Long-Term Road Tests

Oregon is in our rear view mirror today as we head south for home in the 2007 Cadillac SRX. If there has been one recurring theme so far, it's this: the SRX drives very nicely, but the navigation system isn't good.

If you don't want to read my Navigation rant simply skip to the bottom to see the fuel economy tally. You've been warned.

5 or 6 = the number of times the system instructed us to turn onto non-existant roads, or onto single track dirt roads. In one case the system did this needlessly, as the years-old paved road I was on went directly to our destination. And yes, off-road mode was set to "off".

3 = the number of times we exited the freeway following the navigation POI to stations identified as Shell or Mobil stations (our only cards) only to find out that the stations sold some other brand of gas - and had for several years.

4 = the number of times we were routed the wrong way on a one way street or directed to turn left where that possibility didn't exist or was illegal.

10 or 11 = the number of times we wanted to add a waypoint while underway, but couldn't because the system has been programmed to prohibit this operation - even if a passenger is present.

2 = the number of times we wanted to change the routing from "shortest" to "fastest", but couldn't. Apparently, one has to delete the entire route and re-enter it to do this with the SRX's Denso system. And, of course, this too has to be done when stopped.

1  = the number of times my wife wanted to punch up a rest area POI to find a comfort stop - but couldn't because adding POI categories beyong the 6 chosen by the factory is another feature that is greyed-out until you stop the car.

     while moving, no "more" option                  expanded menu when parked

Too many to count = the number of times I tried to figure out how to silence the "beep" that accompanies zoom commands so I wouldn't distrurb sleeping passengers. On this one, you can silence the guidance voice, but not that blasted beep.

We found many database errors, several of which could have gotten us into trouble had we blindly followed them. Donwright necessary features (for my money anyway) are unavailable when the car is in motion. Passenger detection systems exist in all cars, but to my knowledge no carmaker is taking advantage of this to allow expanded in-motion usage.

I'll save my money and stick with paper maps and a suction cup aftermarket unit that will let my passenger/navigator do what is needed when it's needed. Besides, stereo system controls are usually much simpler and straightforward when they're not mixed up with navigation controls and a screen. 

Fuel added (3 more tanks): 903.7 miles, 44.7 gallons for 20.2 miles per gallon

Dan Edmunds, Director of Vehicle Testing @ 22,579 miles