The Detroit News's view

Shaquille O’Neal, the super-size center of the Los Angeles Lakers, owns a 2002 Cadillac Escalade, according to General Motors Corp.. He’s just one of several professional athletes who have purchased not just one of the big sport-utes, but mini fleets of them to pass around to friends and family. After testing the redesigned Escalade, we couldn’t help but wonder why. Our $51,540 test vehicle had plenty of strong points. But the new Escalade also had enough weak spots to make us think it is not much better than average in this segment – not the exceptional luxury sport-utility vehicle you would expect from a brand with the heritage of Cadillac.

He: You can make a pretty convincing argument that the Cadillac Escalade and the rival Lincoln Navigator are in a class by themselves. But I think you can make an equally convincing case that neither the Escalade nor the Navigator is truly a world-class vehicle. These are America’s two luxury brands. But neither vehicle is on a par, at least in terms of quality, with the best of the European and Japanese brands. And I say that as a big admirer of the Chevrolet Suburban, on which much of the new Escalade is based.

She: What you’re talking about is stuff like sloppy stitching on the Escalade’s leather seats. Gaps between the plastic door cladding and sheet metal, and some of the poor trim fits inside. Definitely not world-class quality. Shouldn’t Cadillac be held to a higher standard than other brands because of its reputation and the luxury image it’s trying to project? But I don’t want Shaq sending me an angry e-mail. I get enough of them from male readers.

He: I’d protect you from Shaq, honey, except I have the body of Allen Iverson. To be fair, the latest version of the Escalade is more than just a warmed-over GMC Denali, like the first-generation model that came out several years ago. There’s the new divisional look – sort of a blunt snout that reminds me of a cowcatcher with an eggcrate grille.

She: Sorry, it’s way too military-looking and aggressive.

He: Whether you like it or not, at least it’s different. And when you order the all-wheel-drive version, you get a very hot engine – a high-output version of the corporate pushrod 6.0-liter V-8 that makes 345 horsepower and 380 pounds-feet of torque. Of course, you’re going to need every one of those horses to move this beast, which weighs in at just under three tons.

She: I think the Escalade is too big, at least on the outside. I thought it was difficult to climb into, difficult to handle and difficult to park. On the other hand, it certainly does have a commanding presence on the road, and I like the position from the driver’s seat. I thought the engine was so powerful, it felt like I was riding a rocket. But I just winced every time we had to fill up the gas tank. I also noticed that there is a wide disparity in roominess and comfort depending on where you sit.

He: There’s no quest ion the Escalade, because of its sheer size, has more room inside than most of the foreign brands, including the Range Rover and the Lexus LX470. But Lincoln offers more head, leg and hip room for middle-seat passengers, plus more shoulder and hip room in the third row.

She: I would love to see someone try to climb into that third seat in a miniskirt or an evening gown. There’s just no graceful way to do it. Plus the rear floor is higher than in the first and second row, so your knees feel like they’re practically up at your shoulders.

He: If you want to talk about amenities, Cadillac offers loads of them, from a premium Bose audio system and OnStar communications package to heated seats and audio controls for second-row passengers. Escalade also provides an extremely comfortable and controlled ride – surprising in a vehicle of this size. And its safety features are among the best in the class, with standard side air bags, stability control and ultrasonic rear park assist.

She: Are you saying this is as good as it gets? I don’t think so. If size and power were all that mattered, Cadillac could claim some bragging rights, at least among male buyers. But they’re going to have to work on the execution and some of the finer points before they attract many female buyers.

Anita’s rating: Acceptable

Paul’s rating: Above average

Likes: Commanding presence on road and from driver’s seat. Engine so powerful it feels like you’re riding a rocket. Phenomenal comfort for front-seat occupants. Second row has heated seats, audio controls. Comprehensive safety package, including side air bags, stability control and ultrasonic rear parking assist. Standard OnStar communication system with one-year free service.

Dislikes: Styling too aggressive and military-looking (Anita). Surprisingly shoddy assembly quality in a $50,000 luxury vehicle. Dismal fuel economy. Wide disparity in comfort and roominess, depending on where you sit. Navigator offers more head, leg and hip room for second-row passengers. Difficult to park.

Type: Front-engine, four-wheel drive, eight-passenger luxury utility vehicle.

Price: Base, $49,290; as tested, $51,540 (inc. $700 destination charge).

Engine: 6.0-liter V-8; 345-hp; 380 lb-ft torque.

EPA fuel economy: 12 mpg city/15 mpg highway.

Twelve-month insurance cost, estimated by AAA Michigan: $1,463 (Rates may be higher or lower, depending on coverage and driving record.)

Where built: Arlington, Texas.