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- Strong acceleration
- Comfortable ride
- Competent dynamics
- Edgy exterior styling
- Small cargo area when retractable hardtop is down
- Not as refined as some rivals
Reviews explain that the XLR is Cadillac's answer to high-dollar European roadsters and grand touring convertibles. While the Cadillac XLR offers strong performance and a high level of comfort, almost all reviewers say the Cadillac's refinement and sophistication fall short when compared with the Mercedes SL (*est. $95,300 to $187,200) and Jaguar XK and XKR (*est. $74,835 to $92,035).
Based on the same chassis as the Chevrolet Corvette (*est. $46,100 to $83,345), the sharp-looking Cadillac XLR roadster gets credit for strong acceleration, from either its base 320-horsepower V-8 or the 443-horsepower supercharged V-8 in the limited-production XLR-V. Auto writers like the security of the power retractable hardtop, but they comment that it consumes most of the trunk space when down. Other competitors that reviewers suggest over the Cadillac XLR include the Porsche 911 Cabriolet (*est. $83,800 to $136,500) and BMW 650i convertible (*est. $83,700).
The best overall description and critique of the Cadillac XLR comes from Edmunds.com. Road & Track compares the XLR-V to the Jaguar XKR. Consumer Reports magazine also has a less-detailed review but no reliability data for this model.
Our Sources
1. Edmunds.com
Edmunds.com editors describe the Cadillac XLR as a powerful highway cruiser with a high level of equipment and comfortable ride. Overall, however, the XLR does not match the quality and performance of its competitors.
Review: 2008 Cadillac XLR Review, Editors of Edmunds.com
2. Road & TrackDetails/Subscribe
Road & Track pits the 2007 Cadillac XLR-V against the 2007 Jaguar XKR coupe. Bornhop credits the XLR-V's "superb" chassis" and coupe/convertible setup, "but it can't match the Jaguar for sophistication or refinement."
Review: Thrills in the Lap of Luxury, Andrew Bornhop, Aug. 2007
Roy makes the point that the Cadillac XLR is slower than a Chevrolet Corvette and that its handling is not as sharp, but it says this is acceptable because the XLR is "a luxury two-seater, not a bad-boy racer."
Review: 2008 Cadillac XLR Review, Rex Roy
KBB praises the Cadillac XLR's V-8 engine, Corvette genes and its "slick," "practical" retractable hardtop. However, the review also points out the limited cargo space with the top down, and it notes the interior is not up to the standards set by European rivals.
Review: 2008 Cadillac XLR 2-Door Convertible Review, Editors of Kelley Blue Book
5. Cars.com
Cars.com's editors laud the Cadillac XLR's comfortable ride, superior handling, good headroom with top up and "nearly stunning acceleration." Dislikes include the low driving position, difficult entry and exit, and "scant" trunk space with the top down.
Review: Cadillac XLR Review, Editors of Cars.com, Aug. 1, 2007
6. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
Editors base their current report on a test of a 2006 Cadillac XLR, which is not significantly different from this year's model. Unfortunately, there is not enough data for Consumer Reports to compile historical reliability ratings.
Review: 2008 Cadillac XLR Review, Editors of Consumer Reports
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