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2008 Cadillac XLR Review

November 5, 2008

STYLING | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Vivid styling...looks like nothing else
Car and Driver

Edgy styling stands out from the crowd
Kelley Blue Book

an upscale cabin
Edmunds

The 2008 Cadillac XLR is a sporty two-seat retractable hardtop roadster. If you didn’t know, it’s based on the current Chevrolet Corvette, but is defined by its own sharp-edged styling.

The look is crisp and unique, with "vivid styling,” Car and Driver says; it’s “an edgy package that looks like nothing else," they assert. Appealing to machismo, Cars.com points out that "stealth fighters inspired [the XLR],” adding that it’s “a contemporary expression of Cadillac's heritage of landmark design and advanced technology." Kelley Blue Book contends the "edgy styling stands out from the crowd, a bonus for those who like to be noticed." The XLR driver can apparently feel good when tossing his keys to the parking attendant, as "its styling and Cadillac badge will appeal to those looking to roll up to the valet in something different from the status quo," according to Edmunds. “With chiseled exterior styling highlighted by a forceful front grille,” ForbesAutos points out, “the XLR comes with a power retractable hardtop that enables it to transform from closed coupe to open roadster in less than 30 seconds.”

From the driver's seat, the 2008 XLR is comfortable, and the space feels especially airy if you specify the lighter interior tone. Cars.com remarks on the Cadillac XLR 2008's "luxurious interior, which can feature light or dark eucalyptus wood and aluminum accents." Edmund's observation is virtually the same: this 2008 Cadillac features "an upscale cabin complete with rich eucalyptus wood trim and aluminum accents in addition to comfortable leather seating -- altogether clean-looking, modern and warm." Kelley Blue Book attributes the 2008 Cadillac XLR interior's appeal to "a carefully placed combination of real wood, leather and brushed aluminum."

Conclusion

The 2008 Cadillac XLR is a head-turner, and one will get same aesthetic pleasure out of the interior.

STYLING | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:Vivid styling...looks like nothing elseCar and DriverEdgy styling stands out from the crowdKelley Blue Bookan upscale cabinEdmunds The 2008 Cadillac XLR is a sporty two-seat retractable hardtop roadster. If you didn’t know, it’s based on the current Chevrolet Corvette, but is defined by its own sharp-edged styling. The look is crisp and unique, with "vivid styling,” Car and Driver says; it’s “an edgy package that looks like nothing else," they assert. Appealing to machismo, Cars.com points out that "stealth fighters inspired [the XLR],” adding that it’s “a contemporary expression of Cadillac's heritage of landmark design and advanced technology." Kelley Blue Book contends the "edgy styling stands out from the crowd, a bonus for those who like to be noticed." The XLR driver can apparently feel good when tossing his keys to the parking attendant, as "its styling and Cadillac badge will appeal to those looking to roll up to the valet in something different from the status quo," according to Edmunds. “With chiseled exterior styling highlighted by a forceful front grille,” ForbesAutos points out, “the XLR comes with a power retractable hardtop that enables it to transform from closed coupe to open roadster in less than 30 seconds.” From the driver's seat, the 2008 XLR is comfortable, and the space feels especially airy if you specify the lighter interior tone. Cars.com remarks on the Cadillac XLR 2008's "luxurious interior, which can feature light or dark eucalyptus wood and aluminum accents." Edmund's observation is virtually the same: this 2008 Cadillac features "an upscale cabin complete with rich eucalyptus wood trim and aluminum accents in addition to comfortable leather seating -- altogether clean-looking, modern and warm." Kelley Blue Book attributes the 2008 Cadillac XLR interior's appeal to "a carefully placed combination of real wood, leather and brushed aluminum." ConclusionThe 2008 Cadillac XLR is a head-turner, and one will get same aesthetic pleasure out of the interior. 2008 CADILLAC XLR STYLING | [8 out of 10] Car and Driver: "Vivid styling...looks like nothing else" Kelley Blue Book: "Edgy styling stands out from the crowd" Edmunds: "an upscale cabin" The 2008 Cadillac XLR is a sporty two-seat retractable hardtop roadster. If you didn’t know, ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is the benchmark for this class of vehicle. It may not be the fastest, the smoothest riding, or the most engaging, but it does many things well. Plus, Mercedes-Benz earned its stripes along the way, and the current SL-Class cars prove it. The retractable hardtop operates quickly. The SL is dynamically engaging, although not quite to the level of the 2008 Cadillac XLR-V, but clearly more so than the Lexus SC 430. The Jaguar XK, BMW 6-Series, and Porsche 911 all offer 2+2 seating if this is important to you, as well as canvas convertible tops.

Next Steps:

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2008 Cadillac XLR

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for the 2008 Cadillac XLR

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2008 Cadillac XLR near you

See the Cadillac XLR in Other Years:

2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004

Comments (3 total)

  1. By GREG BERLIN #1, Posted: 3/29/2009

    CADDY KILLS COBRA!!!!

    YES PEOPLE AROUND THE PLANET OF CARS !!!!
    i spanked a new 09 mustang cobra down 7 city blocks!! and how much h.p.?does the ford have
    lots!!!maybe its luck? maybe so?? but i enjoyed it...my xlrv is waiting and watching you!!!
    GREG BERLIN RENO NV...BEWARE!!

  2. By GREG BERLIN #2, Posted: 3/29/2009

    CADDY KILLS COBRA!!!!

    YES PEOPLE AROUND THE PLANET OF CARS !!!!
    i spanked a new 09 mustang cobra down 7 city blocks!! and how much h.p.?does the ford have
    lots!!!maybe its luck? maybe so?? but i enjoyed it...my xlrv is waiting and watching you!!!
    GREG BERLIN RENO NV...BEWARE!!

  3. By GREG BERLIN #3, Posted: 3/29/2009

    CADDY KILLS COBRA!!!!

    YES PEOPLE AROUND THE PLANET OF CARS !!!!
    i spanked a new 09 mustang cobra down 7 city blocks!! and how much h.p.?does the ford have
    lots!!!maybe its luck? maybe so?? but i enjoyed it...my xlrv is waiting and watching you!!!
    GREG BERLIN RENO NV...BEWARE!!

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