recliner controls, and independently heated seatbacks and cushions. The second-row bucket seats have heated cushions, and customers may choose a bench seat for this row. The third-row bench seat folds down and may be removed to increase cargo capacity. Power-adjustable brake and accelerator pedals include a memory feature. The premium Bose audio system includes a six-CD changer. A Bulgari-designed analog clock adds a luxurious touch. Under the Hood The Escalade ESVs 6.0-liter V-8 engine generates 345 hp and 380 pounds-feet of torque it mates with a four-speed-automatic transmission. Full-time all-wheel drive is standard. Safety Dual-stage front airbags, a passenger-sensing system and side-impact airbags for the front seats are installed. Daytime running lights are standard. Driving Impressions Despite the ESVs massive dimensions, engine response is quite vigorous and the automatic transmission is well behaved. The suspension is on the soft side, but the ESV handles with a reasonable degree of confidence. Visibility is terrific because of the massive glass area. The second-row seats are especially comfortable and grant ready access to the back row.

• City 13/hwy 17 (6.0L engine/4-speed auto trans)
• Cladding body-color protective doors only
• Bumper front body-color
• Bumper rear body-color
• Door handles chrome
• Assist steps color-keyed with chrome accents mounted between front and rear wheels at bottom of rocker panel
• Headlamps High-Intensity Discharge includes flash-to-pass feature and Twilight Sentinel automatic lamp control
• Fog lamps front rectangular halogen incorporated into the front fascia
• Daytime running lamps includes automatic exterior lamp control
• Glass Solar-Ray deep tinted (all windows except light tinted glass on windshield driver and front passenger)
• Mirrors outside rearview power folding power heated color-keyed driver side electrochromic (light-sensitive auto dimming) turn signal in glass with ground illumination programmable to provide curb view when in reverse
• Rear Park Assist Ultrasonic (URPA) includes instrument panel-mounted shutoff switch rearview LED light bar and audible chime warning
• Wipers intermittent front wet arm with pulse washers
• Body liftgate with liftglass rear door system includes rear-window wiper/ washer and defogger lightweight aluminum
• Seats rear 3rd row bench leather seating surfaces 3-passenger can be flipped forward folded or totally removed
• Nuance leather seating surfaces
• Floor covering color-keyed carpeting
• Tow/haul mode selector button located at end of shift lever
• Instrumentation analog includes speedometer fuel level voltmeter engine temperature oil pressure tachometer and transmission temperature
• Driver Information Center includes programmable personalization features such as door locking and unlocking; a trip computer that records personal and business information such as odometer mileage average mpg annual mileage; fuel information such as range average economy instant economy and engine oil life; and a message center that records up to 32 different systems including low fuel transmission temperature engine coolant security oil level oil pressure and oil change
• Tire pressure monitor
• Windows power includes driver express-down and lockout features
• Door locks power programmable with lockout protection
• Cruise control electronic with set and resume speed includes telltale in instrument panel cluster
• Theft-deterrent system PASS-Key
• Keyless entry remote includes 2 transmitters panic button and content theft alarm
• OnStar 1-year Directions & Connections Service includes Automatic Notification of Air Bag Deployment Emergency Services Roadside Assistance Stolen-Vehicle Tracking AccidentAssist Remote Door Unlock Remote Diagnostics Online Concierge Remote Horn and Lights Route Support RideAssist Information/Convenience Services and available Personal Calling and Virtual Advisor. (Visit onstar.com for system information and details.)
• Universal transmitter HomeLink includes garage door opener 3-channel programmable
• Climate control tri-zone automatic includes individual climate settings for driver right front passenger and rear passengers
• Defogger rear-window electric
• Sound system 6-disc CD changer in-dash
• Sound system feature Bose luxury speaker system enhanced performance amplification 9 speakers including sub woofer
• Sound system feature rear audio controls includes dual headphone jacks (headphones not included) controls for volume station selection and media
• Sound system feature XM Satellite Radio 100 channels of digital quality sound coast-to-coast. Displays song title artist and entertainment genre (Subscription fees apply. Available only in the 48 contiguous U.S.)
• Sound system feature steering wheel mounted radio controls and rear mounted rear seat audio controls
• Antennas front and integral rear
• Cupholders dual front 2nd and 3rd rows
• Mirror inside rearview electrochromic (light-sensitive auto dimming) 8-point compass and outside temperature indicator
• Assist handle front passenger color-keyed
• Lighting interior courtesy theater dimming
• Pedals power adjustable with memory
• Engine Vortec high-output 6000 V8 SFI (345 HP [257.0 kW] @ 5200 rpm 380