Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Cadillac Escalade
microrepair
Member Posts: 508
in Cadillac
Not that I'm a GM or Caddy fan, but does anyone
have any information on the new Cadillac SUV that
is rumored to be coming out later this year?
Cadillac has done pretty well with the Seville so
maybe they can do something right with the SUV?
have any information on the new Cadillac SUV that
is rumored to be coming out later this year?
Cadillac has done pretty well with the Seville so
maybe they can do something right with the SUV?
0
Comments
If GM can earn some of the market share the extremely popular Navigator has earned, we'll be real happy. We're looking forward to having it in our showrooms late this fall/early winter.
Will GM ever get it right and set the world on fire with an exceptional product, or will they just continue to set themselves on fire?
Bob
Get real; grill, fenders, wood package, "badging" and "overstuffed leather" is what put Lincoln on the map... They were floundering to say the least.. Due to the Navigator's market share in luxury sport uts, Lincoln stands to outsell Cadillac for the 1st time in something like 50 years... All Cadillac is attempting to do (a little late) is react and respond with similar packaging... The Expedition was fine, but the Navigator was "better"... Yuppie Ford freaks will buy it = The Yukon is fine, but the Escalade will be "better"...and Yuppie GM freaks will buy it... Don't believe me? Walk in to a Cadillac dealership and ask/inquire about the Escalade - they've all got interested and excited people on a waiting list... In time, and who knows what wrinkles GM will add in to sweeten the pot, there's talk that the ever popular Northstar 32V V8 will enter in to the mix... People in droves have stepped up to the plate for the Navigator - they'll do the same for the Cadillac Escalade.. Preliminary pictures and info I've seen tell me it'll sell in its pier group...and in time, just like the all new 98 STS, impressive technology will find its way to the Escalade... As for the new Lexus & MB sport uts... the jury is still out... and as for side by side comparisons to the Escalade, they'll all have their pros and cons.
Sorry to disagree with you. Even though the Navigator may be a sales success, for being the "premier" SUV statement that Ford could come up with, it does absolutely nothing in terms of moving the engineering/technology benchmark forward. Intellectually (and from every other possible standpoint), it is nowheres near as intriguing as the new Mercedes ML-320/430.
The Escalade may (or may not) repeat the same sales success of the Lincoln. It certainly won't add to Cadillac's so-called image "the Standard of the World". It's just another badge-engineered model added to the already over-bloated GM model lineup.
Besides, what does this do to the GMC Denali's image as supposedly the "premier" SUV from the General. It's just the latest example that crisis-management is what controls GM.
Bob
MERCEDES WILL SELL ABOUT ONE-HALF THAT AMOUNT.
For the record, I admire many things about the MB ML320 and the Lexus RX300. However, they are not perfect either and I'm not proposing that all SUV's emulate those two. But there have to be ways to make the top-of-the-line models truly better than their cheaper siblings and therefore earn the right to charge a lot more money for them. The Lincoln Navigator is NOT better than the Expedition, it is just more expensive. It will not last longer, it will not climb steeper hills, and it will not visit the repair garage an less often. To many people it looks better and feels better, therefore let them spend the extra 10K for it. I won't.
The only reason Mercedes will sell less than the Navigator, is because of production limitations. The ML320 has had a 9-12 month waiting list ever since it was announced. Once the DaimlerChrysler deal is completed that will probably change for the better.
As for those trading in Mercedes ML's for something else - well, you can't please everybody.
By the way, what is your definition of a "real SUV"? Most people in the know would say that term (SUV) originated with the Jeep; a vehicle that you just put down.
Bob
Your values are just fine.
Bob
Bob
I am currently leasing a Ford Explorer, but when the Navigator came out, it was love at first site. However, out comes the Cadillac Escalade and now we have some competition. Any advise as to which luxury SUV is really worth the $40,000 plus price tag ??
Cadillac Escalade and the Yukon Denali can be found at Luxury SUV Review.
I'd expect greedy dogs like Datsun or Ford 2 dress up a regular SUV, slap another name on it, and jack up the price
But when the general goes there .....
This is not the first time that the general has cannibalized other GM products ...and probably not the last time either.
Bob
As for those that think the Navigator is it, you obviously love to spend money on fancy grills, chrome add-on's, etc. You have way too much cash so send me some.
This Excalade/Navigator trend reminds me of the 1970's. Remember Opera Lights, chrome, fake convertible tops, spare tire carriers hanging from the trunk? Who needs engineering, responsive engines, cars that handle? This was when American car companies were at their worst. The cars stunk, but what glitz!
I see the American manufacturers have not learned, but hey there are plenty of buyers waiting with deposit checks so who can blame them?
Never underestimate people's ability for bad taste!
and I am pissed about that
however, Let's look at the
Navigator/Expedition
Qx4/Pathfinder
Camry/300
civic/integra
maxima/I30
It's not just the General & Hank doing this
leighprice-how many 1971 Chevy Trucks have U seen on the road 2day? That's a rhetorical ?, but I no the answer is "several"
rsholland, my problem is not W/ the cannibalization.
Camaro/Firebird have always been the same car, but they've been about the same price
Now, W/ this Denali/Envoy/Escalade Crap, they're throwing on some useless fringe (It has nothing 2 do W/ the purpose of the truck [that's what an SUV is supposed 2 be ]) and jacking up the price.
They should just say "this is a CHEVY, damn it, and it's a truck. If U want a Vehicle that makes love to you, get a Jaguar. If U have work 2 do, whip out your *book."
4get the elitist dogs; every 1else knows who the king is
ICK!
IS THERE ANY MORE TO BE SAID...
I agree that if I were spending over $40k, I would have trouble buying an American SUV. Over $40k, my vote is on the Toyota Land Cruiser. You get Toyota reliability, excellent resale value, decent off road capacity, etc.
I recently rented a Chevy Blazer for a trip. What a piece of underengineered garbage. I'm sure the Tahoe is much better, but the Blazer does not make GM look like the engineering wonders of the world. No wonder you see low mileage 98's for $20k. No one wants them!
Sorry for getting off the subject, but has anyone actually bought an Escalade or Denali? This forum is awfully quiet.
I have yet to read a road test (not a press announcement) on the Escalade that has had much positive to say about it. I believe it was Automobile magazine that stated something to the effect that: "Only in a SUV-hungry market, could a vehicle strategy like the Escalade exist." Edmund's was also very critical of the vehicle.
Bob
It's no mystery why GM's marketshare has dropped from 50% to 31-32% in the last 20 years.
In terms of whether the Rover and Cruiser are no match for GM's SUV, well everyone has different priorities. I won't argue about Rover, they have their own problems. The one area where GM has everyone beat is in the size of the Suburban. You can't buy a bigger SUV. If that is your priority, you are right.
If you think the Blazer is the best SUV in it's class, then you definitely are a diehard GM lover and have never driven any other SUV.
AMEN!
Bob
WAKE UP!!
The first, of many Escalades is expected in our showroom within the next week or so... Our waiting list must be a mirage right? Deposits (at full sticker price only) are numbering 50+... Don't you people get it? As with the Navigator - the Escalade appeals to people with unlimited (or close) greenbacks who say "I want luxury and service unsurpassed by the base models"... People, this isn't rocket science - There is a market niche and Cadillac is fulfilling the niche just as the Navigator has done... Remember Marketing 101? The people who purchase an Escalade CAN AFFORD IT!!
A 2 or 3 year lease will account for 85% (projected) of the Escalade business we'll do... Over 50% of the leases will be one-payment leases. When the lease is up the newly designed, technologically improved Escalade will be out... Anything wrong with that logic? Maybe you conservative, careful, practical tire-kickers who analyize a car to the nth degree will all wait and see... and thats fine, but there are a lot of well-to-do (even rich) folks out there (giving a crap about what the stock market is doing) that want the wreath and crest TODAY... Look at the way GM/Cadillac has stepped up to the plate with the new STS... It is a player in an extremely competitive pier group. Forgive me, maybe I'm blinded by optimism and loyalty, but I've got a feeling we'll garner some of the market share of the MB and Lexus in due time. OK - go ahead - keep slamming the Escalade... I feel much better...
Having a lot of money doesn't necessarily equate with being smart. The Escalade will appeal to "traditional old-fashioned" Caddy folks. I doubt that there will be many "conquest" sales.
Sure, it gives folks like you something to sell. However, after the initial "gotta-be-the-first-on-the-block-to-have-it-sales-rush" is over, it will turn out to be about as successful as the Izusu Hombre, the Suzuki X-90, the Acura SLX, as well a a host of other losers. It's just another Cimarron (or Edsel), only this time on steriods. It certainly doesn't do anything to help Cadillac's image as a premier maker of motor vehicles.
Also... if Lincoln comes out with a pickup (as is predicted), will Cadillac also come out with one? What a joke!
Bob
I don't mean to abuse your occupation and I agree that the STS is a fine piece of machinery, but unlike the Escalade, you can't get the STS in a different GM car with the same style and performance. That's my point. With the Escalade, you can and its called the Tahoe Yukon or Denali.
Don't forget, GM was wishy washy about coming to market with it. They were not even going to do it and in a last ditch effort, decided to throw this Tahoe with On-Star and creamy leather on the market.
As far as your waiting list goes, that's great! More suckers. And good commissions for you.
As far as service goes, I'm sure your dealer provides excellent service, yet I'm sure there are other dealers that are not so great. By the way, does your service department have as much experience as a GMC or Chevy dealer servicing trucks? Didn't think so. Hmmmm....
How's that resale value on Cadillacs. In most parts of the country, you can pick up a two year old caddy for 50% of original retail. Try that with a Mercedes or Honda.
How's that Catera, the Caddy that spends way too much time in the shop. Really reliable, eh? Seen about 2-3 on the road in the past year. Really storming the market.
You know why everyone is leasing an Escalade, because they don't want to take the depreciation hit. Guess how many people lease an M-Class, very few. And that vehicle still has a 6 month waiting list, more than a year after going on sale. Why? Because it's less expensive, better engineered and you can't buy a less expensive derivative of it at your Chevy store.
so if i were you i would buy a escalade.
I'm also not a huge fan of the Navigator. However, at least the Navigator "appears" somewhat different than the Expedition. When it arrives with the DOHC 5.4 later this year, there will be much greater distinction between the Ford and Lincoln - which will help.
As to your comments regarding the ride; remember these are trucks, not cars. I drove a Navigator when it was first introduced. My memory was the it was very comfortable and HUGE, and with a somewhat "floaty" ride. The name "Navigator" is apt. It felt like I was piloting a boat. I really have no desire to drive the Escalade. It's just not my cup of tea.
As I have posted before, neither of these vehicles significantly advance the "state-of-the-art" for luxury SUVs. They're just more vehicular clutter.
Let me also say - to set the record straight - I have no problem with Cadillac or Lincoln having an SUV (or pickup) per say. However, if they are going to make these models, and... because these are supposed to be two premium nameplates, make them "truly premium vehicles" in every sense of the word.
Bob
Sorry about being so harsh and picking on you and Cadillac. In New England, Caddy's aren't as strong in terms of sales. We have to deal with harsh winters, stuff like that. So, older folks got smart and moved to Arizona and Florida. That's why you don't see as many Cadillac's here.
In terms of resale value, that's why they are probably lower in the North East. In fact, a used Cadillac in NE is a great buy! You could probably do gangbusters by coming here and buying low and sell them high in AZ. .
By the way, I wasn't totally "anal". I do like the STS, nice piece of machinery.
I was picking on the Catera because reliability has been a real problem according to long term reports I've seen. The car itself is good, but there have been serious reliability issues.
As for the Escalade, I'll stop picking on it. This is America where we are free to buy what we want and also voice our opinion at the same time. If your customers like the Escalade then that's what counts, right?
Peace my friend!
Other differences on the Escalade include:
1) Nuance perforated Leather seating (very much different and improved )
2) Heated seats, front & rear
3) Real zebrano wood trim / steering wheel
4) Bose Accoustimas Entertainment Sound system
5) Onstar SERVICE free for one year
6) Cadillac Roadside assistance & free loaners
during entire 4 year/50K warranty period
Yeah - for 4 grand people need to do some soul searching - depends how deep your pockets are I guess...
I almost forgot, isn't GM coming out with a revised full size SUV based on the new 1999 Chevy "Truck" for a '00 introduction? Based on the positive views given on the pickup truck, it might be worth holding out. At that time, maybe GM will give the Escalade something to further differentiate itself in the marketplace (ie, better drivetrain/engineering refinement choices).
As much as I am not a big fan of the Navigator for the same reasons as the Escalade, I think Ford is wise in deciding to exclusively install the 300hp 5.4L in it versus the Expedition.
In my opinion, engineering/design superiority is a good reason to pay a premium for a product. For the Escalade to be successful in the long run, GM should think about what they need to do to separate it from the Denali and its lower cost brethrens.
The main reason for Deville staying front wheel drive is because of it's goal of a luxury ride and not a "performance-oriented" ride. Measuring the "pros and cons" of front wheel drive vs. rear wheel drive for this segment, at this time, GM will elect to keep the Deville FWD.
Additionally, less torque steer will be noticed on the new Deville when the new platform will be introduced in 2000, based on stiffer beaming of the new Seville for the 98 model year.
The 2001 Seville & Eldorado will change in to RWD given their competitive class.
The Escalade should be impressive in it's next generation - but take nothing away from it now... compared to its rival - the Navigator - stacking up value per dollar of MSRP - the Escalade will get a fair market share. We can't keep one here at our dealership for more than 48 hours... People are impressed with the fit and finish.