The Cadillac Escalade hit dealerships in 1999 as a four wheel drive luxury SUV (sport utility vehicle). It wasn?t the most unique vehicle, being basically a dressed-up GMC Yukon Denali, but it did have fancy gadgetry and features. This wasn?t exactly what Cadillac had in mind for an SUV, but dealerships were getting very antsy watching Lincoln?s sales going up with the Navigator selling so well.