2005 Cadillac Escalade AWD Review - The Most ICONIC Luxury SUV of The 00's!

[@TheAndersonOBrien]

As a 2000's kid this thing was THE luxury SUV. I don't even think the modern ones relly even have the impression these had.

[@bwofficial1776]

The GMT800 was the peak of GM trucks. Good enough materials that didn't feel hard and cheap, modern enough features, a rock solid engine without the displacement on demand that was infamous for burning out cams, and the most comfortable seats in the world. These trucks are nearly impossible to kill and last forever.

[@edan7813]

I do agree with the seat statement, Ive been in an 06 Silverado 3500HD with the leather seats and theyre couch level of comfortable

[@DJMACK193]

@@edan7813What color were they?

[@edan7813]

@@DJMACK193 the lighter gray unfortunately, I love the tan seats. They just look a lot nicer

[@DJMACK193]

@@edan7813 How are you?

[@codyproefrock954]

​@edan7813 This is so true, gmt 900 and newer platforms are trash, honestly the gmt400 95 to 99 leather seats are actually very comfortable as well!!!

[@frankf2902]

2005 Cadillac Escalade: Official Vehicle of MTV Cribs

[@runoflife87]

And national minorities without education.

[@itsPikachu]

And Celebrities and rich people

[@bricegraham8256]

Oh my lord that's so freaking true dude.

[@bricegraham8256]

Don't forget the Hummer H2, and the second Gen Lincoln Navigator

[@itsPikachu]

That is true

[@SouthsideKidd550]

My mom still owns her 2002 (pre-minor facelift) Escalade 5.3 2WD. She bought it brand new late Nov. 2001 at Bill Heard Cadillac/Saab in Columbus, GA. It has never been wrecked. Truck still looks great. Headlights are still clear. It is garage kept. The Cadillac dealer still service it. The Bose speakers are not blown and her OnStar still works. The truck is black with Shale leather interior and the factory "Cadillac" gold pin stripe. It currently has 350,000 miles on it. She still drives it on long trips.

[@bwofficial1776]

This generation was the peak of reliability. The engine is still simple with no cylinder deactivation to burn out the cams but the transmission issues have been fixed. The only thing that can kill these is rust.

[@SouthsideKidd550]

@@bwofficial1776 My mom's Escalade is an all stock and original rust/mud free South GA truck. Major stuff she done was a new radiator, Michelin tires (5 sets since 2005-currently), water pump, brakes and oxygen sensors. She's very old school. She changes her oil every 3k miles or 3 months, transmission drain and fill and radiator flush every 40k miles. Paint is flawless. She use to get a polish and wax every 3 months until she found out about ceramic coating. She paid a detailer $1000 to paint correct and ceramic coat the truck. The wheels have no curb rash. Its just a well kept Cadillac. You could say it's showroom quality but good driver quality also. Next to her Escalade is a her 2005 Lexus LS430. Yes, it is black also with 150,000 miles. She also bought that car brand new. She told me that she does not want any new cars. She hates new cars. She loves "Simple Luxury". Thats why she has a Black Cadillac and a Black Lexus in her garage.

[@cxryptonic]

@@SouthsideKidd550Awesome! Gotta respect her for taking care of her vehicles. There’s a lot of people who destroy these beautiful things because to them they’re just cars. We own a 2016 Yukon XL Denali and it’s still going strong at 136k miles. The tires do have some curb rash because my mom wasn’t used to driving such a long car (Previously owned a 2005 Honda Odyssey) but other than that it’s a well kept truck.

[@02WIFE]

I just bought a 2002 escalade base 5.3. I love it with the rwd

[@SouthsideKidd550]

@@02WIFE Awesome! The ride is smooth as silk. However, what I noticed the rear air shocks tend to get a little bouncy if you go over a bump, railroad track or speed bump. Its totally normal. Keep an eye on the rear main seal and fuel pump. My mom replaced those a couple of years back. The 5.3 is notorious for lifter tick. That just come from lack of oil changes. Mobil 1 Extended Performance full synthetic oil every 5k and you will not have the lifter tick. Her's never had that problem due to frequent oil changes. Overall it is a pretty stout truck for it to be 80% plastic.

[@nickgee7291]

That was THE car in highschool that I remember everyone wanted when they grew up! I feel like that was peak escalade popularity and also the best looking. But I do also have nostalgia for it so im also bias lol

[@fishjohn014]

I've owned mine for a year. 2005 Escalade with 179,000.....shocked to report that I've had ZERO mechanical issues. Its extremely fuel inefficient, but the transmission and engine run like a top even in -30° temps If yoy see one of these for cheap I'd 100% recommended buying it

[@USA-ChinaDailyNews]

Change sparks and air flow sensor and it will be better on gas mileage.

[@MattAyala-s4r]

What’s cheap to you ?

[@BadaBing.UCF30]

Woke up this morning, got a gabagool.

[@davinp]

The Escalade is just a more luxurious and more expensive version of the Chevy Tahoe/Suburban. Many celebrities own Escalade

[@trumpet12345]

Funny though. The average wealth of GMC Yukon owners is higher than Escalade buyers. The theory is, even if it costs the same, you won't be "showy" with your money.

[@bwofficial1776]

@@trumpet12345 Stealth wealth. A lot of really wealthy people drive Volvos and Toyota Land Cruisers because they're nice but not showy. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class wagon is another favorite.

[@cxryptonic]

@@trumpet12345Not my family owning a Yukon Denali:

[@semectual]

That is definitely one important Icon, that 2nd Generation Cadillac Escalade! I know a couple who had a 2002, we did an errand on it and I was sitting at the 3rd row seat. For a vehicle of this size and the short wheelbase model, the 3rd row is useless, however, for the longer wheelbase model, certainly worth a whole lot!

[@02WIFE]

I have a 2002 escalade base and yes that 3rd row is useless for adults. I already had a yukon xl and I didn't want awd so I found my rwd cadillac

[@pontiacGXPfan]

i see SO FUCKIN MANY of these things still on the road i don't know what to do

[@CHawkens]

HElla yeah. I just bought my 2002 Escalade AWD 6.0 about a year ago and out of all the vehicles ive had so far this truck is the most fun and comfortable to drive. We're restoring her slowly not engine and chassis wise since all the maitnence was done from the repvious owner which i heard is rare with these GMT800's since most of these were more bought for VIP/ celeb transportation. but work rigs for hotels and airport nad private luxury tranport as welll. This truck with AWD and the 6.0 is the best option!! As soon as we get more money were gonna do a full resto-mod with newly rebuilt motor and tranny and supercharge it with all texas speed option parts and a stage 2 cam full open 3 in pipe setup. its gonna be as fast as i remember it in MIDNIGHT CLUB 3 hahhaahah the nostalgia and now in 2024 and own this beast truck.. still gets heads turning and makes everyone leave ther gas stations since is looks super EVIL black on black and all blacked out! JUst the way we like it!

[@khill1101]

GMT800s are such good SUVs

[@CathyHolton-jh1xv]

I had a 2005 brand new. It was impressive driving around town and even when standing still, but it was a little bit of a chore to drive on long distance trips. The steering felt like there was pancake syrup in the steering rack and it didn’t take bumps or distortions in the road well. It left me feeling tired after I drove it for a while. It was fast for it’s day. The interior smelled terrific. The center console was large and always ready to spoil us. The air conditioner was strong and accommodating. I think the Navigator drove better, but the Escalade rode better. It was cool to have for a while, but it needed some more visits to the dealership for warranty repairs than I’d prefer. I like American trucks and the Lexus LX better than the European trucks and these were certainly a great value.

[@CalebCissna]

The second row does have a recline function. The handle is somewhat hidden under and inboard the seat bottom cushion and is hard to find if you don’t know what you’re looking for. With a bench seat, there’s no recline function.

[@namemcnamerton4249]

We have the 06 with the updated Kenwood. Other than that and the atrocious fuel economy it is a lovely truck that I would recommend to anyone.

[@infernoking7504]

Well awd with a 6.0L engine and only 4 speed auto expect awful fuel economy lol

[@namemcnamerton4249]

@@infernoking7504 2wd

[@DaRealRoachDoggJr]

You’ve got no idea how long I’ve waited for this video…

[@MandusahRamirez]

This is honestly a clean example! Especially for a work truck! I know people who only used these as family vehicles only and is in much worse condition!🤣

[@mshadow9280]

I take care of my stuff very very well

[@superboytt_500]

11:38 bro spittin bars😂

[@K-ice.357]

Bro turned into Mike Jones for a sec

[@petey2853]

My parents had an 03 when I was growing up. Loved that car and have many fond memories in it. I miss it.

[@USA-ChinaDailyNews]

Yes, kids may do somersault on the third row seats, so wide and spacious.

[@terrancesanders5213]

Never did I imagine the day I'd hear a car reviewer quote a Mike Jones track, period correct and all! How old were you when that dropped, Zack? 😂😂 if I could give this video 👍🏾👍🏾 I would! Great video as always, keep it up man!

[@thatotherguy1]

I've had my 05 for 14 years now and love it. The only issues I've had was rear air shocks and compressor giving out. Other than that, very reliable and very comfortable for long trips. Mine has 2 wheel drive with 5.3 and still has plenty of power without the extra components to repair or replace. Thanks for sharing!

[@5x106]

I daily drive an 05 esv, bought it for 9k 3 years ago with 81k miles , now has 115k, great car

[@sean7554]

I have an 04 with the 6.0 and AWD. Surprisingly, atleast for me. Wasn't optioned with a touchscreen or a sunroof. Bought it with 97,000 miles on it 8 years ago. Its got a 114,000 now. I'm am shure I will not part with it. I got for the same reasons, you mentioned. I saw them a lot in rap videos, etc. I think they look cool, too. Going to get a 4th gen, at some point. They look fantastic! Just waiting for the price to go down a lil more. They are in the $30,000 range now.

[@robertdiehl9003]

The Tony Soprano mobile...

[@Jason-xb3jh]

I have the 2004 Escalade ESV and use it as a daily driver. I love everything about it. Super comfortable, lots of interior space (long version) and a 31 gallon fuel tank. Mine is finished in “White Diamond Pearl”. She’s a beauty! 👍✨

[@SURENITY]

I personally prefer the Lincoln Navigator and GMC Yukon of this era. They both just look less plastic.

[@Metalodeath]

Hell yeah man If cost and gas didn’t matter best believe I’d be riding one of these everyday as a daily this generation Is the best looking Escalade of all time so iconic!!! It’s a shame you never really see them anymore!

[@American_Voyager101]

In New York there is a black one parked in front of the house but I never see it moves so I don’t know if it works or not. But in Grenada they used them as HEARSTS 😳

[@autogeek23]

i love this escalade. probable because of NFSU2 and Midnight Club 2 or 3

[@trumpet12345]

I know at least a dozen business's that managed to get a mini fleet of escalades through some strange tax law. Some of them weren't needed or used, and i think just sold off once the numbers were good regarding the taxes and such. Wish I remembered better, but I think the tax law is more or less the same, but not as wildly exploited. Escalades left a sour taste in my mouth for a lot of people that bought them wanting to change their name to Toni.

[@bwofficial1776]

Vehicles over a certain weight can be written off for taxes if used for work. It was intended for work trucks like F-350s. I think the IRS cracked down a bit after people were buying Escalades and Hummer H2s.

[@cxryptonic]

@@bwofficial1776Lol imagine buying a 100k Escalade today and using it for work

[@kimnicholson886]

Curious what it sold for? I like your video and your excitement towards my ride. I didn’t realize ishe is so iconic. I drove my Escalade clear across Canada during the pandemic of 2020. No worries, beautiful trip but Pearl is now starting to show her age and has left me stranded a few times I need my ride pimped out but I ❤ her. She is one tough SUV😎 I have the exact one you reviewed except colour. ✌🏼

[@mshadow9280]

I ended up keeping it and fixing all the misc issues. It’s now perfect.

[@techpolpo]

It was my dream car in 2010 while in highschool 😂

[@bazilwreckerloughead]

My uncle used to have one of these & he just loved it!

[@Thematchma69]

this was my dream car as a kid

[@jamesruiz4005]

All wheel drive luxury

[@gg-ip3zo]

This is one of the sexiest generation of Escalades and brings you back to the Nelly days.

[@SwishLifeGarage]

It's "Fo fo's I'm tippin, wood grain I'm grippin Catch me lane switchin with the paint drippin" lol I cringed hearing you say it 🤣🤣🤣

[@doug6191]

The model that kept Cadillac alive past 2000. These were so unattractive with those headlights.

[@davidp2888]

Cool looking SUV.

[@Wilantonjakov]

If you ever come to Australia let me know you can review my BMW E12 528

[@thorrzyro]

Would you ever be interested in doing another CRX video? I know someone with an SI 👀

[@ShootingCars]

Yes!

[@02WIFE]

The 3rd row is usless for adults

[@knowthetruthfamily6498]

I own a 06

[@AquadudeH2O]

Is that one lifted ?

[@michaelantuna3648]

Can you review any GMT400 truck?

[@ShootingCars]

I did last weekend! It should be up in November!

[@Ace-44]

What transmission came in these?

[@damilolaakanni]

4L60E

[@danielroberto9183-w8j]

Is it for sale? How much are they asking for it??????

[@mshadow9280]

10k!

[@adrianprado1099]

I got my 06 Escalade for cheap but needs much service 😅

[@dave11686]

Love these

[@Chaad4_4]

Love the Cadillac 😊

[@laskos02]

Double upload today

[@Ben-jz3mt]

It’s already gone. Guess that was a spoiler for tomorrow

[@ShootingCars]

Oops…. You didn’t see anything

[@laskos02]

@@ShootingCars forgot already what it was 😎

[@Ben-jz3mt]

@@ShootingCars Didn’t see what

[@GengarZ28]

04 Rich

[@mshadow9280]

Thank you. I'm in that group!

[@runoflife87]

Sorry, but SRX》Escalade.

[@jaimeperez4500]

Son los mejores motors que iso gm los inginienie si se sacaron El dedo la cagaron con flex fuel

[@paulm6481]

Is this a car review or Heating/AC company commercial?

[@damilolaakanni]

I don't understand how a body on frame SUV can have AWD. Wouldn't it be part time 4WD or full-time 4WD?

[@thechosen5805]

Front diff that's all time. That's the only difference

[@kkrezagang4606]

The typical low level dr*g dealer vehicle or rich stay at home mom car back in the day. Anyway, a really cool truck.

[@angrybadger8136]

Those seatbelts are filthy! 🤢

[@rafaelcheck653]

i want one bad lol

[@ebola9978]

First

[@seanmcgivney7631]

So the hip hop Blacks liked it, big deal. Nothing more than a GMC with a Cadillac grille and badging. Wow, that word ICONIC is thrown on anything thing nowadays.

[@02WIFE]

It was Tony Sopranos ride and it still is iconic. I don't know why you are mentioning black people

[@SavingPrivateRyanHands]

Yo why does it look like you’re turning left while driving straight? This truck looks like a piece of trash

[@02WIFE]

But yet you decided to comment

[@mshadow9280]

Fresh front end. Needs alignment shop. Been sitting since August since buying a new truck.

[@PhilDaBank]

Ah, the day hs finally come. Zack is reviewing the car I own 🎉🥲 (Best car I ever owned lol)