2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT Consumer Reviews
Most Helpful Reviews
Positive Review
I've had it for about 6 months and already put 10k miles on it. Work is about a half a mile away which shows how much I like to just drive it around. It looks great, performs as good as you maintain it and gets tons of compliments wherever you go. My 4wheeler fits perfect in the back with the tailgate down and you can still have 5 people in the cab. I wish it wasn't AWD but maybe that just keeps me out of trouble. If your looking at buying one and you aren't worried about keeping it clean or hauling a huge trailer, I'd recommend it.
VS
Critical Review
I really love the EXT for all the things that I bought it for. Flexibility, pulling, all wheel drive and a great ride. The upgrades from Cadillac are really nice and it will be hard going back to a regular ride. However, It does have some serious maintenance problems. I have driven 3 vehicles to 200,000 miles and had less problems mechanically with all of them combined than I have had with this vehicle in the first 50,000 miles. Steering column had to be replaced, universal joints, several axle boots, lights burning out, etc. I am now replacing the transmission due to slipping gears 3 and 4. "I can't get it out of second gear" as the song goes. It was in the shop almost every other month it seemed like the first couple of years. Service is spotty and unfortunately lives up to the bad reputation of American Auto makers. My current dealer is fabulous and I would rather go to them than just about any lower cost vendor for repairs. They do treat me right but can't say the same for others. One dealer actually fixed my leaking intake scoop with duct tape. They did it well enough that I didn't notice even though I was changing my own oil at the time. I had to pay for its replacement. I have never had this car to anyone except a Cadillac dealer since the day I bought it. I would never get this car again without a longterm warranty. The 5 yr/100k warranty currently being offered by Cadillac isn't enough. In its defense, it is great in snow and pulling a trailer, Also off road. The ride is excellent and lives up to its Cadillac emblem in lots of ways. I really do love the vehicle. Unfortunately it is sold by an American dealer and they seem to have no respect for their customer base for the most part. Things may have changed in the last several years as they are doing flex fuel and they are offering the 100k mile warranty, so at least they are willing to take responsibility for the mechanical problems. Unfortunately it is too late for the rest of us.
2003 Escalade EXT Reviews
Showing 8 of 49 reviews.
My 2005 Escalade EXT is a really great truck. It still looks brand new and I get compliments on it all the time. Although it has 128,000+ miles on it it still runs like a champ, I see no reason to buy a new vehicle while this one is still running like new😊
My favorite vehicle I’ve ever owned. 97,000. miles and I’ve maintained it to the max. When I turn it on, it still turns me on. Always garaged it looks and smells (leather) as good as the day I bought it. Love the conversion feature. Took my grandson back to college and loaded it up to the max. It’s always met the challenge with style, comfort and power! You get what you pay for.
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Pros-Dependable truck, powerful, all wheel drive is unbeatable, has nice options, cadillac escalade means luxury and demands respect, looks good too. Cons-recommend premium fuel (not required) , noisy, some parts are expensive to replace, rear bed cover has always leaked through when it rains.
easy to drive even though big vehicle
bad gas mileage
I have never had an escalade before, but we've now owned this awesome truck for over 3 years. Very few mechanical issues even though mileage getting high. No rust for an older vehicle! This older model doesn't have the nicer interior of the newer ones, but overall very roomy and rides great. I would buy another one for sure!
Comfort, class, good feel, proud, good utility.
Front lights fogged over and could not be cleared.
The only problems were the headlights and the load stabilizers.Gas mileage 14.9, oil changed every 4000 miles, needs new alternator , GPS is out of date , the leather driver seat needs to replaced. Original pearl paint starting to fade .Had a major maintenance repairs reccomended by dealer at 105,000 miles .Still looks great. This is the best truck or car I have ever had. I called it my Texas cadillac and would have put horns on it if I had found some .
Geat style over it's competors
Can't maneuver in tight spots-Need rear camera
Drove this truck for 3 years and after warranty was over, had to replace transmission. Then all small items like wiper motor, blower motor fan, rear back up sensors went out. It be wise to purchase an extended warranty on a used car this old (2004). Still driving it. Thinking of purchasing another EXT, but 2009.
luxury ride,all the bells and whistles
gas mpg, "tighten fuel cap" message
I love my truck, great in winter, summer, spring and fall. Gas mileage is terrible but if ya can't afford the gas you can't afford the truck as they say...has been a real joy to drive/own was my "dream truck".
Looks and performance
Gas (I run premium)
I've had it for about 6 months and already put 10k miles on it. Work is about a half a mile away which shows how much I like to just drive it around. It looks great, performs as good as you maintain it and gets tons of compliments wherever you go. My 4wheeler fits perfect in the back with the tailgate down and you can still have 5 people in the cab. I wish it wasn't AWD but maybe that just keeps me out of trouble. If your looking at buying one and you aren't worried about keeping it clean or hauling a huge trailer, I'd recommend it.
