2004 Cadillac SRX Review

Day 1

Jumping out of the econo-box Scion xB and into something as cushy as the Cadillac SRX is a culture shock. After a full week of driving something small enough to fit in any parking spot on the street I'm now in a vehicle that needs its own loading zone. Obviously as a city denizen something as large as the SRX would never be a real option. But I'm reviewing the vehicle for every reader including commuters and suburbanites alike.

That said I'm impressed with this gigantic, 194.9 inch long, crossover SUV. That's longer than the VW Touareg and Volvo XC90. In only a first few miles of driving there hasn't been time to check out the utility space, rear cargo room etc. I have been blasting the phenomenal Bose stereo that is the best that Bose has put in a vehicle that I've driven. Match that with the enormous sunroof and this is one of the most indulgent SUVs on the market. The BMW X3 had a similar sunroof, both would be a deal maker for me if I was in the market. It's as close to a convertible SUV as you can get.

Over the next few days we'll get into the nitty-gritty of fuel economy, real-life utility and of course performance. But for now I'm going to enjoy the luxury and relatively strong new car smell (even after 7,000+ miles).

2004 SRX-V6
$37,995, as tested $47,875
3.6L V6 VVT Engine, 260 horsepower
16/22 mpg city/hwy
AWD

Options
Luxury Package w/walnut trim, heated front seats
Ultraview (sunroof)
Bose Audio System
Premium Paint - Red Line (the color not the Saturn line)