Cadillac Escalade

The Escalade is a large sport utility vehicle (or SUV) sold by the General Motors luxury brand, Cadillac. It was the division's first major entry into the popular SUV market. The Escalade was introduced for the 1999 model year in response to German and Japanese competitors and to Ford's 1998 release of the Lincoln Navigator. The Escalade project went into production only 10 months after it was approved.

Related Topics:
Sport utility vehicle - General Motors - Cadillac - 1999 - Model year - German - Japan - Ford - 1998 - Lincoln Navigator

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The Escalade was originally based on sister company GMC's Yukon Denali, but was redesigned for the 2002 model year to make its appearance fall more in line with Cadillac's new design theme. The Escalade was not the first Chevrolet-based Cadillac: the first-generation Seville and mid-1980s Cimarron were based on entry-level Chevrolet vehicles.

Related Topics:
GMC - Yukon Denali - 2002 - Chevrolet - Seville - Cimarron

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The Escalade line has proven very popular with after-market tuners, who personalize vehicles for usually affluent customers. While such work is not done by the Cadillac factory, much can be ordered through a Cadillac dealer and done by third-party companies. Popular modifications include larger wheels, increased engine performance and custom paint. Due to its expensive parts and exposure from celebrity ownership, the Escalade has also been proven to be popular with car thieves as well, becoming the most frequently stolen vehicle from 2001-2003 according to the Highway Loss Data Institute.

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Major competitors include: Mercedes-Benz G-Class (and possibly the smaller M-Class), BMW X5, Lexus LX series, Infiniti QX56, Lincoln Navigator.

Related Topics:
Mercedes-Benz G-Class - M-Class - BMW X5 - Lexus LX - Infiniti QX56 - Lincoln Navigator

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