By
LATEST ARTICLE
Chevy Volt Vs. Nissan Leaf: Compare Cars
For now, they're the only two mass-market electric vehicles on the road. So, which one should you... Read More
Chevy Volt Vs. Nissan Leaf: Compare Cars
For now, they're the only two mass-market electric vehicles on the road. So, which one should you... Read More
- #12LEADERBOARD RANK
- 4885ARTICLES CONTRIBUTED
- 96COMMENTS POSTED
64,782 views
See What the
Rest of the Web Says We've gathered reviews from Edmunds.com, Cars.com plus live Tweets on this car. See What We Found »
Rest of the Web Says We've gathered reviews from Edmunds.com, Cars.com plus live Tweets on this car. See What We Found »
The Basics:
TheCarConnection.com's editors read the latest Web road tests on the new 2008 Cadillac SRX to write this comprehensive review. TheCarConnection.com's car experts also drove the 2008 Cadillac SRX to be able to deliver a conclusive opinion on the car, to compare it with other cars in the class, and to give you the information you need to make the best purchase decision.
The crisply styled 2008 Cadillac SRX is a mid-size crossover vehicle built off the same platform as the rear-drive CTS and STS sports sedans.
A 3.6-liter, 260-horsepower V-6 is the standard engine in SRX, teamed with a five-speed automatic. Its performance is fairly ordinary and so is its gas mileage. There's every reason to order the optional 4.6-liter, 320-horsepower Northstar V-8 engine, which gets a six-speed automatic for the 2008 model year. It's capable of much more impressive acceleration--it can launch the crossover to 60 mph in about 6.5 seconds--but fuel economy is an issue. The SRX is available in either rear- or all-wheel drive, and with either drivetrain, its 4,000-pound-plus heft cuts fuel economy to 13/20 mpg with the V-8 versions, and only 15/22 mpg with the V-6, rear-drive model.
The SRX is a tastefully drawn crossover vehicle that's aging well in its final years on the market (it was introduced in 2004 and likely will be dropped after the 2009 model year). The wagon rear end is a bit tall for some tastes, but the crisp lines have worn well over the years. Inside, the redesign of the center console and trim imparts a much richer feel to the Cadillac SRX than the original cockpit. The SRX's interior can hold as many as seven passengers with the optional power-folding third-row seat, but those in the back should be very small--elementary-school small. The second-row seat is much more hospitable to adults.
The 2008 Cadillac SRX handles nimbly, with either its standard suspension or GM's Magnetic Ride Control, which uses magnetic force to control the stiffness of the shocks. Six airbags and stability control are standard.
Other features include a standard navigation system on the V-8 version (it's optional with the V-6). OnStar-equipped models also get turn-by-turn navigation assistance. Adaptive Remote Start is a new option for 2008; it permits the driver to start the engine, adjust the heat and air to a preset temperature, and defrost the windows. A large Ultra View sunroof opens nearly all the first two rows of seats to sunshine.
Likes:
- Rorty V-8 engine
- Six-speed automatic transmission
- Improved interior
- Headroom in first two rows
Dislikes:
- Fuel economy
- Teensy third-row seats
- Tall rear end
