Review by Chris Chase; photos by Laurance Yap
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Photo Gallery: 2007 Cadillac SRX
A number of years ago, the idea of a Cadillac SUV seemed laughable. Now, of course, the Escalade is a surprisingly strong seller despite - or possibly as a result of - its sheer over-the-topness.
The Escalade was introduced in 1999, but it was five years later that Cadillac launched a crossover SUV more fitting with the brand's new performance-oriented identity.
That the SRX looks like a wagon version of the first-generation CTS isn't surprising, given that the two share underpinnings; the SRX rides on a stretched CTS platform, with a longer wheelbase and overall size.
2007 Cadillac SRX V8. Click image to enlarge
Base power came from GM's 3.6-litre V6 engine, making 260 horsepower. A V8 model used a 4.6-litre engine good for 320 horsepower. Where the CTS could be had with a manual transmission, the SRX was offered only with a five-speed automatic. In 2007, a six-speed auto became standard in V8 models. All SRXs started out as rear-drivers, with all-wheel drive being an option on both V6 and V8 models.
Until 2006, the SRX shared the original CTS' blocky and cheap-looking interior; 2007 models got a redesigned dash that was a far better fit with the SRX's mission as a high-end model.
In terms of fuel consumption, the SRX was either thirsty or thirstier, depending on engine choice. In 2004, its EnerGuide numbers were 14.4 L/100 km (city) and 9.3 L/100 km (highway) for a V6, rear-wheel drive model. Choosing all-wheel drive meant using a little more gas, but the V8 engine was the real consumption culprit: its ratings in the SRX were 15.9 L/100 km (city) and 10.7 L/100 km (highway) in a rear-drive model. But by 2007, the SRX's highway fuel consumption numbers had improved, ranging from 8.9 L/100 km for a V6, RWD model to 10 L/100 km for a full-on, V8 AWD version. Of note is that while the V6 engine takes regular fuel, the V8 requires premium.
Verdict
Highs: Dirt cheap to buy, cool styling
Lows: Iffy quality
The SRX is a surprise in the reliability department, where it doesn't appear to have held up as well as the CTS it's based on. While that sedan gets an average used car rating from Consumer Reports, the outlook on the SRX's is decidedly less rosy. Here, the verdict is worse than average thanks to what look to be problems with electronics and body hardware.
A browse of the SRX section at CadillacForums.com revealed a list of known issues with this crossover. Among them: Ultra-View sunroofs that shatter for no reason. This roof is also named a culprit in causing interior rattles in the SRX. Many owners report water leaking into the compartment where the jack is stored. Some have posted about concerns of excessive engine oil consumption and there's a relatively minor issue of the rear window washer not working. Go here for a full list of discussions on issues and tips.
2007 Cadillac SRX V8. Click image to enlarge
Crash safety isn't a problem with the SRX, however. In 2004, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave it four stars for driver and front passenger protection in frontal impacts, and five stars for front and rear seat occupant safety in side impacts.
The SRX earned a "good" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in that organization's frontal offset crash test, but wasn't subjected to side impact testing.
According to Canadian Red Book, used SRX values range from $18,650 for a 2004 V6 RWD model, to $39,125 for a V8 AWD version. The SRX's depreciation is quite brutal, really: that top-end 2007 model is currently worth about two-thirds of what it sold for when new. To show just how abysmal that is, consider that a 2007 Hyundai Veracruz Limited - which carried an MSRP of just under $46,000, compared to the '07 SRX V8 AWD's price-tag of about $64,000 - is worth more than $38,000.
The SRX's reliability is about mid-pack in the luxury SUV field - slightly better, perhaps, than a first-generation BMW X5 and much better than a Mercedes ML-Class, but not quite up to the standards of Japanese entries like the Acura MDX and Lexus RX 330/350.
That the SRX is much cheaper on the used market than any of those four makes it easier to justify buying the Cadillac, but a low price is never an excuse for less-than-perfect reliability. If you want a better truck that still fits your budget, you might consider shopping an Acura MDX or Lexus RX a year or two older than the SRX you're considering.
Pricing
Red Book Pricing (avg. retail) April 2008:
Year
Model
Price today
Price new
2007
SRX V6 AWD
$34,050
$52,355
2006
SRX V6 AWD
$28,350
$51,400
2005
SRX V6 AWD
$22,050
$59,180
2004
SRX V6 AWD
$20,250
$54,875
Online resources
There are many Cadillac sites on the Web, but few are useful for SRX owners. CadillacForums.com is one of few to offer an SRX-only forum, and a pretty good one at that. RoadFly.com has a decent SRX forum, but the layout makes it a pain to browse. At CaddyEdge.com, the SRX is lumped into a forum with several other models; same deal at CaddyInfo.com. You might actually have better luck in the SRX section at Edmunds.com.
Transport Canada Recall Number: 2005034; Units affected: 1,611 (other models affected)
2004: Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 124 - Accelerator Control Systems. The Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) accelerator pedal assembly may not return the engine to idle in three seconds or less at low ambient temperatures if either of the two throttle return springs is broken. Correction: Dealers will replace the ETC pedal assembly.
Transport Canada Recall Number: 2005015; Units affected: 3,290 (other models affected)
2004: On certain vehicles, an interaction between the Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) and the vehicle electrical system may cause the driver's frontal airbag and/or roof rail airbag to deploy when the ignition key is turned to the "ON" position. A person positioned for driving may receive minor injuries, such as abrasions, from contact with the airbag. Correction: Dealers will replace the SDM.
Transport Canada Recall Number: 2004118; Units affected: 542
2004: On certain vehicles equipped with All-Wheel Drive, the Antilock Brake System (ABS) may temporarily isolate the driver from the foundation brake system for a maximum of 1.25 seconds. This could cause an increase in braking distance, which could result in a crash. Correction: Dealer will reprogram the ABS Electronic Control Unit.
Transport Canada Recall Number: 2004206; Units affected: 1,411 (other models affected)
2004: Certain vehicles were produced with lower control arm ball stud nut/washer assemblies with washers made of the wrong steel material. The washers may fracture and become loose or fall away from the vehicle, reducing clamp load. Separation of the control arm ball stud and steering knuckle, due to disengagement of the tapered attachment and retaining nut, is possible and may occur without prior indication to the vehicle operator. If the control arm separates from the knuckle, the affected corner of the vehicle will drop and the control arm would be forced downward, contacting the wheel. The affected wheel could tilt outward and create a dragging action that would tend to slow the vehicle and create a tendency for the vehicle to turn in the direction of the affected wheel. In extreme situations, the affected wheel assembly could separate from the vehicle. Separation of the wheel assembly would also sever that wheel's hydraulic brake hose and result in diminished braking performance of the vehicle, which could result in a crash. Correction: Dealers will install a new nut and washer, and if required, replace the ball stud and/or steering knuckle.
Transport Canada Recall Number: 2003228; Units affected: 201 (other models affected)
2004: On certain vehicles, one or both front anchor tabs for the front seats may not be engaged in the floor pan reinforcement slots. In a vehicle crash, the seat(s) could pivot rearward, resulting in possible increased injury to its occupant or a rear seat occupant. Correction: Dealer will ensure that both front anchor tabs are fully seated in the floor pan reinforcement slots.
Transport Canada Recall Number: 2006086; Units affected: 613 (other models affected)
2005: On certain vehicles, an inadequate weld could cause the left or right rear suspension toe link assembly to separate. If this were to occur, the affected rear wheel would be able to turn in or out, which could compromise vehicle stability and cause a loss of vehicle control and a crash. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if required, replace the left and right toe link assemblies.
Transport Canada Recall Number: 2007417; Units affected: 20,052 (other models affected)
2005-2007: On certain vehicles, the drive axle differential seal may leak (note that all-wheel drive vehicles have two seals). Reduced lubrication may cause the differential to become noisier. Continued use may cause damage to bearings and other differential components. Three conditions could occur: 1). When the vehicle is stopped and shifted to reverse, the differential may jam and prevent vehicle movement. 2). the damage can cause drag that will feel like the parking brake is applied; or 3) the differential could jam and lock the drive wheels while the vehicle is underway. Should the latter occur, it could result in a loss of vehicle control and a crash, causing injury or death. Correction: Dealers will replace the drive axle differential seal(s).
Transport Canada Recall Number: 2006197; Units affected: 237 (other models affected)
2006: Certain vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of CMVSS 120 - Tire rim designation. These vehicles have an incomplete tire rim designation indicated on the compliance label. If a customer replaces a wheel with one that has a rim contour that is inappropriate for use with the tires on the vehicle, the mounting of the tire to the wheel and/or the tire/wheel assembly may not perform as designed/intended. In addition, certain vehicles are also missing the tire load rating on the label. If a tire of a lesser load rating than the original tire is installed, the tire may not be able to sustain the loads encountered during use. Correction: Dealers will install a new partial label over the existing label. Corrected labels and application instructions will be mailed to customers. Dealers will receive labels for installation on the vehicles in inventory.
Used vehicle prices vary depending on factors such as general condition, odometer reading, usage history and options fitted. Always have a used vehicle checked by an experienced auto technician before you buy.
For information on recalls, see Transport Canada's web-site, www.tc.gc.ca, or the U.S. National Highway Transportation Administration (NHTSA)web-site, www.nhtsa.dot.gov.
For information on vehicle service bulletins issued by the manufacturer, visit www.nhtsa.dot.gov.
For information on consumer complaints about specific models, see www.lemonaidcars.com.
