SCOTT REYNOLDS
Staff Writer
I am going to be honest — I do not care for trucks. Trucks seem completely pointless as a means of basic transportation. Yet, as I write my scathing opinion about trucks in general, I cannot help but look out the window into the parking lot and think, wow, that is awesome. Cadillac’s 2007 Escalade EXT has turned me into a believer.
I would like to get to the hard facts and features, but I have to mix some intangibles because the combination of two things is what makes this truck stand out.
There is a feeling that this truck can do anything. From comfortable seating for five, to the ability to drive an ATV into the bed, the EXT gives the confidence that no matter what the day holds, the EXT is going to be able to take it in stride.
The EXT has a unique unibody construction that makes all this possible. Unlike most other trucks that have a completely separate cab and bed, the Cadillac is all one piece. This allows for standard seating for five and the convenience of an abbreviated truck bed. However, if something a bit more heavy-duty should come up, the rear seats fold down along with the partition between the cab and bed. This creates the equivalent of a full-size truck bed.
I guess I missed the transition when trucks went from mud-slinging, flannel wearing frumpy things to refined, pinstriped transportation. The EXT is a fashion statement. Perhaps some members of the hip-hop community are responsible for this overwhelming social standing, but the EXT does a lot for itself. It has chrome accents everywhere from the roof racks to the door handles. The grill is huge and is another aesthetic feature that is dripping with chrome. The optional chrome twenty-two inch wheels, a factory option equipped on our test car, help in the fashion department as well.
Putting all these things together really garners some attention from people. People in other cars, people on foot and people in general really notice this car. Driving this car means you may find yourself on the receiving end of a lot of nods, waves and even the occasional thumbs up.
Some of the options available on the EXT are top of the line. The 22 inch wheels are stunning, and are a must. The other major option package that should not be over looked is the information package. This option includes the navigation system and, most importantly, a rear-view camera. The bed of the truck comes up to the top of my shoulders, so it is pretty tall, and, without the rear view camera, parking would be a real bear. However, with the camera, mounted near the top of the lift gate facing down, backing into spaces and parallel parking becomes a cinch. This option goes under the must have category, especially because it makes the EXT much more manageable.
Allright, now about the guts. When it comes to the engine, suspension, and brakes, the EXT does not behave like the average truck. The EXT is powered by a 6.2 liter V8 that makes an impressive 403 horsepower. This hearty V8 motor is solid. When accelerating, the motor just shrugs off the massive weight on the truck and surges forward. Getting up to freeway speed is a breeze, hauling heavy cargo is a non-event and toting a cab full of passengers seems effortless for this power plant.
Another key performance feature is the suspension. General Motors realized that most drivers would not be venturing off-road on the twenty-two inch wheels, so the EXT’s ride has been tuned to handle everyday driving.
Unlike other trucks, the EXT feels tight and confident instead of airy and loose. Finally, I have to give credit to the awesome brakes. They provide a solid feel while bringing the massive weight of the EXT to a stop.
The EXT is not cheap, the base price being about 54,000, and our test vehicle, equipped with wheels, camera and other extras came in at just more than $61,000. The 2007 Cadillac EXT can, go, stop, turn, transform and even change a stubborn guy’s outlook on what a truck can be.
10-05-2006