2008 Cadillac Escalade EXT Review
The Escalade EXT is a full-size luxury sport-utility truck that debuted in 2002. It combines the roomy interior of the SUV model with the convenience of a pickup bed. The EXT design allows drivers to remove the partition between the bed and the seating to increase cargo capacity. The second and current generation debuted in 2007.
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
The Cadillac Escalade EXT is one of a kind. No other truck on the market offers this much luxury. But the end result is a mix of traits that don’t mesh together well. The truck aspect of the EXT cuts down on the passenger space and makes it more difficult to handle. And on the flip side, the EXT’s sheer luxury makes it undesirable for serious work. And for its price, buyers could purchase a luxury car along with a standard work truck.
What’s New For 2008:
What is the Predicted Reliability:
J.D. Power gives the Escalade EXT 2.5 stars for mechanical quality and 4 stars for design quality. Problems with the first Escalade included stalling, hard starting, poor shifting and vehicle noise. It was recalled three times. The previous generation Escalade had issues with oil consumption, failing ignition switches, inoperative blower motors and vehicle noise. It was recalled nine times for issues including fracturing power steering hoses, corroding tailgate supports, weak side doors, fractured brake seals and faulty power steering brackets. Expect below average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for four years or 50,000 miles.
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
The Escalade EXT earned perfect 5 star government crash test scores. IIHS scores are not available. Anti-lock brakes, full side airbags, a rollover sensor, and stability and traction control comes standard. The ESV activates seatbelt pretensioners to minimize whiplash in the case of a rear-end collision.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+ Powerful engine
+ Multi-purpose design
+ Unique
Cons
- Enormous
- Expensive
- More unwieldy than the SUV
Head-To-Head Competition:
The Hummer H2 SUT Adventure costs a few thousand more, but has very similar specs. Arguably the EXT’s closest competitor is the Lincoln Mark LT, which costs over ten thousand dollars less, even when equipped with 4WD. However, it has 100 less hp and lacks side airbags, traction control and stability control. If you feel the EXT is a bit out of your league, the Chevrolet Avalanche presents a more affordable alternative. Even fully loaded, it costs more than $10,000 less, though it has 90 less hp, and lacks traction control, along with most of the EXT’s luxury features.
What Others Are Saying:
“An all-new Cadillac Escalade EXT amalgamates the best attributes of luxury SUVs and full-size pickups.” – Forbes
“And yet the 2007 Escalade EXT is the most luxurious pickup that money can buy. It may not be perfect, but this is truly the Cadillac of trucks.” – The Detroit News
“But compared with the already-hard-to-justify Escalade SUV, the EXT provides less passenger space, worse maneuverability, and a heftier curb weight (so heavy, in fact, that it is no longer required to bear EPA fuel-economy ratings). So, despite the improved dynamics, we think it remains one of the most ridiculous vehicles on the market.” – Car and Driver
Read more about the 2008 Cadillac Escalade EXT at the Cadillac manufacturer web site.
