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'95 tahoe looking pretty dirty going through
the recent snow storms and I stopped by the
GMC/Cadillac dealer, what do you know I drove
out with an Escalade. Don't let anyone ever
tell you that the Escalade rides like the
tahoes and yukons. The suspension is completely different. It rides so much like an STS that my mom traded in her '97 for an Escalade as well. The tightness of the construction from the Arlington plant is amazing. I've never driven a GM truck like this. If you're considering the Denali, go for the Escalade, its much better looking despide the limit of four colors. I also looked at the Lincoln Navigator, but aside from the electronically adjustable pedals and 3rd seat, which you have to be very small to get to anyway (no texans I know), there wasn't much that the fake leather and unappealing looks could offer. Not to mention you can actually feel the road in the Escalade, I do wish however the dash was updated. They changed the colors of the blacklighting so its easier to see, and all mirrors are electrochromic so night time isn't so bad with those big mirrors. I had a an expensive aftermarket stereo system in my tahoe, but saw no need to transfer it because the bose system with subwoofer is just fine for me now (maybe I grew up). At least there's enough truck in the escalade that you don't feel back about the occasional off road trip. In the navigator I felt like I'd rip off all that pastic body panels any minute. There's nothing that anyone could say about the Escalade that would make me feel bad about my decision.
for the new technology?<<
I agree. Apparently the loss of sales (marketshare) was just too much for Cadillac (GM) to cope with. Speaking of marketshare, since it was introduced, I've seen fewer than dozen Escalades on the roads. On the other hand, Navigators, Expeditions, MLs, RX300s, Grand Cherokees, and Land Cruisers/RX470s seem to be everywhere.
Bob
a Jeep Cherokee. I may say something different in the coming weeks, but I can say without reservation, this is the best automobile I have ever driven. My brother bought a Ford Expedition 2 weeks ago, paid 38k and I paid 45k for mine, and I will say, without reservation, the Cadillac quality, etc, eats the fords, durango, etc alive.
I would suspect all the negative comments here come from two factions, want-a-bes and others who have not driven one and probably wouldnt be allowed to if they went to a dealer.
http://www.auto.com/topstories/r1.htm
For what it's worth, I think they nailed it dead on.
Bob
The new generation of G.M. SUV's will have better technology (better engines, brakes, chassis, etc)
So why buy this 1999 Escalade?
Sometimes I just have my bank's president call the dealership to inform them of their loss.
There are two types of people: 1)Those who have it and don't need to flaunt it. 2) Those who don't and pretend they do --- it must make them feel "special" or "superior" --- get a life.
What is GM/Cadillac thinking? Of course, I guess we should expect this from the division that forgot how to count back in December 1998.
As greenml430 has said, hopefully Cadillac is taking the time to truly differentiate the Escalade from its lesser cousins. At least Ford was wise enough to equip the Navigator with an exclusive engine at 300hp. Perhaps GM is thinking along the same lines....
A) PPl who are spending 10k more for a navigator over an expedition are either buying an XLT Expy or are getting raped by the dealer. If you are to comparably equip a navigator and an Expedition E/B the difference sums up to $4-$5k. With this you get different leather, 2nd row buckets, 300hp DOHC engine, better warranty etc.
. I test drove a Denali, Escalade, Land Cruiser, Expedition, Navigator and LX470.
The two entrants from Toyota were just awesome pieces of machinery but the price difference for a decent looking Land Cruiser/LX470 is astonishing compared to the Ford/GM luxo-utes so they were off the list.
I liked the Denali and the tu-tone leather, didn't even think about the escalade because the major difference (onstar) can be had on the denali.
The Expedition just didn't lust me as much as the Navigator.
So now I was down to the Navigator or Denali. My decision was the Navigator because of the more powerful engine (300hp) vs. (255). I need to tow a boat so the tow capacity issue was a must. Also, the Denali didn't have a third seat so it couldn't fit the bill. Also, I managed to save 2k on the navigator compared to the denalis because the dealers wouldn't budge off of MSRP.
With the 2k I went and upgraded my speakers in the Nav and also had an Alpine CVA-1000 TV screen installed. I am very happy with the deal but to each his own. Just thought I would let you know what I picked and why.
Bonnie Rick
Town Hall Community Manager, Edmunds.com
I actually wanted a vehicle based on a chassis that was around a long time. My hope was that bugs would all be worked out and I could expect a machine that wouldn't spend time at the dealer. So far this has been true. The vehicle has not been back under the warranty.
I have enhanced the vehicle slightly to deal with some of the minor short-commings. A set of heavier Bilstein shocks to stop wind wander and firm up the ride. A set of Stainless Steel gas slotted disc's for the rear brakes. Carbon fiber pads for the front. This baby WILL STOP! This setup pulls up the pedal slop too.
The ultimate cruelty was that I purchased a 99 Civic Si to use for my long work commute and spare the gas and the wear and tear on my Tahoe, but when I got the insurance bill I found that I could have driven the Tahoe for even money. The Si cost 2.5 times what the Tahoe does to insure and that's at least the fuel cost difference.
have been getting downright rude lately! I will not permit this rudeness to begin here. Please reread your Participants Agreement. Obscene, rude and uncivil behavior will NOT be tolerated!
Front Porch Philosopher
SUV, Pickup, & Aftermarket and Accessories Host
Stop trying to be a minor league censor.
2nd question, has anyone heard when the new Denali is due out, I understand it will be VERY close in similarities to the Escalade?? Thanks for any Help...
I have also seen notes of dealers selling at MSRP. Just wondering how that is now that we are closer to 2000, and with the 1999's on the lot. Locally, we have $1,500 rebate on 99 Escalade ... and $1,000 on Denali. 2000 Denali has On-Star as standard ... supposedly some sort of difference in the services offered between the Denali and Escalade (vanilla, vs. vanilla fudge)?
Denali and donate the extra do-re-mi to charity?
Or better yet, send it to me. Of course, it you want to pay $$$ simply for a Cadillac badge on a
GMC truck, then I guess that's your deal. Don't know if anyone else remembers the Cimmaron, but Caddy's continual badge engineering is pathetic.
available in a 7 passenger I already have the durango.
There is not a chance I would by a Lexus. They are too overpriced and are basically a gussied up Toyota. Thanks anyway.
Cadillac did one hell of a job with this SUV and all you haters out their just don't know....
I must agree with bordeauxml55 that the Caddy is by far the best looking SUV. By the way, do you own an ml55? I looked briefly at the ml430, but the styling and size are negatives to me.
My hesitation in getting the Caddy is the outdated engineering and the uncertainty surrounding the new model. Also, when is the 2001 model expected to come out?
All the excitement and discussion on the ML site also caused me to seriously consider the 2000 ML430. I wish there was more info on this site to generate that same level of excitement. Hopefully, Caddy is veiling everything in secrecy because the changes will be worth the wait.