2005 Used Cadillac Escalade Buying Guide
For some it may not have been a natural progression, from big luxurious limo-like sedans to the king of the luxury sport utility vehicle segment, but Cadillac has proved that their buyers want the change. The common denominator is a desire to be king of the road and with the 2005 Cadillac Escalade and its brothers, that is certainly the case. Changes for 2005 include updated interior trim designs, new exterior details and some technical innovation as well in the form of an enhanced cooling system.
Since its introduction, the Escalade has catapulted its way to the top, appearing in music videos, movies and athletes’ driveways. The 2005 Cadillac Escalades, both 2 and all-wheel-drive models, are the foundation of the different models in this family, one which includes the extended-length Escalade ESV, the plushy ESV Platinum Edition or the crossover Escalade EXT (each covered in separate reviews), a 4-door pick-up with a collapsing midgate wall for an extended bed.
One thing is certain: with the you’re getting power, premium luxury, style and an assortment of state-of-the-art electronic extras.
Under the Hood
The 2005 Escalades come with either two-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The rear-wheel drive model uses a 5.3-liter Vortec V8 engine with 285 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 325 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. It is mated to a 4-speed electronic automatic transmission that gets 14/18 mpg (city/hwy).
All-wheel drive models are among the world’s most powerful SUVs. They are powered by a 6.0-liter Vortec V8 that can dish out a remarkable 345 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 380 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. It is mated to a 4-speed heavy-duty electronic transmission and manages 13/17mpg (city/hwy). This is the kind of vehicle that has environmentalists gnashing their teeth but, on the upside, it’ll take the weight of bullet-proof armorplate without even blinking.
The Escalade features a passenger-sensing airbag system that automatically deactivates the passenger-side front airbag under certain conditions to help protect smaller occupants. Other standard safety features include dual front and front-side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid, traction control, rear-obstacle detection and a tire-pressure monitor.
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
The big, bold Escalade can handle a maximum of eight passengers, or a basketball team with subs. The standard second-row bucket seats can be folded to create a flat load floor for extra versatility and flexibility, while the front-row bucket seats have 10-way power adjustment, power side bolsters and power lumbar support. All bucket seats, plus the outer positions on the optional second row bench seat, are heated, and all seats, including the split-folding third-row bench seat, are leather upholstered.
There are standard features everywhere you look with the 2004 Cadillac Escalade. The OnStar System, air conditioning with tri-zone automatic climate control (including rear controls), a memory system (driver seat, pedals, mirrors) and an overhead console (universal garage-door opener, rear radio controls, rear headphone jacks) are just part of the equation. XM Satellite Radio and a trailering package are also standard equipment with the Cadillac Escalade (continental U.S. only).
Options include a DVD rear seat entertainment system with a 7-inch flip-down screen and a DVD navigation system that now includes a touch-screen instead of a toggle. Adding to the style are standard chrome exhaust tips and optional mammoth 20-inch chrome alloy wheels and tires instead of the 17-inchers that come as stock parts.
|
2005 Cadillac Buying Guides:
• 2005 Cadillac CTS
• 2005 Cadillac DeVille
• 2005 Cadillac Escalade ESV
• 2005 Cadillac Escalade EXT
• 2005 Cadillac Escalade
• 2005 Cadillac SRX
• 2005 Cadillac STS
• 2005 Cadillac XLR |
