Vehicle History Report
Get a CARFAX Vehicle History... the first step to protecting yourself from costly hidden problems.
- • New Cars
2004 Cadillac SRX Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Also in the 2004 Cadillac SRX Review:
2004 Cadillac SRX Review
Cadillac's first car-type SUV offers V6 or V8 power and carries up to seven passengers with an available 3rd-row seat. SRX is taller than a passenger car but not as tall as a truck-based SUV. Rear-wheel drive is standard. Optional is all-wheel drive without low-range gearing. Available with either system is a 260-hp V6 or a 320-hp V8. The sole transmission is a 5-speed automatic with a separate gate for manual shifting. ABS and traction control are standard. So are front side airbags and head-protecting curtain side airbags for the first two seating rows. Also available is GM's Magnetic Ride Control, which automatically adjusts suspension firmness based on the road surface. V6s use 17-inch wheels, V8s 18s. SRX has a manual liftgate without separate opening window. The split folding 2nd-row seat slides fore and aft 4 inches to adjust leg room. The optional 2-passenger 3rd-row seat is power-operated to fold down flush with the rear cargo floor. Available in its place is a compartmentalized storage bin. Leather upholstery is standard. Wood interior trim, heated front seats, and power-adjustable pedals are standard on V8s, optional on V6s. Other options include rear DVD entertainment, Cadillac's UltraView sunroof with a 5.6-square-foot opening, and UltraViewPlus that adds a vented glass panel over the 3rd-row seat.
News
This Caddy shouldn't see any major tinkering for 2-3 years, but an SRX-V is a strong prospect for 2006 or '07. Cadillac wants to establish V-Series as a performance-oriented sub-line a la BMW's M-models and the various AMG Mercedes. The entry-level CTS sedan got the V-Series treatment first, but most other Cadillacs should follow in due course--including, we think, the SRX. Meantime, Cadillac admits hampering initial SRX sales by building too many loaded V8 models, causing buyer sticker shock. Division planners had forecast a 75-percent "take rate" on V8s, but were fast proven wrong. Cadillac has now adjusted the model mix, so dealers should be stocking more lower-priced V6 and V8 SRXs.
2004 Cadillac SRX Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration (V8 models) | Fuel economy |
| Passenger and cargo room | Navigation-system controls |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Test V6 AWD did 7.6 sec 0-60 mph, with fine movement away from a stop and in around-town traffic, but tepid response in high-speed freeway passing maneuvers. V8 models have tangible advantage only in highway passing power and in climbing long grades. No opportunity to time V8 version, but Cadillac claims 6.9 sec 0-60 mph with AWD V8. Transmission shifts well enough, through slow to respond to manual-mode inputs. Trailering option boosts towing capacity to 4250 lb, from standard 2000 lb.
| V6 AWD | V8 2WD | V8 AWD | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.8 |
Test V6 AWD did 7.6 sec 0-60 mph, with fine movement away from a stop and in around-town traffic, but tepid response in high-speed freeway passing maneuvers. V8 models have tangible advantage only in highway passing power and in climbing long grades. No opportunity to time V8 version, but Cadillac claims 6.9 sec 0-60 mph with AWD V8. Transmission shifts well enough, through slow to respond to manual-mode inputs. Trailering option boosts towing capacity to 4250 lb, from standard 2000 lb.
Fuel Economy
Test V6 AWD models averaged 17.1 mpg in mix of city/highway travel, just 13.6 in test that included mostly driving and gas-eating performance tests. No opportunity to measure with V8 yet. Cadillac recommends premium-grade fuel for both engines.
| V6 AWD | V8 2WD | V8 AWD | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.3 |
Test V6 AWD models averaged 17.1 mpg in mix of city/highway travel, just 13.6 in test that included mostly driving and gas-eating performance tests. No opportunity to measure with V8 yet. Cadillac recommends premium-grade fuel for both engines.
Ride Quality
Among better-riding SUVs of any stripe, but not luxury-sedan absorbent. Rear end in particular reacts abruptly to sharp bumps or cracks, peaked ridges. Little bob or wallow over highway crests, dips.
| V6 AWD | V8 2WD | V8 AWD | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 4.9 |
Among better-riding SUVs of any stripe, but not luxury-sedan absorbent. Rear end in particular reacts abruptly to sharp bumps or cracks, peaked ridges. Little bob or wallow over highway crests, dips.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Also among the class leaders, if not up to BMW, Infiniti, Porsche competitors for quick, confident moves. Substantial weight and slightly elevated ride height contribute to some unwieldy feel in fast maneuvers, but overall balance, grip in turns is good. Testers divided on steering: natural and precise to some, slightly artificial, slow to react for others.
| V6 AWD | V8 2WD | V8 AWD | Class Average |
| 7 | 6 | 7 | 5.2 |
Also among the class leaders, if not up to BMW, Infiniti, Porsche competitors for quick, confident moves. Substantial weight and slightly elevated ride height contribute to some unwieldy feel in fast maneuvers, but overall balance, grip in turns is good. Testers divided on steering: natural and precise to some, slightly artificial, slow to react for others.
Quietness
Near-luxury-car isolation from road noise and most mechanical ruckus. Some testers cited wind rush around outside mirrors at highway speed, others considered V6 too coarse in rapid acceleration.
| V6 AWD | V8 2WD | V8 AWD | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 |
Near-luxury-car isolation from road noise and most mechanical ruckus. Some testers cited wind rush around outside mirrors at highway speed, others considered V6 too coarse in rapid acceleration.
Controls
Angular, high-tech shapes. Large, clear gauges. Most controls easy to reach and understand, though role of multifunction steering-wheel buttons not always obvious. Driver looks to floor console for transmission gear position because it's displayed in main instrument pod only during manual-shift mode. Navigation system integrates some audio functions, complicating simple adjustments. Cabin's leather upholstery, wood accents (wood optional on V6) contribute to upscale ambience. But some interior panels flex easily when pressed, and various plastic storage-bin covers have low-budget feel. One test example suffered rattling 2nd-row seats, on another, the brake-pedal pad fell off.
| V6 AWD | V8 2WD | V8 AWD | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 |
Angular, high-tech shapes. Large, clear gauges. Most controls easy to reach and understand, though role of multifunction steering-wheel buttons not always obvious. Driver looks to floor console for transmission gear position because it's displayed in main instrument pod only during manual-shift mode. Navigation system integrates some audio functions, complicating simple adjustments. Cabin's leather upholstery, wood accents (wood optional on V6) contribute to upscale ambience. But some interior panels flex easily when pressed, and various plastic storage-bin covers have low-budget feel. One test example suffered rattling 2nd-row seats, on another, the brake-pedal pad fell off.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Ample head and leg room. Comfortable, supportive seats. Steering wheel tilts manually; top rivals offer power tilt/telescope operation. Thick roof pillars impede outward visibility to sides and rear. Entry requires taller step-in than car-based roots would suggest.
| V6 AWD | V8 2WD | V8 AWD | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7.4 |
Ample head and leg room. Comfortable, supportive seats. Steering wheel tilts manually; top rivals offer power tilt/telescope operation. Thick roof pillars impede outward visibility to sides and rear. Entry requires taller step-in than car-based roots would suggest.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Second-row elevated slightly for "theater-seating" feel, slides fore/aft to create generous leg room, though right-side cushion contour squeezes passenger. Head clearance OK even with sunroof. Wider doorways would aid entry/exit. Hard-to-access 3rd row best suited for child use, though not as cramped as might be expected.
| V6 AWD | V8 2WD | V8 AWD | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.2 |
Second-row elevated slightly for "theater-seating" feel, slides fore/aft to create generous leg room, though right-side cushion contour squeezes passenger. Head clearance OK even with sunroof. Wider doorways would aid entry/exit. Hard-to-access 3rd row best suited for child use, though not as cramped as might be expected.
Cargo Room
Minimal space with 3rd-row seat in position, but power-fold feature a useful convenience, though slow acting. Second row folds with moderate effort and rests nearly flat. With both folded, overall cargo volume mimics large station wagon rather than tall, traditional SUV. Available triple-compartment rear storage bin a smart feature. Good in-cabin storage.
| V6 AWD | V8 2WD | V8 AWD | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7.4 |
Minimal space with 3rd-row seat in position, but power-fold feature a useful convenience, though slow acting. Second row folds with moderate effort and rests nearly flat. With both folded, overall cargo volume mimics large station wagon rather than tall, traditional SUV. Available triple-compartment rear storage bin a smart feature. Good in-cabin storage.
Value within Class
Unless you off-road or tow heavy loads, the SRX's premium-car manners and efficient packaging make it preferable to a truck-type luxury SUV. Add AWD security, and it's a thoughtful--if pricey--alternative to a traditional luxury sedan. Against SUV rivals, SRX is competitive in performance and accommodations, if not always materials and build quality.
| V6 AWD | V8 2WD | V8 AWD | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.6 |
Unless you off-road or tow heavy loads, the SRX's premium-car manners and efficient packaging make it preferable to a truck-type luxury SUV. Add AWD security, and it's a thoughtful--if pricey--alternative to a traditional luxury sedan. Against SUV rivals, SRX is competitive in performance and accommodations, if not always materials and build quality.
Total Score
| V6 AWD | V8 2WD | V8 AWD | Class Average |
| 66 | 65 | 66 | 57.8 |
Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 36 | |
| Average Score | 57 | |
| High Score | 70 |
2004 Cadillac SRX Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 12/12/2003
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| V6 4-door wagon | $37,995 | $35,145 | $695 |
|
|
|||
| V8 4-door wagon | $46,595 | $43,100 | $695 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
V6
Powertrain
3.6-liter V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, front and 2nd-row curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system, rear-obstacle-detection system, wiper-activated headlights, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, OnStar telematics system w/one-year service, power steering, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio and climate controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, front bucket seats, 8-way power driver seat, center console, cupholders, 2nd-row split folding seat, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, illuminated visor mirrors, cargo cover, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, fog lights, roof rails.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
235/65HR17 front tires, 255/60HR17 rear tires, alloy wheels.
V8 adds to V6:
Powertrain
4.6-liter dohc V8 engine.
Safety
Tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Rear air conditioning, heated front seats, 8-way power passenger seat, power-adjustable pedals, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, pedals), wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel, wood interior trim, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, driver-side automatic day/night mirror, universal garage-door opener, rear storage system.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
235/60VR18 front tires, 255/55VR18 rear tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Option Pkg. 1SB
|
||
|
V6
|
$3,095
|
$2,631
|
|
Tire-pressure monitor, rear air conditioning, heated front seats, 8-way power passenger seat, power-adjustable pedals, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, pedals), wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel, wood interior trim, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, driver-side automatic day/night mirror, universal garage-door opener, rear storage system.
|
||
|
Option Pkg. 1SD
|
||
|
V6
|
$6,690
|
$5,687
|
|
V8
|
$3,595
|
$3,056
|
|
Option Pkg. 1SB (V6) plus navigation system, Bose sound system, high-intensity headlights w/washers. V8 requires all-wheel drive.
|
||
|
Luxury Utility Pkg.
|
||
|
V6, V8
|
$5,800
|
$4,930
|
|
All-wheel drive, power-stowable 3rd-row seat, Bose sound system, UltraView power sunroof. V6 requires Option Pkg. 1SB. NA w/Option Pkg. 1SD.
|
||
|
Trailering Equipment Pkg.
|
||
|
V6, V8
|
$250
|
$213
|
|
|
||
Powertrain |
||
|
All-wheel drive
|
||
|
V6, V8
|
$1,900
|
$1,615
|
|
V6 requires Option Pkg. 1SB.
|
||
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
UltraView power sunroof
|
||
|
V6, V8
|
$1,800
|
$1,530
|
|
Includes power sunshades. V6 requires option pkg.
|
||
|
UltraView Plus power sunroof
|
||
|
V6, V8
|
$2,400
|
$2,040
|
|
Includes venting sunroof over 3rd-row seat, power sunshades. Requires 3rd-row seat. V6 requires option pkg.
|
||
|
Rear-seat DVD player
|
||
|
V6, V8
|
$1,200
|
$1,020
|
|
V6 requires option pkg.
|
||
|
Bose sound system
|
||
|
V6, V8
|
$1,100
|
$935
|
|
V6 requires Option Pkg. 1SB.
|
||
|
Satellite radio
|
||
|
V6, V8
|
$325
|
$276
|
|
Requires monthly fee. V6 requires option pkg.
|
||
|
3rd-row power-stowable seat
|
||
|
V6, V8
|
$1,000
|
$850
|
|
V6 requires option pkg. Deletes rear storage system.
|
||
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Engine-block heater
|
||
|
V6, V8
|
$100
|
$85
|
|
V6 requires option pkg.
|
||
|
Special paint
|
||
|
V6, V8
|
$995
|
$846
|
|
Magnetic Ride Control Suspension
|
||
|
V6, V8
|
$1,650
|
$1,403
|
|
|
||
2004 Cadillac SRX Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Cadillac SRX 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 116.0 |
| Overall Length, in. | 195.0 |
| Overall Width, in. | 77.6 |
| Overall Height, in. | 67.8 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4320 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 69.5 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 20.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.3 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.1 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.4 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 41.0 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V6 | dohc V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.6 /217 | 4.6 /279 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 260 @ 6500 | 320 @ 6000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 252 @ 2500 | 315 @ 4400 |
| Availability | Standard | Optional |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 5-speed automatic | 16/22 | 15/20 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Cadillac SRX 4-door wagon |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 6/100,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | Premium Care standard on XLR. Includes oil and oil filter replacement, engine air filter replacement, and passenger compartment air filter replacement at regularly scheduled maintenance intervals for the first four years or 50,000 miles. |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
Also in the 2004 Cadillac SRX Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Car Buying Resources
Vehicle History Report
Sell Your Car
Powered by:
-
MAKE -
CATEGORY
Subcompact Car
Compact Car
Midsize Car
Large Car
Premium Midsize Car
Premium Large Car
Sporty/performance Car
Premium Sporty/performance Car
Minivan
Full-size Van
Compact Sport-utility Vehicle
Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle
Large Sport-utility Vehicle
Compact Pickup Truck
Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle
Premium Compact Sport-utility Vehicle
Large Pickup Truck
Premium Compact Car
Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicle
Exotic Car
