Cadillac’s new SRX is the standard of the United States, if not the world

However, Cadillac still has some sorting to do when it comes to the hardware. While the engine supplies plenty of power, the transmission shifts smoothly at all times, and the exhaust note is delightfully throaty, we noticed that our test vehicle suffered an odd whining noise during part-throttle acceleration and that when making full-lock turns, such as when parking, the all-wheel-drive system exhibited a slight bit of binding and grinding. Don't expect great fuel economy if you choose the V8 - we averaged barely more than 12 mpg in a mix of city and highway driving, significantly lower than the EPA's 15 city and 20 highway rating.

It's too bad about the dismal fuel economy, because the 2004 Cadillac SRX inspires spirited driving. The brakes offer excellent pedal feel, and it's easy to squeeze just the right amount of pressure required for conditions. We experienced a hint of brake fade on the downhill portion of our mountainous twisty road loop, but otherwise can lodge no complaints about the brakes.