2007 Cadillac SRX Review discusses a luxury crossover.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

2007 Cadillac SRX Review

The SRX is a luxury crossover SUV first introduced for 2004. Based on the GM Sigma platform, which is also the foundation of the (Cadillac CTS), the SRX combines flexibility with car-like handling. With its standard rear-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive, the SRX ready to perform. It was named one of Car and Driver's best luxury SUVs from 2004 to 2006.

The BuyingAdvice Team Says:

The Cadillac SRX promises all the luxury of Cadillac in an efficient CUV form. While it delivers, and has good overall handling, it's otherwise rather mediocre. Some of the interior materials aren't up to what we'd consider Cadillac standards, nor is the reliability, which has proven poor so far. While the SRX has a competitive asking price, you could do a lot better overall.

What's New For 2007:

The SRX receives a mid-cycle refresh. The instruments have been redesigned, and the interior materials have been improved. New storage compartments have been added. A sport package is available with a distinct exterior. A six-speed transmission is now standard.

What is the Predicted Reliability:

J.D. Power gives the SRX 3.5 stars for overall design quality and 4 stars for overall performance and design. Problems include poor radio reception, inactive change oil lights, engine stalling, inaccurate fuel gauges, key jams, oil leaks, blistering paint, and transmission leaks. It's been recalled six times. Expect below average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for four years or 50,000 miles.

Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:

The SRX earned 4 stars in government frontal crash tests and 5 stars in side tests. The IIHS gave it a "Good" score for frontal impacts and "Poor" for rear impacts. Anti-lock brakes, full side airbags, and stability control come standard.

Pros and Cons:

Pros
+ Good value
+ Standard leather
+ Available third row

Cons
- Poor reliability
- Mediocre crash test scores
- Low gas mileage

Head-To-Head Competition:

The 2008 Infiniti FX35 comes with a standard CD changer, but costs $1,000 more, and lacks a navigation system and payload capacity. The 2008 Lexus RX at the same price offers a CD changer, but lacks leather seats and has much less payload capacity. The Volvo XC90 costs $800 less, but like the Lexus, lacks leather seats and payload capacity.

What Others Are Saying:

"Cadillac's car-based SRX is fun on the twisties (for an SUV) and decidedly not rugged." - Forbes

"The Cadillac SRX is designed to fit the female consumer's need and desire for a spacious SUV. Size cannot be factored into the drivability because it handles like a smaller vehicle, is effortless to drive and maneuvers with ease." - The Auto Channel

"It's hard to say why the SRX has failed to capture the imagination of American SUV refugees. Cabin quality (or lack thereof) was certainly a problem- which the automaker's now rectified. The lack of a sustained and coherent marketing campaign also kept Caddy's CUV off the import buyer's radar. And the vehicle's bland looks did it no favors. Ultimately, it's the latter that torpedoed the SRX. Caddies need charisma. The SRX rides, handles and cossets beautifully; it walks the walk, but it doesn't talk the talk. In fact, the SRX proves that automotive beauty must be skin deep." - The Truth About Cars

Read more about the 2007 Cadillac SRX at the Cadillac manufacturer web site.

Published on Sunday, April 8, 2007 - Email to a friend

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