2009 Cadillac XLR Review

March 13, 2009

STYLING | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

an edgy package
Car and Driver

luxurious interior
Cars.com

an upscale cabin
Edmunds

If you didn't know, Cadillac's sporty two-seat retractable hardtop roadster is based on the Chevrolet Corvette. Editors at TheCarConnection.com, however, find that the XLR is defined by its own sharp-edged styling. The 2009 Cadillac XLR has aged well since its 2004 introduction, though it offers a slight exterior refresh for this model year.

The 2009 Cadillac 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. The design is crisp and unique, with "vivid styling," Car and Driver says, and the XLR offers "an edgy package that looks like nothing else." 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." "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." With 2009 comes a slightly refined look to the front end and a new wheel design.

The 2009 Cadillac XLR offers just enough of an interior refresh to make the car feel modern and new. From the driver's seat, the 2009 XLR is comfortable, and the space feels especially airy if you specify the lighter interior tone. Kelley Blue Book attributes the 2009 Cadillac XLR interior's appeal to "a carefully placed combination of real wood, leather and brushed aluminum." Cars.com remarks on the Cadillac XLR 2009's "luxurious interior, which can feature light or dark eucalyptus wood and aluminum accents." Edmund's observation is virtually the same: This 2009 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."

Conclusion

The 2009 Cadillac XLR is a good-looking vehicle inside and out.

STYLING | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:an edgy packageCar and Driverluxurious interiorCars.coman upscale cabinEdmunds If you didn't know, Cadillac's sporty two-seat retractable hardtop roadster is based on the Chevrolet Corvette. Editors at TheCarConnection.com, however, find that the XLR is defined by its own sharp-edged styling. The 2009 Cadillac XLR has aged well since its 2004 introduction, though it offers a slight exterior refresh for this model year. The 2009 Cadillac 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. The design is crisp and unique, with "vivid styling," Car and Driver says, and the XLR offers "an edgy package that looks like nothing else." 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." "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." With 2009 comes a slightly refined look to the front end and a new wheel design. The 2009 Cadillac XLR offers just enough of an interior refresh to make the car feel modern and new. From the driver's seat, the 2009 XLR is comfortable, and the space feels especially airy if you specify the lighter interior tone. Kelley Blue Book attributes the 2009 Cadillac XLR interior's appeal to "a carefully placed combination of real wood, leather and brushed aluminum." Cars.com remarks on the Cadillac XLR 2009's "luxurious interior, which can feature light or dark eucalyptus wood and aluminum accents." Edmund's observation is virtually the same: This 2009 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." ConclusionThe 2009 Cadillac XLR is a good-looking vehicle inside and out. 2009 CADILLAC XLR STYLING [8 out of 10] Car and Driver: "an edgy package" Cars.com: "luxurious interior" Edmunds: "an upscale cabin" If you didn't know, Cadillac's sporty two-seat retractable hardtop roadster is based on the Chevrolet Corvette . Editors at TheCarConnection.com, ...

Read More of this Review:

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

Other Choices:

The Jaguar XK, BMW 6-Series, and Porsche 911 all offer 2+2 seating, as well as canvas convertible tops. The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class remains the benchmark for this class of vehicle. It may not be the fastest or most engaging to drive, but it does lots of things well, including offering numerous technology options and an opulent interior feel, along with a great retractable hardtop design that somehow doesn’t steal as much of the trunk space. Plus, Mercedes-Benz earns its stripes along the way, and the current SL-Class cars prove it. The Lexus SC430 is another alternative for wind-in-hair fans who still want to be cosseted, but its design is nearly a decade old and will soon be replaced.

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See the Cadillac XLR in Other Years:

2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004

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