2007 Cadillac SRX
Was it a glorified station wagon or an SUV? Whatever it was, the Cadillac SRX, introduced in 2004, was officially classed as a crossover.
In 2007, it came standard with rear-wheel-drive, with an all-wheel-drive option, and you could choose from either a V-6 or V-8 engine, the latter churning out an impressive 320 horsepower.
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Other extras included 20-inch wheels and tires, a limited-slip differential, luggage rack and rear air conditioning. The SRX wasn't exactly an asphalt-ripper, but neither was it particularly sedate, and its ride quality was a stronger-selling feature than its performance.
For those who actually did want to use it for practical purposes, there was 1,968 litres of storage space with both the second- and third-row seats folded flat, and it could tow up to 907 kilograms.
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But this wagon was really all about providing an upscale driving experience with the added security of all-wheel-drive, should you choose it. The SRX had an automatic "slip-and-grip" AWD setup that delivered a 50/50 torque split, when conditions demanded it. But the chances of seeing one of these upscale crossovers toiling along a logging road or surfing through a swamp were pretty remote. Still, AWD was there if you needed it.
The Northstar V-8 engine displaced 4.6 litres and featured dual overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder. It was mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift feature only. The V-6, meanwhile, delivered 260 horses, and had a five-speed autobox. Unfortunately, the V-8 was also one of the least fuel-efficient models in GM's stable, and sucked down the go-juice only slightly less voraciously than a Chevy Suburban. At the time, Natural Resources Canada claimed an average driver would spend at least $2,660 a year on gasoline. How times have changed.
The SRX received an interior upgrade in 2007, which included full leather interior, redesigned dashboard and the usual upscale modcons, such as a power rear lift-gate, one-touch-up/down windows, climate control, cruise control and XM satellite radio. Options included a touch-screen DVD/navi package, rear air conditioning controls, rear-seat entertainment system, power-adjustable pedals, power-folding third-row seat, power sunroof and GM's intriguing magnetic ride control system.
Just one safety recall to report, and it's as much a mechanical issue as it is a safety one. Apparently, seals on the differential pinion gear can fail, causing the oil contained therein to drain away and, if not attended to, result in a seized drivetrain. Transport Canada also notes that two of the first signs of this problem are the transmission jamming when shifting into Reverse and the vehicle feeling like it's dragging something when under way. It also affects 2005 and 2006 editions of the SRX.
A hefty 32 technical service bulletins from the U.S.-based National Highway Traffic Safety Administration accompany the '07 SRX, ranging from the usual electrical issues - random gauge readings and instrument panel warnings - to incorrect alerts from the tire-pressure monitor, to "a shudder or bind on low-speed turns," to an unreliable fuel gauge. It should be noted that the majority of these bulletins are in the form of advisory updates for service personnel.
Consumer Reports paints a pretty unenthusiastic picture of this particular Cadillac, giving it a failing grade for predicted reliability. The drivetrain and engine, in particular, don't fare too well, and "fit and finish falls short," the magazine says. "Small gas tank," comments one owner; "needs dash-mounted trunk release," says another. The SRX's smooth ride and abundant power seem to be common areas of praise, but Consumer Reports is clearly lukewarm in its feelings towards the 2007 SRX.
Market research company J.D. Power likes the SRX - to a point. It receives an "about-average" mark for dependability, and good marks for styling, interior quality and overall performance and design. Not exactly a ringing endorsement, but not a flat-out condemnation either.
The SRX has also taken a bit of a beating on the used-car market since 2007. Prices dip down to the high teens for a V-6, going up to the mid-$20,000 range for a well-equipped V-8 with AWD. That's quite a drop from the original base price of almost $50,000, and you could actually have spent well over 70 large if you opted for a full-zoot V-8 with AWD.
globedrive@globeandmail.com
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2007 Cadillac SRX
Original Base Price: $49,730; Black Book Value: $22,325-$24,225; Red Book Value: $17,625-$19,625
Engine: 3.6-litre V-6/4.6-litre V-8
Horsepower/Torque: 260 hp / 254 lb-ft for V-6; 320 hp/315 lb-ft for V-8
Transmission: Five- and six-speed automatic
Drive: Rear-wheel with on-demand AWD
Fuel Economy (litres/100 km):14.3 city/8.9 highway (V-6); regular gas
Alternatives: BMW X3, Chrysler Aspen, Hyundai Veracruz, Mazda CX-9, Saab 9-7X, Subaru Tribeca, Volvo XC90