2004 Cadillac SRX Road Test

Other positives include "UltraView", the largest glass sunroof in the category and quite possibly in existence at all, at 1.7 m (5.6 ft) in length. The option opens the SRX up to convertible-like aeration, a nice addition when the sun is shining and maybe even more appreciated with the glass closed but the power sunshade opened to brighten an otherwise dreary day. An "UltraView Plus" upgrade adds a vented glass roof and power sunshade over the third row seat as well, for extremely spoiled kiddies. As great as either option is, again Cadillac's so-so attention to detail spoils the sunroof's perimeter with a cheap looking thick rubber molding to finish off its edges.

A big plus for the SRX is its "UltraView" feature, the largest glass sunroof in the category and quite possibly in existence at all. (Photo: General Motors)

I'm really impressed with the rear seat DVD entertainment system that integrates the audio/visual interface and flip-up monitor into the back of the front center console. While it makes viewing from the 3rd seat difficult, potentially creating family feuds of monumental proportions, it gets the screen off of its usual roof-mounting point that obstructs rearward vision. Wireless headphones are included in the package.

I'm really impressed with the SRX's rear seat DVD entertainment system. (Photo: General Motors)

While sorting out a high-tech piece of audio-visual equipment is usually a stretch for my less than mechanical brain, I didn't expect the same challenges attempting to figure out the SRX's various electronic systems. For instance, on a certain drizzling day all I wanted to do was turn on the rear wiper. That shouldn't be a problem, right? I suppose if I had the sales representative explain to me where to find the 3-way button, up on the roof beside the sunroof controls, I wouldn't have spent 15 minutes attempting to find it while nearly driving off the road. Why didn't GM integrate it into the wiper stalk like the majority of its competitors do? Probably a cost savings issue. The result is the need to stab at the ceiling every time you want to turn the rear washer/wiper on or off if you don't want to take your eyes off the road, hardly a premium experience.