CADILLAC Escalade 2000-2006 Photos, engines & full specs

The Escalade was one of the most notorious luxury SUV on the American market. It was promoted by rap-singers and celebrities as well. And it was an official car for the White House.

Europeans had the Mercedes-Benz as one of the top premium brands. Cadillac, on the other hand, had the same premium image on the American market. While the first-generation was most of a re-badged GMC Yukon Denali, the second generation featured a completely new front side, which made it different than the other cars on the market.

It was the struggle to keep its advance on a market that switched very fast from the MPV to the SUV segment in just a few years. The 2000 model was introduced just two years after the model series was launched, and that was unusual. The big, angular, headlights were a feature that started the edge-design era for the Cadillac. Even if the sidelines still resembled the GMC, the new front fascia and the taillights were different. But the flared arches on the rear quarter panels were the same.

Inside, the Escalade offered room as any MPV on the market. It was fitted as standard with 7 seats. The leather upholstery was a standard feature for all trim levels. The complex, eight-dial instrument cluster was cluttered and raised some eyebrows from its customers. If that wasn't enough, an additional clock was mounted lower on the center stack, next to the climate control unit.

Since it had to compete with Mercedes-Benz ML and Lincoln Navigator, the Escalade was fitted with a choice of two engines. Both were V8 and paired to a 4-speed automatic, unlike the Mercedes-Benz who offered a 5-speed auto.