2009 Cadillac XLR
- Used Cadillac XLR
Cadillac XLR - What the Auto Press Says
The 2009 Cadillac XLR is a fast and powerful sports roadster. However, it can't keep pace with the competition's combination of visceral performance and super luxury.
The XLR was introduced in 2004 to compete with such super luxury sports roadsters as the Mercedes-Benz SL. Lending credibility to this endeavor, the XLR shares its chassis with the powerful Chevy Corvette. Test drivers, however, report time and time again that the XLR can't quite match the sporty handling dynamics of other competitors in this class. Nevertheless, it's still a powerful, fast and exciting ride.
If you've got your eyes on a new XLR, now is the time to act fast. Having recently filed for bankruptcy, General Motors is working to restructure its holdings. As such, it has decided to discontinue the XLR at the end of 2009. Commenting on the Caddy's poor sales, the Orlando Sentinel writes, "I'd submit that the XLR is more a victim of the times than anything else, because it's an excellent car." Buy a 2009 model before November 30 and take advantage of GM's new 60-day money-back guarantee.
There are two trims of the XLR: the Platinum and high-performance XLR-V.
- "Built alongside the Chevy Corvette to which it is closely related, the XLR is a limited production folding-hardtop roadster that distinguishes itself with its crisp styling and its exclusivity. The XLR can't quite match the refinement of the Mercedes-Benz SL, but it costs a lot less." -- Car and Driver
- "The 2009 Cadillac XLR boasts respectable performance and a fine highway demeanor along with its eye-catching design. Still, its lackluster handling and hit-or-miss interior craftsmanship put it at a disadvantage in the very competitive luxury roadster segment." -- Edmunds
- "Continuing as Cadillac's only open-air offering, the XLR competes with other long-established premium convertibles in a battle to regain the company's world-class status. With a potent V8 engine, a Corvette-derived chassis and a retractable hardtop as slick as it is practical, the XLR is certainly a contender." -- Kelley Blue Book
- "The XLR is a fine luxury sports car for those to whom style and panache are important. While the Corvette is still the champion of American high-performance sports cars the XLR is its mighty sophisticated cousin -- just the right choice to explore the Gold Coast on a summer day." -- The Auto Channel
XLR Performance - 7.9 (Good)
Test drivers, on balance, are impressed with the XLR's performance abilities. In fact, Cars.com writes, "With a low driving position like Chevrolet's Corvette, the XLR is one sweet road machine." Still, at least one reviewer criticizes Cadillac for tuning the ride too comfortably. Read More
XLR Exterior - 9.0 (Excellent)
Critics admire the XLR's bold exterior design. Kelley Blue Book writes, "Edgy styling stands out from the crowd, a bonus for those who like to be noticed." Not surprisingly, its automatic retractable hard top is a reviewer favorite. Read More
XLR Interior - 7.0 (Good)
The XLR's cabin is criticized for its subpar materials and lack of cargo room, especially when its retractable hard top is lowered. Read More
XLR Safety - NA
The XLR has not yet been crash tested by the federal government or insurance industry, but features such modern safety equipment as seat-mounted side-impact air bags and a StabiliTrak stability control system. Read More
XLR Reliability - 8.0 (Very Good)
The 2009 Cadillac XLR reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The XLR carries a five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Also offered is five-years or 100,000-miles of 24/7 roadside assistance and courtesy transportation. Read More
