To Cadillac's credit it rates near the top of J.D. Power and Associates 2003 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), in seventh place to be exact. While its Japanese competitors nudge it out for higher honors no European nameplate, other than Porsche, fares better.

In the end Cadillac's SRX is good in many ways, but whether it's as good as its competitors dollar for dollar is a question you'll have to answer for yourself. (Photo: General Motors)

In the end Cadillac's SRX is good in many ways, but whether it's as good as its competitors dollar for dollar is a question you'll have to answer for yourself. Could I live with it every day? Sure, I really enjoy driving it and it's wonderfully functional. Would its lackluster tactile quality bother me? No doubt, but I'd probably get over it if I wasn't continually climbing in and out of competitive vehicles that do a better job in interior execution.

Really it's a coin toss, but it shouldn't have to be. Like I stated before, GM has had half a decade to benchmark its competitors and now comes to market behind the eight ball. I can't figure that one out at all. Hopefully they'll continue to improve the SRX and one day achieve benchmarks of their own.

Specifications:

• Price Range (MSRP): $52,250 - $78,715
• Body Type: 5-door SUV
• Layout: front engine, RWD
• Base Engine: 260 hp, 255 lb-ft of torque, 3.6-L, 24-valve, DOHC V6
• Opt Engine: 320 hp, 315 lb-ft of torque, 4.6-L, 32-valve, DOHC V8
• Transmission: 5-spd auto with manual mode
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS
• Cargo Volume (behind 3rd, 2nd and front rows): 238 / 918 / 1,968 L (8.4 / 32.4 / 69.5 cu ft)
• Curb Weight (min - max): 1,889 - 2,015 kg (4,164 - 4,442 lbs)
• Ground Clearance: 208 mm (8.2 in)
• Fuel Economy (preliminary city/hwy): 14.7 / 11.8 L/100 km (16 / 20 mpg) (V8 AWD)
• Warranty (mo/km): 48/80,000 comprehensive
• Direct Competitors: Audi A4, Acura 3.2 TL, BMW 3-Series, Chrysler 300M, Infiniti I35, Lexus ES 300, Lincoln LS, Mazda Millenia, Nissan Maxima, Saab 9-5, VW Passat, Volvo S60
• Web Site: www.gmcanada.com