2002 Cadillac Escalade

The Cadillac Escalade emerged from a 1 year hiatus with a refreshed and re-invented set of specs.  More specifically, pop culture's favorite full-size SUV added seating capacity, horsepower, and a 2WD trim.  2002 marks the first year in which you could choose between a 5.3 L, 285 hp V8 2WD trim or a 6.0 L, 345 hp V8 AWD trim.

The 2002 Escalade has 4 doors and seats 8.  In addition, this SUV gets around 13 mpg in the city and 17 on the highway.  Standard features that show up in both the 2WD and AWD trims include ABS brakes,  cd player, air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, and power/leather seats.  Sunroof comes as an option.  If you want more standard safety features, take a closer look at the AWD trim, which has both traction control and stability control.  Towing capacity averages out to around 7700 lbs. between the two trims.

According to the experts, the 1 year hiatus did the Escalade a lot of good.  Most drivers point to the ample interior room, style, and power as compelling reasons to buy one.  While others would like better gas mileage and more refined interior design, the '02 Escalade marks the beginning of an exciting era for the cultural phenomenon that doubles as an SUV.