2004 Cadillac SRX New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2004 Cadillac SRX?
Designed from the start to combine the attributes of a sport sedan and a sport utility, the angular 2004 Cadillac SRX boasts such features as an available 320-horsepower V8 engine, a near perfect weight distribution, and an optional Driver Shift Control transmission. Enhancing the powertrain and balance of the Cadillac SRX are StabiliTrak active suspension control, Magnetic Ride Control, Panic Brake Assist and a fully independent suspension. There's room for seven aboard the Cadillac SRX, all protected by front, front side and side curtain airbags (no airbag protection is available for the third row, however). Other features include OnStar telematics, a DVD entertainment system, a reverse sensing system, an UltraView sunroof, XM satellite radio and some of the finest interior materials used in a General Motors product. Buyers can choose between rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive models, either matched to the standard 260-horsepower V6 or optional V8.

Advantages of the 2004 Cadillac SRX:

• Sweet highway handling and ride
• Standard stability control
• Quality interior materials
• Available with lots of luxury goodies

Objections to the 2004 Cadillac SRX:

• Light-duty off-road use only
• No real price advantage over established competitors from Europe and Japan
• All the really good stuff is optional
• No third-row side curtain airbags

Editor's Advice:
Today, the SRX ranks among the best luxury SUVs available thanks to a compelling combination of impressive on-road dynamics, commodious cabin space and an extensive list of standard and optional features. However, a brand in the middle of rebuilding is likely to have difficulty competing on equal footing with the best from Europe and Japan in terms of price. Cadillac hasn't proven itself a good value in decades past. At first glance, the SRX is a world-class competitor, but we wonder if it will stand the test of time.