Cadillac SRX 2004: The Weekly Driver Review
By James Raia
The naming of new cars must be a curious process. Animals are
popular choices for various makes and models, and those
selections often make sense.
But in recent years it seems manufacturers have one only criteria
-- the more obscure the name, the better.
Volkswagen has its Touareg and Phaeton. Toyota has the Prius.
Pontiac has the Vibe. Oldsmobile has the Alero.
So when Cadillac introduced its first car-based SUV this year,
couldn't it have taken the lead from either the name
traditionalists or the new breed of name-makers?
The Cadillac Deville, Seville and Escalade are well-established
vehicles, but who's going to remember the SRX?
Fortunately, an odd name is about the only thing not right with
the new Cadillac. It may be the most comfortable, well-equipped
and stylishly appointed SUV available.
For my weekly drive, I tested the 4.6-liter, 320-horsepower,
5-speed, all- wheel drive, automatic transmission SRX. The
vehicle's light platinum exterior was well-matched with an ebony
interior and the car nicely continues the manufacturer's
reputation. In short, the SRX, like other Cadillacs, has a
commanding road presence.
More impressive is the vehicle's performance and its features.
Acceleration to steering and handling, ride comfort to
instrumentation, the SRX has few weaknesses.
With its sizable engine, the SRX moves briskly from a standstill
and while accelerating at any speed. The ride is firm and smooth
and the steering and handling couldn't be better. Turns are
handled with confidence and the steering has a natural feel. The
steering wheel, by the way, a combined leather and burled walnut
trim, is elegant yet sturdy.
The driver, front-seat passenger and all other second and
optional third- row seat passengers have ample head and leg room,
and the list of standard safety and performance features is
impressive. They include: rear window defogger, daytime and
twilight running and fog lamps, power and heated front seats,
rear air conditioning, power and heated outside mirrors, AM/FM
radio, cassette and CD changer with seven speakers and the Onstar
safety and security system.
The base price of the SRX is $46,595. But my test vehicle also
included three additional options, The added costs represent the
potential downside of vehicle -- financial considerations.
The all-wheel drive transmission, for example, included among
standard features on many vehicles, is a $1,900 option. Likewise,
the eighth- speaker Bose audio system ($1,100) and third-power
seat ($1,000) features, plus a $325 additional for the XM
satellite radio, catapults the vehicle's cost past the $50,000
plateau.
The estimated gas mileage of 15 mpg (city) and 20 mpg (highway)
are not great numbers, either.
Still, it's hard to find fault with the SRX. It may be the best
SUV on the road today, and it would be even more popular -- if it
only had a memorable name.
2004 Cadillac SRX
Safety features -- Driver and front seat passenger, front and
side impact and curtain side impact and front to to second row
curtain side impact air bags. Tire pressure monitor.
Fuel Mileage (estimates) -- 15 mpg (city), 20 mpg (highway)
Warranty -- Bumper to bumper, 4 years/50,000 miles; Corrosion, 6
years, 100,000 miles; Roadside assistance, 4 years/50,000 miles.
Base Price -- $46,595.00
James Raia is a Sacramento, Calif., journalist who writes about
sports, travel and lifestyle topics as well as the automotive
column, The Weekly Driver Review.
Samples of Raia's writing can be viewed on his web site:
www.ByJamesRaia.com . His car reviews
and newsletters can be
viewed at The Weekly Driver, Endurance Sports News and Tour de
France Times
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