2008 Cadillac XLR-V Quality Review

The 2008 Cadillac XLR-V provides good comfort levels, but falls short on storage and cargo space.

TheCarConnection.com notes that Cadillac XLR-V 2008 interior space is a bit cozy. The Detroit News complains about "ergonomics in the cabin, which feels more cramped than the cockpit of the SL." Edmunds warns that "cabin dimensions in this [2008 Cadillac] convertible are also tight, resulting in a cramped environment for taller drivers...There's also not a whole lot of room available. The vertically gifted will find getting comfortable in the driver seat a challenge." By way of apology, MyRide.com explains that the "narrow foot well [is] necessitated by the wide powertrain tunnel." ConsumerGuide tempers its praise of this 2008 Cadillac somewhat: "not expansive, but as roomy as any rival," stating that the "comfortable, supportive seats set low, so entry/exit requires minor effort." Cars.com counters this: “high sills demand some twisting to get inside.”

If passenger and driver space are tight, cargo and storage space are even tighter; the Detroit News suggests that the Cadillac XLR-V 2008 "isn't the ideal vacation vehicle, unless you pack light -- very light...with the retractable hardtop stowed in the trunk, the XLR-V has a razor-thin 4.4 cubic feet of luggage space, which is about enough room to stash two soft duffle bags -- forget the picnic basket and golf clubs. And there's barely enough room in the two-seat cabin to stow an iPod, let alone a laptop computer." With the Cadillac XLR-V 2008 top up, MyRide.com reports that the "long but shallow trunk provides 11.6 cubic-feet of cargo room," adding that it "fails to impress in terms of cargo capacity."

When it comes to materials, the Detroit News is highly complimentary, calling 2008 Cadillac materials "really top drawer -- just about the nicest that GM offers on any of its interiors in North America." Edmunds is more critical, however, reporting "middling interior quality unsuited to six-figure price," and that "some materials are appropriately rich, yet others seem quite average."

Edmunds also feels that 2008 Cadillac XLR-V noise levels are a mixed bag: "wind buffeting can get somewhat intrusive with the top down, but the XLR-V is whisper-quiet with its top up."