Cadillac's entry into the burgeoning luxury SUV market, leveraging the robust GMT800 platform shared with Chevrolet and GMC SUVs.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Primary Focus:
Owner Operation and Basic Maintenance
Additional Coverage:
Customer Assistance, Safety Defect Reporting (US)
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 200-250 pages (typical for this era's owner's manuals)
Manual Type
Manual Type:
Owner's Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
Digital PDF
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Powertrain Systems:
Engine Compartment Overview, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter(s)
Interior Systems:
Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints
Lighting And Electrical:
Lights Operation
Procedures Included
Operation:
Driving Procedures, Climate Control Operation, Entertainment System Use
Maintenance:
Routine Checks (oil, battery), Fluid Information, Air Filter Replacement Guidance
Safety:
Safety Restraint System Operation, Understanding Safety Features
Technical Depth
Depth Of Information:
Focuses on user operation, dashboard indicators, basic fluid checks, and routine maintenance procedures. Does not include in-depth diagnostic or repair procedures typically found in service manuals.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Software Requirement:
Requires PDF Reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader)
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable if original scan quality is good.
Print Quality
Print Quality:
Digital PDF, quality depends on original source scan. Typically high quality for factory manuals.
Binding Type
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
Vortec 6.0L V8
Engine Family:
GM LS-based family
Displacement:
5967 cc (364 cubic inches)
Configuration:
Overhead Valve (OHV), 2 valves per cylinder
Performance
Horsepower:
300 hp @ 4800 rpm
Torque:
355 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended for optimal performance, though 87 may be permissible per manual).
Other
Engine Oil Capacity:
7 Quarts (6.6 Liters) with filter change (verify with manual specific capacities).
Lubricant Specification:
GM dexos1™ Gen 2 5W-30 Synthetic (or equivalent specification for 2003, likely API Service SJ or SL, SAE 5W-30).
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic
Transmission Model:
4L60-E (heavy-duty variant)
Optional
Optional Transmission:
None
Features
Drive Type:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) standard
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron III (or Dexron VI as a compatible replacement)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
207.4 inches
Width:
79.1 inches
Height:
75.7 inches
Wheelbase:
130.0 inches
Interior
Passenger Volume:
Approximately 150 cubic feet
Cargo
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
Approximately 17.1 cubic feet
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approximately 73.7 cubic feet
Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:
Approximately 137.1 cubic feet
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approximately 5,500 - 5,800 lbs
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approximately 7,000 lbs
Towing Capacity:
Up to 8,400 lbs (with optional towing package)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star Driver, 5-Star Passenger (for 2003 model year where tested)
IIHS Front Offset:
Good (for comparable models in this class and era)
Active Features
Traction Control:
Standard
Anti Lock Brakes:
Standard (4-wheel disc)
Stability Control:
Standard (StabiliTrak)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags (optional or standard depending on trim)
Seat Belts:
3-point seat belts for all occupants, pretensioners, load limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children)
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Head Unit:
Bose premium audio system with AM/FM stereo, CD player, and cassette player.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system.
Climate Control:
Dual-zone automatic climate control.
Driver Assistance
Parking Assist:
Optional rear parking assist sensors.
Lighting:
Automatic headlamps, fog lamps.
Connectivity
Onstar:
Optional OnStar system (subscription-based telematics service).
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type. The manual will specify based on oil life monitoring or mileage/time.
Tire Rotation:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Typically every 50,000 - 100,000 miles, or based on severe driving conditions. Refer to manual for specific guidance.
Typical part numbers include AC Delco A3003C, WIX 42342, Fram CA8755 (verify with specific vehicle VIN and manual).
Known Issues
Common Wear Items:
Suspension components (ball joints, control arm bushings), brake wear, catalytic converter issues, dashboard cluster illumination problems.
Powertrain Reliability:
The 6.0L Vortec engine and 4L60-E transmission are generally robust but require consistent maintenance. Issues can include valve sealing, oil consumption, and transmission solenoid failures.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Cadillac Legacy:
Cadillac has a long history of luxury and performance, with the Escalade being its flagship SUV entry.
Model Evolution
First Generation:
Introduced in 1999, based on the GMT400 platform (Chevy Tahoe/Suburban).
Second Generation:
GMT800 platform (2000-2006), representing a significant redesign and refinement. The 2003 model is part of this second generation.
Key Updates 2003:
The 2003 model year saw minor updates, including potential refinements to the entertainment system and options.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Arlington Assembly, Texas, USA
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Luxury SUV Status:
Consistently recognized as a leader in the luxury SUV segment for its size, comfort, and features at the time of its release.