2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT
More Vehicle than You’ll Ever Need

Susan Frissell

Cadillac’s most powerful sport utility has joined the ranks of the sought-after four-door pickup truck crowd. Who could have predicted it? Well, GM must have thought it was worthwhile to take their successful SUVand fashion it after the Chevrolet Avalanche. It’s a nice looking vehicle, but we can’t help believe, a tad superfluous.

Cadillac refers to the Escalade EXT as "the world’s first reconfigurable luxury sport utility truck." According to GM, the EXT can be reconfigured in thousands of different ways, offering "Swiss army-knife like" capabilities.

Added to the Escalade family in 2002, EXT is targeted toward buyers with a median age of 50 and who drive luxury vehicles. Seventeen percent had already owned an Escalade, and 23 percent of buyers moved from a large pickup. The reasons given most often for purchasing the EXT include ride, exterior styling and versatility.

Versatility, no doubt. But I couldn’t help think I wouldn’t want to risk banging up my EXT with a load of 2X4’s from Home Depot.

In 2002, Escalade was the recipient of the Popular Mechanics 2002 Design & Engineering Award, Consumer Review’s Best in class/mixed breed category, and MotorWeek’s Drivers’ Choice Award as Best Cross-over Vehicle.

For 2003, Cadillac has improved handling, including upgrading the StabiliTrak system to a 4-channel system. Braking capability has been upgraded with a better feel and quieter operation, and power adjustable brake and accelerator pedals with memory have been added. The adjustable pedals are a must for many drivers, especially those who aren’t anywhere near the six feet height category. This is one big vehicle and although it’s very comfortable and seating accommodates most drivers, it’s a stretch to reach those pedals.

Also new for 2003 on the Escalade EXT are dual-level and passenger-sensing air bags, an advanced infotainment system featuring Panasonic DVD Entertainment system with improved rear-seat audio controls, redesigned seats with new safety features, 2005 compliant, optional XM Satellite Radio and enhanced Bose system, and improved exterior mirrors. The exterior side mirrors-Muth inspired–have built in indicator signals alerting passengers behind the EXT to turns. This is a great improvement and even helps the driver.

GM’s automatic passenger-sensing airbags are able to sense the size and weight of the passenger and deactivate the passenger seat airbag. Under certain conditions, this sensing system can determine whether a child or small adult is sitting in the passenger seat and respond accordingly.

Escalade EXT is a very versatile vehicle, with its multi-range of cargo-carrying possibilities. Included is a Midgate panel, or pass-through between the cab and truck bed, a removable rear window, three-piece rigid cargo cover, integrated top storage boxes and lighted cargo bed. We especially liked the removable rear window. At $54,000+ we were amazed there was no sunroof. But the removable rear window makes up for it. This is a great feature, practical and innovative.

Our test vehicle came equipped with all the bells and whistles, including the cargo bed, removable rear window, infotainment system (DVD and rear screen, $1,295), and On-Star communications system (with one year directions and connections plan). Other options included 17-inch chrome wheels ($795), XM Satellite Radio ($325) and Trailer package ($190). Destination charge was $790. MSRP on the EXT was $50,705, with a total vehicle price of $54,100.

Escalade EXT comes equipped with such standard features as lockable and lighted top box and cargo bed; three-piece rigid cargo cover, leather seating, 10-way power front seats with heated cushions, second row split-fold seats, bose premium audio system with cassette, in-dash 6-disk CD, tri-zone climate control, and HID headlamps.

The XM Satellite system in the EXT is some of the latest technology of radio reception around the country. It’s quite amazing, tuning in some 71 digital channels coast-to-coast, with more than 30 that are commercial free. It also provides 24-hour news stations. The EXT’s enhanced instrument panel houses another amazing feature: the driver information center that reports and monitors up to 30 system functions. As one might guess, it takes some time to figure out how to use all these gadgets. One wonders when/if they would all ever be used, but for the techno-whiz, they are fun to have.

The EXT is truly an enjoyable vehicle to drive. Quiet, full of raw power, and equipped with every luxury you’d ever want. We found that this was the vehicle in the stable we opted for on most driving days. The obvious drawbacks: Size, fuel economy. Climbing in and out of the EXT on daily errands wasn’t something we thought we’d entertain 365 days of the year. But the fact that the EXT is a versatile, comfortable vehicle can’t be taken away from it. We found ourselves wishing we had a cross-country trip to take.

Copyright 2003. Susan Frissell. Women With Wheels. All Rights Reserved.