Better than: a Cadillac Cimarron.
But not as good as: a 1959 Caddy.
GRM Bang For The Buck Index: 61.99
Cadillac's Web page may put it best: the Cadillac of crossovers.
While many people associate the Cadillac name with long, flowing fins and acres of chrome, the brand has managed to change with the times. In just the last few years, in fact, company officials have reformed the nameplate and become one of GM's bright spots. In addition to the expected line of luxury cars, Cadillac now offers a crossover--a vehicle for those who enjoy a tall-in-the-saddle ride yet don't really need to tow 5000 pounds.
The SRX got a total redo for the 2010 model year. Where the original SRX was based on a full-sized GM chassis, the new car's DNA comes from the corporate front-drive bin.
The interior appointments also seem familiar. The LaCrosse sported a similar dash and center stack layout. If these bits are the new standard for GM, we're cool with that. The switches have a good, solid feel and a nice look. The days of shiny plastic switches and that godforsaken turn signal stalk may (finally) be but a memory.
The new SRX can be ordered with one of two available engines, a 3.0-liter DOHC V6 and a turbo 2.8-liter V6. The 3.0 makes 265 horsepower and 223 lb.-ft. of torque, while the turbo 2.8 produces 300 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque. A six-speed automatic is the only available transmission. (Our test car had the 3.0-liter engine and front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive is available.)
While the V8 engine is now also behind us, the SRX is smaller, nimble and, honestly, really nice. No, we don't expect any country or R&B singers to pay homage to this one, but it's a nice, smart peoplemover.
Call me a big old dork, but I fell for this one, too. If the LaCrosse and SRX represent what GM can do, then the company has turned a corner. Now they just need to start selling some more cars.
What I liked:
Not too big, not too small. No, it wasn't the size of a cannonball, but it had enough interior room and wasn't a pain to park.
I also dig the looks. I know that they're polarizing, but I like being able to name a car's manufacture without having to look at the nameplate. If I were in charge, the only available color would be black, though.
GM's interiors have made huge (huge!) gains for 2010. The new gauge/dash layout is modern and fresh. Yes, there's more than four buttons in the center stack, but it all made sense. Even the dashboard had a nice, rich feel feel to it.
I'd love to try the turbo engine, but the standard V6 isn't so bad. It was fine for normal use. I see this as normal transportation, not a drag racer.
Someone's going to mock me for this, but the ambient night lighting gives the car a nice, rich feel.
Closing marks:
No, it's not a race car. It's also not for every budget. I'm not even a customer for this kind of vehicle. However, those considering a crossover from Lexus, Acura and the usual suspects might want to check out a Caddy. Assuming this one ages well, in a few years this will also make a killer used car.
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