By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our
Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our
Visitor Agreement.
Comments
All my buddies locally love it, and I think it has a face only a mother could love.
All Caddy lovers please direct hate mail to ImSorryULoveAnUglyVehicle@Waiting4FreaknEver4MyFreaknDenali.Sucks
No really, to each his own. I'm glad there are so many choices out there now. At least now we won't all be driving Ford Exploder/Execution/Exxons.
Dave
From what I could see, both SUV’s are very good looking. The Denali's mono paint scheme is very good looking with just the right amount of chrome and shine on the front end. I only noticed a few "unusual” items on the truck:
1) The GMC front emblem is HUGE it sits smack in the middle of the honey comb grill and definitely lets everyone know that this is a GMC vehicle
2) The rear end has a lot of non-slip rubber/plastic showing on the lift gate sill and bumper. It’s not very attractive with the lighter colors (Denali on display was white) but should go unnoticed with a color like black.
The Escalade was surprisingly very good looking. It is a lot larger in person and has a more aggressive stance than the Denali. The exterior looks good in black.
My only concern is the front grill although it looks a lot better then some of the early pics it is still a bit loud. I did notice that the grill and the font emblem are some type of plastic.
As GM's flagship SUV, you'd think they'd want it to looks its best. That huge plastic grill makes that $47K + Luxo SUV look a little cheap.
--Butta
Clifford Martin
Though not as plentiful as the standard Yukon, they are definitely available.
Regards,
Mr. Goodwrench
GMI Grad. 1986
The first poll is about what mileage interval people are using between their oil changes.
The second poll is whether or not I should continue with the GM SUV Information Web Site
Please feel free to stop by and vote.
Clifford Martin
All kidding aside, I have read posts from you since last December, and there was no other guy/gal more excited than you about getting their ride. What happened? You sound like you "need" a new vehicle. I have seen yours on your web page, and it looks great!
I can see adding after market stuff to dress it up, but why the Denali impersonation factor. Put some aggressive tires on the sucker and just a few inches underneath to give it that "don't mess" look. Make it unique. That was what you wanted when you wished they would do away with the Fire Red color. Long story short, make it one a kind, not kind of like one you saw in an ad.
Just my 2.5 cents
Dave
Please don't misunderstand my postings and my motives. I am happy with my Yukon, but as you indicated I do want a unique vehicle. Unfortunately too many other people in the Atlanta area must have seen my site and my Yukon and now look-alikes are poping up everywhere.
I have added the Lund Interceptor and the Husky Liner mud flaps to the outside. I have tried to add chrome wheel well trim without success. (No one makes a good quality trim and the ones I have tested don't fit correctly). Other than adding some Weathertech ventvisors, there isn't any other exterior accessories I can add that enhance the appearance, according to MY Standards. I might consider some new wheels and the Michelin tires, when the Bridgestone Dueler H/Ls wear out.
As for the interior, I always planned to add woodgrain trim. When I found out the Denali and Escalade would have that trim standard, I decided to wait to see if there was a factory trim part that would work, instead of using an aftermarket part. I would rather have the woodgrain built into the part instead of just glued on.
The postings about the Denali grill and side moldings were made to benefit others, who might be interested in such things. Granted, I might be interested in the exhaust pipe shroud, just because the standard exhaust pipe leaves an unfinished look.
As for needing a new vehicle, that will happen all too soon. I drive over 40,000 miles per year just commuting back and forth to work. I figure the Yukon will last a maximum of 3 years. Over Thanksgiving I will be taking my 97 Bonneville to Charlotte to my parents, so they have a newer vehicle to drive. Once I do that, the Yukon will be my only vehicle and the mileage will climb fast.
As for getting a Denali vs. Yukon, I really don't think the Denali is worth the extra $9000.
Clifford
I am curious why you are trying to pull so many people over to that delphi.com web site? Is it because you don't like this message board, or do you get credit for hits on the ad links on that board? I have no problem with that, but i just didn't care for the format too much. Like I said before I have been reading here about 3 days a week since last December. Maybe this board is just an old comfortable shoe to me at this point.
Have the profits dropped off from your home page? You have done a great job with that site, and I have sent many friends there who were interested in GM SUVs.
One question, have you run across any web sites with a large number of personalized plates? I am looking for some good ideas for my upcoming XL Denali.
Dave
Thanks !
The poll can be found at the GMSUV forum on delphi.com at http://www.delphi.com/GMSUV
(Note To Florida Voters: You can only vote once and the results will be certified immediately upon the close of the poll. NO MANUAL RECOUNTS!)
My question is:
Given the all of the "neato" (and some practical) gadgets offered on the '01 Caddy sedans, is it safe to assume alot of these will make their way onto the '03 Escalade?
I would be very interested in getting an Escalade with night vision, Infotainment systems,massaging seatbacks, abd tire preesure monitor as options. I understand this will boost the price up quite a bit but, what's $4-6K additional when your spending close to $50K as is.
If anyone out there has some insider info into what the GM/Caddy boys are planning for the upcoming model, please share.
--Butta
I've decided to order a '01 Yukon 2WD with traction control,Autoride, 5300, the works. I figure I'll hold out and see what happens with next year's ('03) 'lade.
How has your Yukon been holding up. Would you recommend the SUV to anyone else? Out here in SoCal these trucks are selling very well, so dealers are asking for MSRP and more.
If I'm going to but one (probably 1-2k above invoice), I want to make sure its well worth it
--Butta
For the most part I really enjoy the Yukon. There are a few things that I wish it had (and the Denali & Escalade have). I wish the regular Yukon had the steering wheel radio controls, like the Denali & Escalade have. I got used to those with my 97 Bonneville and I miss them on the Yukon.
I also wish the Yukon had the multi-disc CD player that the Denali & Escalade have. In lieu of that, It would be great when any manufacturer starts to have a factory CD player that will play MP3 files from a CD-R disc. If it could do that, the need for a multi-disc CD player would go away.
I think it would also be great if the regular Yukon had the backup sensor that the Escalade will have. A major problem I have with the Yukon is the fact I have no idea exactly where the rear end of the truck is when I back up. There is no way to adjust any of the mirrors to see even the edge of the rear bumper, much less any other part of the body that tells you exactly where the rear end is. I attribute this to the modern design theory that curves the body in so that it makes it impossible to see the rear end.
As for other things, I wish the Yukon got a little bit better gas mileage. I am getting 18-19 mpg, with the 5.3L engine and 3.42 axle ratio. I was hoping it would top 20 mpg, especially at the current high gas prices. If gas went back down to 99 cents per gallon, I wouldn't mind so much.
In general, the Yukon has been a good vehicle. I have almost 10,000 miles on it with no major problems. (My windows all still work, no resonance vibrations and no shifting problems).
Clifford
As I said, I'm looking at a FULLY LOADED 2wd for around $36,000 before fees. It seem a little steep but everyone tell me these SUV are selling very good out hear in SoCal.
As for your Yukon wish list. I wasn't able to get into the Denali or Escalade they had on display but I did get a good look and feel inside of the new Sierra C3. The interior of the C3 is identical to the Denali and very similar to the Escalade.
In my opinion, the fit and finish need a little work. The instrument cluster was nice but a little busy. The wheel is the same one they use in the Yukon/Tahoe/Yukon XL/Suburban and it shows.
The added stereo controls are very hard to use while holding the wheel. They and played so far back you have to angle you thumbs to get at them.
The Bose system sounds very nice but I'd like to see GM incorporate the 6-disc changer into the actual unit and not so far down on the center console.
Over all both SUV are very nice on the outside but it seem as if GM designers put all of their efforts and skill on just that. The interior is far to close to the Yukon for a premium SUV.
I wish they had "borrowed" a few of the Navigators interior features and improved on them. It would be nice to see GM offer the
Regular Denali and Escalade in AWD & 2WD versions with 2nd row tilt-back captain’s chairs, integrated 6-disc, 11 speaker Bose stereo, real steering wheel mounted audio controls, and a DVD nav. system with voice controls in the center console.
But all that is wishful thinking unless some GM bigwig has his thinking cap on or, reads my obvious hint!
--Butta
Also, is the 2001 Denali hood the same as the 2001 Yukon, and the same as the 2000 Yukon? (If so, I could just order the part for the 2000 Yukon.)
If anyone has a suggestion for a poll question, please feel free to send it to me.
Clifford Martin
--Butta
We now return to our regularly scheduled topic on the sometimes strange, but always wacky fun of the GM luxury SUV!
--Butta
The dealer told me the RWD Escalade will be a late availability option. Can anyone confirm that statement?
Also, in our conversation, he let it slip that GMC may be planning the same RWD setup for the 2002 Denali. If that is indeed the case, I might just wait another 9-10 months.
--Butta
Perhaps someone from GM participates in this forum and can share his/her insight.
--Butta
Apparently the cost to the dealer in the Bay area is approximately $484.85 higher than some of the outer lying rural areas due to a dealer participation advertising charge from GM. In a sense I guess I am paying $2,015.15 over invoice if I purchased locally since the cost to outer lying dealer is less. The local Dealers range from selling @ MSRP to $1,000.00 off MSRP for an order (that "dot com" money around here is both a curse and a blessing).
Any comments of how this price stands elsewhere.
dr256
According to one Cadillac/Pontiac/GMC dealer the difference in price between the 2002 Escalade and 2001 Denali will be approx. $3,000.00. I have not verified this to be true.
If the cosmetic appeal of the Escalade's exterior plus "Stabilitrak", increased horsepower & torque, perforated leather seats, "ultrasonic rear parking assist", electric folding mirrors, 4/50k warranty vs. 3/36k, and certainly better looking wood accents and other appointments in the interior are wanted and or needed, then the Escalade may be worth the difference. Otherwise it's the Denali (Just my opinion).
Brad
If the GMC Yukon & Denali are indication of how GM's SUV rollout works, expect to see the Escalade at your dealer in Late Feb. early March.
--Butta
Took it for a drive and was really impressed with 6.0L engine and AWD. Handling and acceleration were significant improvements over my '92 4wd 2500 Silv. Sub with 7.4L engine.
400 watt Bose Sound system was awesome and the controls, seating and overall layout were well thought out based on this short test drive. I think the seatbelts will take some getting used to since they are lower on my shoulder being attached to the seat now instead of the B-pillar (I am 6'3").
Overall I am really looking forward to receiving my own in January. Plan to add an aftermarket sunroof through the dealer and therefore be able to enjoy the front and rear climate control set-up (since you lose the rear climate control with factory sunroof). I would be interested in personal assessments of those that have received their own Denali XLs since this was a regular Denali.
First impressions are very positive. The look certainly is distinctive. The engine sound is aggressive externally and internally, but not obtrusive. Maneuverability is better than expected. Seats are very comfortable. The ride is very good -- a huge difference from our 1997 Mountaineer that the Denali replaced. The Denali handles with no drama the same bumps and potholes that were jarring in the Mountaineer.
GM's maniacal preoccupation with automatic and daytime running lights is annoying, but a small price to pay. Also, while the manual claims that the head restraints on the second row bench seat fold backwards when the seat is folded forward, I have been able only to fold the head restraint forward (not helping much in preserving enough space for the front passenger seat to slide back), and there is no obvious way to remove the head restraint. Any hints would be appreciated.
If anyone has specific questions, just post or e-mail.
We have a grey one ordered, but no tpw as of yet.
Thanks for any info.
We also chose not to have a sun roof -- experience showed that we used a sun roof rarely with young kids in the back, and the automatic rear climate control is more useful for our needs.
We have not accessorized yet. I am not aware of any particularly good "kid-proofing" devices for the interior, although if anyone has suggestions I am more than willing to listen. For purely cosmetic reasons, I am exploring wood dash kits. The wood (or fake wood grain, depending on whose opinion is right) is not bad, but a lighter wood trim would be more attractive. If anyone has found an outfit that actually sells kits for these cars, please let me know.