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Comments
Do I really need AWD here in Southern CA, where it doesn't snow and hardly rains? I am originaly from the east coast, so can't imagine a SUV without AWD / 4WD, but that is because of the winter season over there.
This vehicle will be my family hauler, so I want all the safety possible, however I question if will ever use AWD here in S. CA and then I swing back and forth about 2WD stability in rain. However with all the other traction and stabilitrack features with 2WD, I believe it should be fine.
I also don't tow anything or go up into the mountains to ski (yet).
Your opinions / comments would be greatly appreciated.
1. The 2WD Escalade is lower by at least 2 - 3 inches which contributes to better handling, easier access for my wife, and IMO a better more proportional road look because the vehicle is not 'jack-up' in the air.
2. The 2WD gets about 1 more MPG in real world driving and weighs about 200 pounds less.
3. I live in sunny Texas and do not have any need for AWD (and have a 4x4 truck if I want to go off-road, which is certainly not what I would intend to do with an Escalade).
4. The steering fell and responsiveness is better with the 2WD Escalade compared to the AWD.
5. With the 2WD Escalade the 18 inch wheels and tires fill the wheel wells up very nicely. I want the 18 inches since the ride quality is much better and the handling is almost the same IMO. (BTW, if you want the 22 inch wheels they totally fill the wheel well of the 2WD as compared to the AWD Escalade.)
6. The 2WD front suspension is much simpler and less prone to repairs.
7. The 2WD Escalade has a tow rating of 8000 versus 7700 pounds.
8. IMO, the retractable running boards (which, I will order) give a much better look to the 2WD then the AWD Escalade.
I hope my reasoning helps you.
I really appreciate your feedback. I talked to a neighbor that owns several trucks and SUVs and he says there is no need for AWD here in Sunny S. CA and 2WD with all the Stabilitrack and All wheel traction features will do just fine even in the rain.
Then I talked to another good contact who in his opinion says that the AWD has slightly better handling and feels more solid on the road. It will also perform better in the rain and have better resale value.
I have only test driven the AWD version and probably will still not be able to tell the difference. The 2WD version is in stock at this time, where the AWD equivalent is harder to get in what I want.
I read a review on a 07 2WD Yukon having horrible handling and floaty, but that Yukon was stock & didn't even have Auto-Ride Suspension so that is probably why the handling was not good.
Keep me updated when you get your Escalade and thanks again for your good input!
YES!! I have an 03, with a lens missing. Wondering how to replace it - do I need just a lens or a complete light fixture? Also, how hard is it to fix. If the complete fixture is needed, a new one will probably be a couple hundred....don't you think?
We live in Texas and have a 2007 2WD Sub. The 07 has traction control and mine has a locking rear differential, no autoride. I have had no problems in the rain at all. In addition, had it out in the once or twice a year icings we get on the streets and had no issues then either. My suggestion is if you get the 2WD, make sure it has code G80...I think it is standard on the Caddy but might want to double check. Good Luck.
Thanks again for the good advice. About a month ago I purchased the 2007 Escalade 2WD and really enjoy it. I was convinced by yourself and others that AWD is really not needed in Southern CA. I still am not even sure if the Caddy has full time AWD or AWD when needed.
The only issue I have the Escalade is the steering feel is too soft / light, if it were a little more solid / rigid you would feel you would have more control and better handling, other than that, it's a great vehicle and my first caddy!
I live in Texas also and believe the 2WD make more sense. However, what does G80 code mean?
Has anyone gotten pricing below invoice on these SUV's? How hot are they right now?
Your advice is appreciated!
And you never will - 14something is the best you'll do. REally now, this is a square box jetting through the atmosphere. Why are we talking MPGs in an Escalade forum anyway? Ridiculous~!
We get around 10MPG or a little more, since my wife drives it around town all the time to run errands and take the kids to their activities, so there is little highway driving and more stop and go traffic.
At least the fuel tank is somewhat large, so we can fill up at least once a week instead of feeling that we have to fill up every day.
And just my luck gas here in CA is one of the most expensive in the country, so to fill up on regular costs us around $75-$80 a pop. We expected it, but we don't have to like it!
The Escalade is an great vehicle when you have 3 infant / toddler to fit all in the 2nd row.
Also almost every Escalade here in SOCAL has an aftermarket front Grill and also aftermarket 24" or larger rims, so my Factory Escalade with the 22" rims are looking very stock now and it's time to upgrade in the near future!
So what if it looks stock? Stock is darn nice in this truck and nothing to be ashamed about. In fact, mine came with 22s on it, and I had them removed immediately and had the factory 18s put back on. The handling was vastly improved by the wheels the vehicle was engineered with.
I love the growl of the engine and the power, but you are right, the handling is just OK, but I don't know if I could have expected more sportier handling from this large size of a truck.
I would have preferred more solid or tighter steering feel, but that is my preference coming from BMWs.
I do have to say that small things from the key with no built-in remote (separate for some reason) to the cheap feeling / looking owners manual and also the GM dealerships that combine GMC / Pontiac / Cadillac service (no loaner cars for regular service) somewhat takes away from the luxury experience of Cadillac as compared to BMW, Lexus or MB.
At least I don't feel like we have to fill up on gas every other day, the tank is large enough that it's at lease once a week or a little more than that.
I would have preferred more solid or tighter steering feel, but that is my preference coming from BMWs.
I agree with you, but that's what I'm saying. My last Navigator in particular, out rode and out handled this rig by light years. The steering was more precise and had better road feel. The handling was more tight and accurate. The ride was quieter and more stable.
The 2008s are coming out somewhat early since the 2007 model year was longer then normal. However, it does not look like the 2008 will have cylinder deactivation to improve the mileage 1 MPG or so.
LOL! Exactly - CD is slowly dying an ignominious death....
Or in a case like this, it'll be my heirs suing. The driver there didn't get convicted on the murder charge btw.
It is a bit dumb not to enable a navigation system to accept a direction inquiry - sort of defeats the purpose if you have to pull over to reprogram your destination into the NAV. May as well grab a map at that point.
Watching movies in the dash while driving down the road isn't cool - let your passenger take their iPod or something instead.
I think that Edmunds's article is off base. Either they drove a lemon, or the writer is biased because no other review is consistent with it.
I hear what you are saying, I have heard excellent things about the ride quality of the Escalade with and without the 22's.
And as far as the review, in my time of car purchasing I have learned to read the reviews and then to test drive the car for myself. Sometimes I've been dead set against a car because of what I have read. But then when I test drive it I don't agree with what I've read and I actually enjoy driving the car. So it's good to consider the reviews but most importantly it's good to make your own judgement upon test drivng.
I also advocate people renting the particular vehicle they wish to purchase just to have it for a few days to see how the vehicle feels, acts, and whether or not it will assimilate into the buyers lifestyle.
http://www.coastaletech.com/GMLOCKPICK.htm
Thanks!
Ian