'Altima-Level Driving’: Woman Takes Escalade For A Spin. Then She Makes Wrong Turn–And Everyone Tells Her To Get A Camry Instead

An Illinois woman posts a video of the damage to her Cadillac Escalade after a minor parking mishap. Viewers are urging her to get a vehicle compatible with her driving abilities. Are they being fair, or is this advice over the line?

TikTok creator Staysee (@stayseebeee) posted a video in the aftermath of her single-car collision on Jan. 23. 

"Well, my day’s ruined," she says to start the video. "You want to see what I just did to my Escalade?"

Staysee hops out of the Escalade and shows viewers a long scratch in the side, which was presumably caused by Staysee brushing up against a yellow parking pole or another traffic calming device.

In the caption, Staysee writes, "I’m just a girl…"

Viewers React To The State Of Illinois Woman’s Escalade

In the comments section, viewers expressed exasperation with both Staysee’s use of the "I’m just a girl" meme and her driving ability.

"I’m sorry, but ‘I’m just a girl’ is so insulting to those of us who don’t think this behavior is cute," said one viewer.

"That’s Altima-level driving," said a second person. 

A third person argued, "As an Escalade owner, I know it has sensors and cameras all over the place." Staysee replied, "Welp, they didn’t make a peep."

Another person said, "If you hit stuff regularly, that’s probably an indicator you shouldn’t be driving a car that big."

Someone else argued, "You need a Toyota Camry. Not a $130,000 Escalade."

Is The Cadillac Escalade Too Big for Some Drivers?

According to Cadillac of Norwood, drivers should consider their lifestyle and driving habits when deciding which Escalade to choose. The standard Escalade is easier to maneuver than the ESV, which has an extra seat and legroom.

But that is a distinction without a difference for some consumers—some of whom have been complaining about the scale of the Escalade for a while now. Four years ago, a Reddit user panned the latest model on those grounds. Others in the comments said that’s the point. 

"The only reason you buy an Escalade is for it to be big," one said. "And it does that great."

Back in 2021, The Verge reviewed the Escalade and called it among the most "stressful" vehicles to drive due to its heft. TractionLife also noted the Escalade can "feel very cumbersome in city driving and especially when parking."

When it comes to passenger safety, the Escalade is actually considered among the brand’s top models. That’s due to both the parking assistance systems (which apparently didn’t go off in Staysee’s case) and its large frame.

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Motor1 contacted Staysee and General Motors via email for comment. We will update this story if either party responds.

Update Feb. 5, 2026: In an email to Motor1, a General Motors representative wrote, "A vehicle purchase is a personal choice shaped by many factors, from lifestyle to design, performance, and features. We're sorry to hear about the customer's accident, and we're honored she's considering another Escalade."

 

 

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