Used 2004 Cadillac SRX SUV Consumer Reviews
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Outstanding All-Around Family Vehicle
I was a little concerned about buying a used SRX, having read about many owners' negative experiences. However, after driving this car once I knew it would be ours. This is a spacious and comfortable SUV-wagon-crossover- whatever but it drives like a sport sedan! I'm a big guy that is used to driving a new full-sized Chevy pickup, but the SRX fits me like a glove. After putting a few thousand miles on the car and a couple long rides hauling both people and cargo, I have to admit there isn't much more I could ask for. The V6 is surprisingly powerful, quick-revving, and can deliver decent MPG if you behave yourself. For a used AWD luxury vehicle, this was an amazing value.
Could have been a great car
I love the looks and handling of my SRX. It's 13 years old now and holding up well with the exception of rust on the drivers side wheel well. I've noticed this on several others and the body shop believes it is caused by a poor factory seal between the inner and outer surface. The car is labeled a sports wagon and truly lives up to that name. The front seats are firm which I prefer but combined with the stiff suspension they can quickly become uncomfortable on roads that are anything other than flat and smooth. The dash has a nice layout compared to many newer vehicles with the exception of the heater controls which are located low in the center close to the console. They are loaded with many small buttons and digital readout. Seems easy enough to use but a simple adjustment like switching on the defroster or turning up the fan may require looking at the controls instead of the highway and I've discovered it can be dangerous taking eyes off the road with it's quick and responsive steering. The storage is great and its handled everything I've thrown at it over the years, which is a lot. The major drawback is the drivetrain. The 3.6 v6 motor has all the power I could ever ask for but I'm afraid to use it because these motors suffer from timing chain issues and there are three of them. Second to that is it's oil consumption. The motor requires 6 qts Mobil One and has always been thirsty for more which Cadillac considered normal. Thirsty btw has been anywhere from one qt per 800-1500 miles. The second major drivetrain problem is the transfer case chain. The supplier provided weak chains the first couple years of production and they are prone to stretching and slipping. At least the replacements are properly tempered. Repairs like spark plug, coil and injector replacement require the upper intake plenum be removed which adds to the cost of repairs. I was quoted $310.00 for spark plugs after the warranty was up so I learned to do it myself. Lastly, the car requires two different tire sizes which limits choices and rotating. The oem Goodyear's on mine ran close to $1000.00 mounted. I love this car, it's served me well, still looks and drives like new but I would never buy another. Update: 138000 miles 16 years old. Just installed the third set of tires. Running the rear size on all 4 works out well for rotations. Original timming chain and transfer chain still working well. Rust on left rear wheel well is getting worse and repair cost almost as much as the car is worth. Replaced all brakes and wheel bearings and one tire rod since last report. On last report I stated I would never buy another but three more years have passed and I can think of no other car I rather have. The SRX does everything I need a vehicle to do.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
- V6 4dr SUVMSRP: $6,990355 mi away
- V8 4dr SUVMSRP: $8,995358 mi away
- V8 4dr SUVMSRP: $8,2501,030 mi away
I tried to love it...
When I first saw this car, I immediately fell in love with the design. The sunroof is amazing, the shape of the car and body style is beautiful... but that's where it ended for me! I have only owned this car for 6 months, but it has been in the shop over 10 times for various expensive repairs... new cat converters, new air ride suspension, 2 new power steering columns, various wiring issues, new spark plugs and coils... it has cost us thousands in repairs, not to mention the hassle of dropping it off at the shop approx every 2-3 weeks! This is definitely not the quiality a cadillac should be!
After another $1000.00 repair I traded. No longer
I thought I was doing my wife a favor, she drove 3 different Ford Explorer Sports for about 12 years. I told her I wanted to get her a different car and showed her a 2004 SRX. Well it was love at first sight, nice car all loaded up, we bought it. Well it does not, always, like to start when it is warm. She has been stranded several times and needed rescued. When it does this it will not turn over, will not shut down the electrical system and holds on to the key. I took it to my brother, a service director at Mercedes, and he sent me to a GM guy. The GM guy worried about it for several days and found some advice on the internet, he removed the 7.5amp fuse for the security system......Several more trips to a GM shop and way more spent ($1006.56 the last time) I traded it for a 2011 Cadillac SRX and it is perfect in every way. I met the person that bought this car from the Cadillac dealer that I traded with. She has not had any problems except that something caused her and the car to drive it into a building causing about $5000. in damages. The 2011 SRX that I traded for has been spot ever since it's purchase.
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- Technology
- Performance
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- Comfort
- Reliability
Save your $, this car's a lemon
My 2004 SRX has 56,000 miles on it- in the past nine months I had the power steering rack replaced 3 times. There are numerous electrical problems on the car- doors wont stay shut while driving, third row of seats wont go down, battery keeps dying unexpected and I've replaced it. There was battery drainage in two spots- interior lights blew out, constant engine leaks from trans fluid and power steering. In the past two months, it has been in the shop more than I have driven it. The most unreliable car. I will never purchase another Cadillac product. From what I have read, many other people have experienced the same type of problems with this year/make car. Dealing with Cadillac is awful too.
Adjustable pedals
I love the car, it's perfect for my needs. I have had some issues with the wheel pulling to the left, which i asume is the alignment or suspension also at 64,000 and i had to have an engine sensor replaced. Which I have heard to be common with this model. I think the sensor has something to do with the Pedal placement. I was using the pedals extended a bit, because i'm on the short side. I was having some delay with the gas pedal. very strange. It was fine when i put the pedal's back to the farthest position. but that is a feature that I do not get to use now. Over all I have not had too many issues. Purchased about a month ago so if anything comes up I will change my review.
Best Used car I have purchased.
I was looking for a vehicle that I could load with stuff and take off for a long weekend, but still want to drive it daily. I found the perfect comprimise. V-8 Northstar power and all the Cadillac comforts. Sunroof is about as close as a convertable as you can get. The rear DVD is great for my son on those long trips and the heated seats are heaven. Paid just under 14k with 60k miles. This is probably the one that sat on the showroom floor in 2004. Dont get me wrong its not perfect but It fits every need I have as well as the wants. MPGs are around 18 or so but I do drive with a heavy foot since the V-8 makes me smile. Not for everyone but a great car if it fits your needs.
Luxurious & Reliable, worth every penny!
I never thought I would enjoy a crossover vehicle as much as the Cadillac Srx! The performance is amazing, I always tell people it's like driving a luxury tank around. Very safe and handles like a dream. Not crazy about the gas mileage, but that's my only complaint. The seats are amazingly comfortable, and the features are impressive. I don't have the sunrooof, but almost every other feature, and it's been a great car for me. I owned an Audi before, and will never go back. Cadillac is the way to go!
Last Cadillac for me.
Have not been pleased with this Cadillac. I had never owned a Cadillac and I can truthfully this will be the last one. The transmission is extremely rough shifting at lower speeds - normal says the dealer. When it is cold -has real trouble shifting from reverse into drive -dealer can never duplicate this problem when I take it in. It uses a QT of oil every 1000 miles - no leaks and this is normal per the dealer . The check engine light goes on and off but the dealer can't find out why. Panaramic sunroof makes lots of noise - dealer can't seem to fix that problem either. Throttle body and fuel pump both had to be replaced at 50k.
Would buy another
I bought my 2004 in 2005 and it went in the shop a few times for this or that but was always taken care of. always given a Cadillac replacement vehicle but my only complaint are that the turn light go out a lot because they are running lights also. I love my car my wife has a convertible mustang and we always take my car because of comfort it rides like a dream the a/c is so good it will make you cold on a day of temps over 100 degrees. Id buy another in a minute!
There YOU go, Euro car?
40k miles. Panoramic roof is why I bought it, & like best. Have a Benz & a BMW. Foreign car snobs diss the handling. I prefer it over the Benz, & it's different, but about equal in fun to the Beamer, but with better leg room up front. This car is what the family picks to ride. Stereo is great. Ride & handling surprisingly good. Dead Quiet at 70MPH Electronic controls in ice / snow best of the luxury cars. Hard to make it do something bad when teaching kids to drive on ice. Mine doesn't rattle. Wood steering wheel & heated seats are nice. Doors solid, stay solid. Dash appearance & vinyl visors cheesy compared to seats Service has been excellent. Looking for an 08 right now.
Love My SRX
We went to the Lexus dealership to test drive a RX300 and while they were getting it ready, I spotted the SRX and asked to take it for a test drive because I loved how it looked. Bought it right after the test drive. Just love driving it. I love the versatility of the 3rd row, the sunroof is amazing. Second row is slightly higher (theater seating) which pax really like. Great sound system. The only negative is the paint on the roof rack is peeling. I also had a leak in the jack storage compartment which the Lexus dealership paid to have fixed. I would never buy a brand new SRX because of the cost, but this one was 3 years old and had depreciated to $22k. Looks brand new!
More Than a AWD Station Wagon
I purchased the 2004 SRX to replace a Buick Riviera and a Chevrolet AWD Astro van. It was difficult finding a vehicle with the sporty ride and handling of the Buick that could also perform some of the daily tasks of the Astro. Suprisingly the SRX does it all with style and grace. I like this model more than the new ones for its sporty station wagon style. Even after 102k miles it makes me smile when I'm behind the wheel and I would buy another.
Used 2004 SRX Experience
I love the sound of the Northstar growl during acceleration and its excellent handling. Kids really enjoy the Sky Roof and so do I.
Not the Best in the World
All four tires on my 2004 Cadillac SRX, Goodyear Eagles, cupped within the first 5,000 miles. They made horrible noise. I could not get anyone to listen to me until the car had 24,000 miles on it and rode and sounded like a Sherman Tank. The battery had to be replaced. I also had the tire monitor repaired three times and the door seal reaplaced.
Best in Class
After comparing the SRX, Acura MDX, Lexus RX 330 and Volvo XC90, we chose the SRX. The interior comfort, ride and handling are outstanding. The second row is the most comfortable available. The engine and drivetrain are outstanding. The Luxury package with it multiple memory personalization settings is great. The Ultraview sunroof is the only way to go. The third row is small but our kids don't mind.
An Example why GM needs bailout money
After my wife totalled our 2002 Mitsubishi Montero (which she drove for 7 years without 1 issue) we decided to buy the SRX. Why? It ONLY had 52k miles on it, and it had a 6 year 100k warranty. So here is where the fun begins (not really). 1st week, both rear windows stopped working, rear seats ratted, engine light came on, outside mirrors stopped working and engine was making weird noise. Luckily it was all covered under warranty. In the end, 11 parts were replaced INCLUDING 2 timing chains. Remember this car had only 52k miles on it and was certified pre owned. In the end, seats still rattle, and outside mirrors still dont quite work right. COME ON GM, make a car like the Japanese.
4 month review:
After leasing a 99 Eldo, I leased an '02 Subaru Outback Legacy (LL Bean edition). Both vehicles were upscale for their class and had many great features. I looked for a quality used vehicle as I wanted to get away from premium fuel. I traded in my used '96 Seville which finally had too many miles for the SRX which runs on regular. Would have been a smart fuel move except for the poor mileage I am getting and rising fuel prices. Otherwise, I am very satisfied with this vehicle's handling and ride. I purchased used as I am getting ready to retire and don't want big payments, but I miss the comfort of the Eldo (wish they still made them) and don't want a new vehicle with cheap seating.
What a piece of
This vehicle has stranded us on the side of the road 5 times in 3 years. The same symptoms but dealer always says it's a different sensor. Got Cad corp involved and they tell me that with such high millage (73k) it's bound to happen. I have had to even change the steering col due to failure. Even had NHSTA recalls but they said it doesn't apply to my vin. This is the worst car I have ever owned except my 1965 Plymouth Barracuda 40 years ago. do not trust Moore Cad or cad corp.
Cadillac SRX
Drives more like a car than a SUV. The Sun roof is exciting and beautiful. A marvelous machine
Sports Car
I originally wanted a convertible. But after several boring test drives I decided I wanted something sportier. A friend who used to own a car dealership told me to look at the SRX. I had not heard of this vehicle at that time. The first test drive was a base vehicle with no options. On the second test drive I saw the large sunroof and knew this car was for me. The Stabilitrak is truly amazing on corners or in emergency manuevers. Other pluses include the DVD player and OnStar which I use all the time. The express up and down on the windows has spoiled me. Mileage has averaged 21mpg.
SRX needs help
After one week and 1,400 miles, the main computer failed and when I called on-star,it took them two hours to find out the tech on-call didn't have his beeper. They had to page another tech and he responded. The dealership didn't have the part on hand and I had to wait 3 days for a repair although they did provide a loaner. Two weeks later the computer started to reset data on my radio, as well as the onboard computer and they don't know why. I'm certainly not a repeat buyer.
Still not sure
Catalytic convertor imploded at 800 miles, 4 sensors needed to be replaced. Exhaust rattles in reverse, gas door doesn't open right, driver's door not mounted correctly - leaked. Gas mileage is much less than anticipated. Why isn't the word "Cadillac" anywhere in or on the vehicle?
Nothing but problems
I loved this car when I bought it, but very shortly after came to hate it. Door well width too wide. Has 8400 miles and has been in shop for 41 days. 4 times for oil leak, 2 times for part of engine cylinders not running, currently has a loud noise in front struts and vibrates through front floor. Terrible gas mileage - 11 mpg in city. Seats aren't very comfortable on long trips.
Sigma Blue
I had mine for 12 years. Currently at 184,00 mile brought it in 2006 with 24,000 miles for $24,000 from Carmax. Didn't start given problem unitil 165,00 miles.
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- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
WORST CAR EVER BUILT
I have never owned a car with more problems than this. At 80k miles with a clean title this car started to fall apart. It leaked water in the passenger side, would turn off on the free way, had abs issues, needed a new starter, blown shocks, two bad headlights, water pump fell out of the car, veered off in directions it felt like at high speed, had electrical problems galore, cd player malfunctioned constantly. Dashboard cracked, defective airbags and over all a commuters nightmare/ death trap.
Transfer Case and Head Light Problems
I have had the head light in my Cadillac fixed twice now its time for my inspection and they say I have to pay to get it fixed again. I think its a defect cause the first time I had it fixed at the Cadillac GMC dealership. Also my transfer case is messed up when I take off it makes a thud sound. Anyone know how much it cost to fix a transfer case. Stability system light has been since five months after buying the car.
Waste of money
I bought this car with 180,000 miles and in the time it took me to go 4,000 i had to replace the power steering pump twice,the hoses for the power steering, all of the four camshaft position sensors, the alternator, the oil pump, and the oil pressure sensor. I thought i was getting a good deal on a nice vehicle, but i guess i would have been better off throwing the money down a pit.
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- Value
Great used car for the $$$
AWD transmission could be smoother. Has some interior noises at 48k miles. Bose system is grreat!
WOW
THIS srx is by far the best vehicle purchase I have ever made. I looked at every suv available before decided to buy the srx.
best of the best
Before I bought my black 2004 Cadillac SRX, I had test-driven Acura MDX, Lexus RX330 and Volve XC90. None of them gives me a feeling like this one. The performance and handling of this vehicle is superb. I have been driving my SRX for more than one month and I got so many head-turns. Wherever I park it, People would come to see and say, It's nice looking. I love it and my wife loves it too.
Cadillac SRX ROcks
It is very cheap and like i said it rocks. Very smooth, luxurious, and my kid even likes it.
SRX
I truly enjoy the luxury and the smooth ride that this car provides. It is very comfortable and easy to handle. The only problem would be the gas mileage but in this day and time I'm sure none of us are excited about gas prices.
SRX is King of the Road
I took delivery of my brand new White Diamond SRX 5 days ago and I can tell all of you that it is awsome! I ordered the SRX with every option offered and it is down right spectaular. The build quaility is outstanding and superior to my BMW X5 4.4 that I drove for the past 3 years 70k miles. The comfort of the SRX is in a class by itself and it literally stops traffic with its beautiful looks. Hat's off to GM and the Cadillac team for making my generation know what it felt like in the early days to be a "Proud Cadillac" owner. I am hooked and so are all of my neighbors.
SRX V6 RWD
After a couple of Mini-Vans, this is really a step up. Third row seating is a must have option. Excellent fit and finish.
Cadillac's Home Run
Caillac has hit a HR with the SRX. The ride is the best of all the luxury SUV's in the market. The 6 cyl. is all you need for outstanding handling and performance. The vehicle is definitely a head turner and several people have complimented me and my wife on its looks. Only complaint by my wife has been the heavy rear hatch for her. Caddy should consider electrically power assisted like the old trunks. Drive one before you buy any other SUV you will be impressed with this vehicle.
Fun, Fun, Fun
I fell in love with this car immediately on taking a test drive. The SRX handles more like a sports car than a SUV. It hugs the road and handles tight turns and winding roads superbly. At the same time it is extremely comfortable and quiet. Positively the best driving experience of any car I have everr owned.
This was the one
The ride and handling is supurb. I love the feel of luxury and sport all in one package with enough room for my needs. Kids love the DVD's. Once I drove it I was hooked.
SRX is great
Have had no problems and it's fun to drive. Easy to handle and many features.
An unbelievable SUV
Just picked up our fully loaded V-8 SRX yesterday. It is truly an unbelievable loaded with more gadgets than I could imagine. Love the looks, the power, and the way it drives. It is unbelievably smooth and blows away the ML500, and is a better overall package than the X5, Cayenne, and FX45. By far the best SUV we have had.
Best Car I've Ever Owned
Just an awesome vehicle. Everywhere I go, people stop me to talk about this vehicle. I've had nice cars in the past, but this is the first time perfect strangers will stop by just to check out the car and talk about it. Rides like a luxury sedan, and it's hard to believe that you're driving a vehicle as large as it is. The V-6 has plenty of power, so I wouldn't worry about upgrading to the Northstar unless money is no object. Fuel economy is solid with the V-6. I get 22-24 mpg in highway driving. The styling of this vehicle is just awesome. Everyone notices the SRX wherever it goes!
Happy with my choice
Overall, I have been very happy with my SRX. I love the handling. My kids and I really love the ultraview sunroof. The dvd player in between the seats is actually more kid-friendly in my opinion, than those roof screens. One complaint would be with opening the hatchback type back door. It is fairly heavy for me (a woman.)I feel like I really have to give it a good pull to unlatch it. It would have been nice to have a remote control door opener that "pops" it open. An interior driver side button to "pop" the back door would be nice also; something similiar to a trunk release type feature.
Most satisfaction of any car owned
Having owned or leased 4 cars in the last ten years, this is the most satisfied I've been with any car. V8/transmission is quiet and smooth as any. Longer wheelbase and AWD gives it great handling and confidence in winter climates. Ultraview sunroof is unique and very enjoyable to have. Pricey when you put it all together, but in this case you get what you pay for.
My SRX V8
Overall great family vehicle without the SUV size and bulk.
Caddy's Back !
Cool new caddy is perfect size. Handles and rides like the best out there. Former X5 owner (4.4), the SRX beats it in every category and the huge sun roof is really cool. Voice GPS is better than my 2003 SL55. Magnetic ride works better than the Benz.
Finally I bought a domestic lux car
This SUV is great car to drive around. Good size for our new baby, but fun to drive around. Built and finish quality is par with German and Japanese car we drove. Very suprised on its capability to handle on the road. We were really out of Cadallic ordinary customers. The GM credit card rebate plus $1500 rebate really made the deciding point. This SUV is not on the top of every category, but everything is near perfect. Want to find out couple years later what the quality will be. If it hold on its quality and resell value, we might consider getting another Cadillac.
What a ride!
This vehicle looks good. It is my first luxury vehicle. I am happy with its performance. It is roomy, comfortable and quiet.
Cadillac's RX330
This vehicle really handles like a sports car, just like Cadillac advertised. The engine is quiet and refined. The leather trim inside the vehicle is really comfortable and the interior materials such as the wood trim is excellent and the carbon-fiber has improved. The dashboard design is excellent and the touchscreen is initutitive, you don't have to read the manual in order to know how to operate it. This crossover delivers like no other. And it is worth the price
Glad I have a 100k warrenty
We bought The 2004 SRX 13 months ago and it has been in the shop 3 times, 2 for check engine light which ended up being a faulty gas cap, 1 time for a bad wheel bearing and spark plug wire. nothing major. Everything was covered under warranty. We looked at several different cars but Cadillac offers the best pre-owned warranty out there. You can get a very good deal on a 3 year old Cadillac with a new car warranty.
Never Again
After owning Acura, Lexus and BMW vehicles we decided to try a Cadillac since we thought the SRX was for us. What a mistake. GM still doesn't get it. The sunroof had a rattle that could never be fixed. Gaps were found in the body panels that were letting water in and causing mold. You couldn't get out of the car without wiping your leg on the rocker below the door.