2004 Cadillac SRX Review

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Introduction

Cadillac SRX -- Review: 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.

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.