CTS-based SRX gained loyal buyers

COURTESY GM CANADA

The 2006 Cadillac SRX was the looker of the bunch with sleek styling and superb handling.

Mark Toljagic

SPECIAL TO THE STAR

When General Motors unveiled its evocative Cadillac CTS sedan in 2002, it ushered in a complete re-imaging of the division, the product of a $4 billion investment in the century-old luxury brand.

The sporting CTS was a huge departure for Cadillac and so too was its marketing. Led Zeppelin's "Rock and Roll" provided the launch soundtrack – a strategic alignment that surely rattled the vinyl-roof crowd in Del Boca Vista.

Emboldened by its success, and no longer content to just sell tarted-up GMC Yukon trucks to real estate agents as Escalades, product planners set out to create a premium crossover SUV in the new Cadillac persona.

CONFIGURATION

Like most every model in the hotly contested crossover segment, the new-for-2004 SRX was based on a passenger car; in this instance, the rear-drive Sigma platform underpinning the CTS.

The SRX gained an extra 7.6 cm in the wheelbase and about 5 cm in track width, with the resulting five-door wagon body ending up considerably longer and taller than the CTS.

It was big enough to accommodate an optional third-row bench, though it was only suitable for children. It was power-operated to fold down flush with the cargo floor, but you had to manually remove the head-restraints first and it took a molasses-like 25 seconds to articulate.

The super-stiff platform incorporated an independent suspension front and rear. Aluminum control arms up front reduced unsprung weight, while the multilink rear suspension was mounted on a rubber-isolated subframe.

Bundled with the optional all-wheel-drive system were GM's magneto-rheological shock absorbers, which controlled the ride electronically by jolting the magnetically charged fluid in the shock tube to soften or harden the dampers instantaneously.

Climb into the tall cabin and the dashboard, punctuated by waffle-iron vents, resembled the CTS panel from which it was copied. The SRX had a comprehensive array of safety and luxury equipment, including an optional panoramic sunroof made up of fixed and sliding glass panels touted to be the largest in the business.

Early 2004 models came only with a DOHC 4.6 L V8 churning out 320 hp and 315 lb.-ft. of torque. The Northstar was heavily revised so it could be mounted longitudinally and included variable valve timing for the first time.

An all-new 3.6 L V6 engine arrived six months later. Befitting of the class, it sported dual overhead cams and variable intake- and exhaust-valve timing, adding up to 260 hp and 252 lb.-ft. of grunt. Both engines were tied to a five-speed automatic with a manumatic shift gate.

The SRX offered rear-wheel drive or optional full-time, all-wheel drive with a 50/50 torque split, but no low-range gearing. Anti-lock disc brakes, traction control, brake assist and GM's StabiliTrak were all included.

Cadillac made a power liftgate standard in 2006, while the 2007 models got a redesigned dashboard and better-grade cabin materials. The first-generation SRX bowed out in 2009.

ON THE ROAD

The SRX earned a lot of praise from owners for its on-road performance. Zero to 96 km/h came up in 6.7 seconds with the V8, and just a half-second more for the athletic V6 – quicker than some V8-powered competitors such as the Lexus GX 470 and VW Touareg.

The steering was accurate and responsive, while the taut and controlled ride never turned punishing, even over pockmarked pavement. Lateral grip was modest – 0.73 g – with the 17-inch wheels (18s were optional).

"Foreign-car snobs diss the handling. I prefer it over (my) Benz, and it's different, but about equal, in fun to the Bimmer," posted the owner of a '04 model.

The SRX thirst for fuel did disappoint some, though at least it burned regular grade rather than posh premium.

"The 2005 Cadillac SRX is a very nice truck if you own a gas station," read one caustic post.

WHAT OWNERS REPORTED

Owners praised Cadillac's crossover for its supreme comfort, capable handling, power, practicality and handsome good looks. The vast majority of drivers seemed to have only good things to say.

However, used Cadillacs have often exhibited deep-seated problems and SRX shoppers need to be vigilant.

A common gripe has to do with excessive oil use by the 3.6 L V6. Owners reported up to one litre lost over 1,500 km and dealers suggest this is within the factory tolerance.

That's tolerance befitting of Mother Teresa.

"Finally changed all engine rings and seals for oil consumption problem that they called normal," reported one owner.

The panoramic roof is a source of rattling and even water leaks; it's best to avoid models with the full glass roof that extends back to the third row.

Other reported problems include short-lived batteries and catalytic converters, faulty power steering, malfunctioning stereos, suspension noise, wobbly driveshafts and broken ignition lock cylinders.

The SRX represents a valiant effort by a rejuvenated brand, but its plunging depreciation suggests Cadillac hasn't fully restored its lustre yet.

We would like to know about your ownership experience with these models: Subaru Tribeca, Hyundai Azera and Mercury Grand Marquis. Email: toljagic@ca.inter.net.

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