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2004 Cadillac SRX

Cadillac’s new SRX is the standard of the United States, if not the world

Christian Wardlaw
by Christian Wardlaw
September 16, 2004
8 min. Reading Time
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When Lincoln debuted the Navigator sport-utility to the world in 1997 as a 1998 model, Cadillac was already hard at work developing the SRX. Problem was, the SRX was several years away, and Lincoln was poised to steal thousands of potential Cadillac customers with its hulking, Expedition-based luxo-ute. With dealers clamoring for something with which they could battle Lincoln, Cadillac gussied-up a GMC Yukon Denali with a couple of wreath-and-crest badges and began selling the Escalade in 1999.Today, the Escalade, originally a stopgap product but now one of the strongest selling models in the luxury division's lineup, has lead a product renaissance at Cadillac. It is an icon of popular culture, a vehicle people aspire to own, single-handedly lowering the average age of a Cadillac buyer and available in three flavors: original (Escalade), spicy (Escalade EXT) and extra crispy (Escalade ESV). Still, the SRX lurks. Good thing, too, because sales of luxury crossover SUVs that drive like cars but look like trucks have taken off, and the Escalade cannot satisfy this buyer. Furthermore, in recent years, performance has become a key ingredient to success in everything from the Lexus RX 330 and Infiniti FX to the BMW X5 and Porsche Cayenne. Cadillac needs a like-minded product if it truly intends to become, once again, the Standard of the World.

Page 2: Power

Boldly promising the 2004 SRX to be a "luxury utility with the heart and soul of a sports sedan," Cadillac has based this ritzy crossover upon the Sigma vehicle architecture, the same platform that spawns the CTS and 2005 STS sport sedans. Available with either a V6 or V8 engine driving the rear or all four wheels, the 2004 Cadillac SRX is designed to be driven on the road far more often than off.The standard engine is a 3.6-liter V6 with variable valve timing (VVT) mated to a French-built, five-speed automatic transmission. Making 255 horsepower and 254 lb.-ft. of torque, this V6 provides 90 percent of its peak twist over a wide rev range from 1,600 rpm to 5,800 rpm. The available 4.6-liter Northstar V8 also includes VVT and routes power to the pavement through a slightly modified five-speed automatic transmission. It makes 320 horsepower and 315 lb.-ft. of torque. Both engines are equipped with drive-by-wire throttle control, and properly equipped the 2004 Cadillac SRX will tow up to 3,500 pounds. Both transmissions include Performance Algorithm Liftfoot (PAL - which prevents upshifts during spirited driving), electronically controlled engine braking and downgrade detection with brake assist. Muscular V8 models benefit from Performance Algorithm Shift (PAS - which automatically downshifts during hard cornering to anticipate the proper gear before the driver tries to accelerate out of a turn) just in case the driver wishes to hot-shoe the Cadillac SRX through some twisty bits. With a near perfect 50/50 front/rear weight distribution and a low center of gravity, the SRX proves to be as sporting to drive as some performance-minded sedans.

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Page 3: Off-road

Don't laugh, because the 2004 Cadillac SRX is equipped with a sophisticated aluminum independent suspension employing Magnetic Ride Control (MRC), a system of shock absorbers filled with magnetically charged fluid that varies in viscosity depending on road conditions. Cadillac says that MRC damping levels are adjusted up to 1,000 times per second for optimum wheel control, ride quality and handling. Helping the Cadillac SRX stick to the pavement are 17-inch wheels and tires on the V6 models and 18-inch rubber for V8 versions. And, just in case things do get a bit out of control, the latest version of StabiliTrak traction and stability control is standard. Four-wheel-vented-disc ABS with Dynamic Rear Proportioning (DRP) is included on every Cadillac SRX, and speed-sensitive variable assist power steering guides the way. Just because it's meant to be driven primarily on the pavement, don't assume that the SRX can't manage light off-roading. The all-wheel-drive system splits power in half between the front and rear axles during normal driving, apportioning more or less oomph fore and aft as wheel slippage dictates. Wheel travel measures a generous eight inches up front and ten inches in back, while a turning radius measuring less than 40 feet makes for relatively easy maneuvering.

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Page 4: Driving

Our test vehicle, equipped with the 4.6-liter V8 engine, was plenty of fun to drive, behaving just like a Cadillac CTS loaded down with passengers and cargo. From a dynamic standpoint, the 2004 SRX is clearly among the better performing SUVs on the market.However, Cadillac still has some sorting to do when it comes to the hardware. While the engine supplies plenty of power, the transmission shifts smoothly at all times, and the exhaust note is delightfully throaty, we noticed that our test vehicle suffered an odd whining noise during part-throttle acceleration and that when making full-lock turns, such as when parking, the all-wheel-drive system exhibited a slight bit of binding and grinding. Don't expect great fuel economy if you choose the V8 - we averaged barely more than 12 mpg in a mix of city and highway driving, significantly lower than the EPA's 15 city and 20 highway rating. It's too bad about the dismal fuel economy, because the 2004 Cadillac SRX inspires spirited driving. The brakes offer excellent pedal feel, and it's easy to squeeze just the right amount of pressure required for conditions. We experienced a hint of brake fade on the downhill portion of our mountainous twisty road loop, but otherwise can lodge no complaints about the brakes.

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Page 5: Understeer

Not surprisingly, given that this is an SUV with a taller center of gravity than a sport sedan, the Cadillac SRX tends to understeer heavily when entering a turn too hot, and the body leans more than a typical passenger car. Quick steering inputs, such as when threading tight S-curves, results in significant and unnatural stiffening of the wheel just off-center. Drive the SRX with talent, getting into turns more slowly and smoothly, and you're rewarded with linear steering response and just the right amount of required effort. Furthermore, nicely balanced weight transitions allow the SRX to handle with surprising grace. Notably, the P255/55R18 Michelin Pilot HX MXM4 tires on our test vehicle uttered not a hint of howl or squeal no matter how ham-fisted we were at the helm.Ride quality could use some work. Though we've found Cadillac's Magnetic Ride Control to be brilliant in some applications, here it struggles to manage the SRX's 4,500-pound weight. It doesn't soak up larger bumps so much as crash over them, and the SRX gets unsettled over longer stretches of broken pavement. Plus, on dips and whoop-de-doos, the suspension stiffens suddenly and unnaturally. This technologically advanced setup can't compete with the conventional yet brilliant, Nurburgring-tuned suspension on the Cadillac CTS sedan, which is too bad, because on smoother pavement the SRX's wheel and body control is exemplary for this kind of vehicle.

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Page 6: Cargo, Comfort

With the longest wheelbase in its class, it's no surprise that the 2004 Cadillac SRX can ferry up to seven passengers hither and yon. Front seat comfort is outstanding on firm and well-bolstered bucket seats equipped with articulating head rests. Be careful when climbing aboard or exiting the SRX; wide door sills could deposit dirt on your clothes if your don't step gingerly.Theater-style seating keeps rear occupants from feeling claustrophobic, and provides them with a better view of the optional DVD entertainment system that folds out of the rear of the center storage console. For optimum comfort, the second-row seat offers four inches of fore/aft travel to maximize legroom. The rear bench is tall, firm, and offers plenty of underseat foot space combined with cross-your-legs room. Overhead air vents, a soft center armrest and rear windows that go all the way down increase comfort levels. A third-row seat is an option, but our test vehicle was not equipped with this feature. The rearmost seat power folds into the floor when it's not in use. Fold the second row seat flat, a one-handed operation, and the Cadillac SRX offers nearly 70 cubic feet of cargo space, not great for this size of vehicle. Loading is easy, and six-footers can clear the rear tailgate when it's raised. Our test SRX was equipped with three handy underfloor cargo bins, available only on models without the optional third-row seat.

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Page 7: Design

Trimmed in rich leather and authentic burled walnut wood trim, the 2004 Cadillac SRX is designed to accommodate the needs of a family on the go. Numerous storage nooks and crannies litter the cabin, and six airbags protect occupants (front, side and head systems; note that third-row occupants are not provided airbag protection). OnStar telematics and a reverse sensing system come standard.On the surface, the cabin of the 2004 Cadillac SRX looks and feels terrific. Closer inspection reveals cost cutting, such as cheap-looking lower dashboard panels, flimsy shades for the sunroof and cargo area, and the sticky operation of the glovebox door and ashtray cover. Pulled from the CTS sedan, the SRX's dash is dour in all-black and immediately strikes as obtuse and cheap, but it's actually extremely functional and comprised of quality bits and pieces. Using the stereo and climate control systems is a joy. Cadillac endows the SRX with huge volume and tuning knobs, with a row of station pre-set buttons located up high where they are easy to find and use. Satellite audio controls are mounted to the steering wheel as an added convenience. Likewise, controls for the dual-zone climate control system are large, well marked, and equipped with a big display screen.

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Page 8: Quality

Secondary controls are not as well designed or placed. We're not fans of GM's preference to put the cruise control functions on the turn signal stalk, and the SRX's rear window wiper control is mounted to the overhead console. Only the front windows are one-touch open and close, and we found it too easy to accidentally engage the seat memory system when reaching for the power mirror controls. A cheap-feeling resistance accompanies vent adjustment, and the parking brake handle actually hurt the fingers of some test drivers.Cadillac's mix of smooth, pebbled and mesh textures inside the SRX is mostly successful, but designers could tailor a more cohesive and upscale look by matching grain on all control bezels save those on the dashboard. Build quality is decent, but too many panels and parts flex under pressure, and our test SRX suffered several mystery rattles and squeaks. Underway, the 2004 Cadillac SRX is mostly serene. Wind rush around the front glass is the most intrusive aural annoyance at speed, while constant rattles and squeaks accompany city driving. Large bumps deliver suspension noise to the cabin, but the engine and tires are barely evident regardless of conditions.

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Page 9: As Equipped

Though well equipped out of the wrapper, the 2004 Cadillac SRX can be tailored to meet specific needs thanks to an impressive options list. Available at extra cost is XM satellite radio, Bose premium sound, adjustable pedals, DVD navigation and a cargo management system. The optional Ultra-View roof provides more than five square feet of open air space over the first- and second-row seats. Buyers with deep pockets can also specify the inclusion of a vented glass panel over the third-row.Cadillac's now familiar "art and science" design vocabulary is evident on the SRX, with its stacked headlamps, hard-edged corners and vertical instant-on LED tail lamps. Lots of young men eyeball the SRX, perhaps because it's got too much junk in the trunk for our tastes. However, one twenty-something Michigander from a family loyal to GM products said, "That thing looks like a hearse." Love it or hate it, the Cadillac SRX is at least distinctive, and fits in nicely with the Escalade, CTS, XLR and new STS. Unquestionably, the 2004 SRX moves Cadillac closer to its goal of competing on equal footing with the best the world has to offer. It is exceptionally comfortable, quite fun to drive, distinctively styled, and more competent than any domestic crossover SUV to come before it. But, is it worthy of the automaker's retired "Standard of the World" advertising tagline? Not quite. But one thing's for sure. It punts Lincoln to the curb.

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Page 10: FAQs

Does the Cadillac SRX really perform more like a sports sedan than a traditional SUV? Yes, but that is not to say that it performs exactly like a sports sedan. This is still a tall vehicle with well over two tons of body weight to manage, and while it can hustle down a twisty road quickly, it requires more attention and skill to drive fast than a traditional sports sedan. If driving fun is at the top of your priority list, choose a performance-oriented station wagon instead.How far off the pavement can I travel in the Cadillac SRX? Weather kept us from venturing into areas where we could test the SRX's limits, but it did fine on muddy, well-traveled trails. Given its basis on the same platform that underpins the Cadillac CTS and new 2005 STS, we'd guess that it's wise to stick with nothing more difficult than heavily trafficked fire roads. With proper snow tires, the Cadillac SRX with all-wheel-drive is likely to prove quite competent during winter storms. Is the Cadillac SRX capable of carrying seven adults? Our test vehicle did not have the optional third-row seat, but other publications report that the space in the rearmost quarters is adequate only for children. Why should I consider the Cadillac SRX? Big selling points for the Cadillac SRX include interior comfort, distinctive styling, thoughtful standard and optional features, and an impressive handling/performance mix. Why should I pass on the Cadillac SRX? If you're in need of true seven-passenger capacity, lots of cargo space, an ability to travel over difficult terrain, or you simply wish to own a vehicle with nearly guaranteed reliability and resale value, you should steer clear of this new Caddy.

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Page 11: Notes

Test Vehicle: 2004 Cadillac SRX V8 Base Price: $47,290 (including $695 destination charge) Engine Size and Type: 4.6-liter V8 Engine Horsepower: 320 at 6,400 rpm Engine Torque: 315 at 4,400 rpm EPA Fuel Economy (city/highway): 15/20 mpg Observed Fuel Economy: 12.1 mpg Curb Weight: 4,527 pounds Maximum Cargo Capacity: 69.5 cubic feet Maximum Towing Capacity: 3,500 pounds Competitors: Acura MDX, Audi allroad 4.2, BMW X5, Chrysler Pacifica, Hummer H2, Infiniti FX, Infiniti QX56, Land Rover Discovery, Lexus RX 330, Lexus GX 470, Lincoln Aviator, Lincoln Navigator, Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Porsche Cayenne, Volkswagen Touareg, Volvo XC70, Volvo XC90

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