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2004 Cadillac XLR Full Review
Date Published: 6/06/08
Also in the 2004 Cadillac XLR Review:
2004 Cadillac XLR Review
A retractable-hardtop 2-seater is Cadillac's new premium-performance entry. XLR competes with such cars as the Lexus SC 430 and Mercedes-Benz SL500. Its chassis structure and composite-plastic body panels are similar to those used by the Chevrolet Corvette. However, XLR has its own styling and interior, a power-retractable hardtop instead of a cloth convertible top, a suspension tuned for luxury-grade ride and handling, and a different V8. The engine is Cadillac's 4.6-liter Northstar, here tuned for 320 hp, and mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift gate. A traction-control/antiskid system is standard, as is GM's Magnetic Ride Control, which automatically adjusts suspension firmness based on road surface. Also included is adaptive cruise control, designed to maintain a set following distance. The tires are 18-inch run-flats; there is no spare. XLR comes with heated and cooled leather seats, wood interior trim, and side airbags that cover torso and head. A 7-inch dashboard screen projects navigation and audio functions and plays entertainment DVDs with the transmission in Park. Also standard is Cadillac's Keyless Access, designed to operate the locks and ignition without removing the keyfob from pocket or purse. Satellite radio is the only option.
News
Cadillac's second attempt at a bling-bling 2-seat convertible is just out, but there's already talk of a hot-rod XLR-V with a supercharged Northstar V8 cranking out around 400 hp. Cadillac wants to establish the V-Series as a performance-oriented sub-line a la BMW's M-models and the various AMG Mercedes. The entry-level CTS sedan got the V-Series treatment first, but other models are rumored to follow in due course. As an XLR-V prototype has already been spied testing in Germany, the high-power version is being tipped to join the lineup for either 2006 or as an early '07. We'll keep you posted.
2004 Cadillac XLR Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration | Cargo room |
| Steering/handling | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Impressive thrust supports Cadillac's claim of 5.9 sec 0-60 mph. No-delay merging and highway passing, too. Crisp, almost seamless shifts.
| Base | Class Average |
| 8 | 7.7 |
Impressive thrust supports Cadillac's claim of 5.9 sec 0-60 mph. No-delay merging and highway passing, too. Crisp, almost seamless shifts.
Fuel Economy
Test XLR averaged 17.7 mpg in mix of city/highway driving. Cadillac recommends premium-grade fuel.
| Base | Class Average |
| 4 | 4.7 |
Test XLR averaged 17.7 mpg in mix of city/highway driving. Cadillac recommends premium-grade fuel.
Ride Quality
Refined and stable. Tar strips, surface blemishes noticed, but translate mostly as road feel, not intrusions. Magnetic Ride Control helps provide reassuring high-speed discipline. Structural rigidity compares well with best in class, even top down, though one test XLR suffered creaking cowl over bumps.
| Base | Class Average |
| 6 | 4 |
Refined and stable. Tar strips, surface blemishes noticed, but translate mostly as road feel, not intrusions. Magnetic Ride Control helps provide reassuring high-speed discipline. Structural rigidity compares well with best in class, even top down, though one test XLR suffered creaking cowl over bumps.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Balance, grip, dearth of body lean remind of Corvette. Rear-mounted transmission helps give near 50/50 weight distribution, teams with well-calibrated steering for precision feel. Traction/antiskid control lends welcome margin of security.
| Base | Class Average |
| 8 | 8.4 |
Balance, grip, dearth of body lean remind of Corvette. Rear-mounted transmission helps give near 50/50 weight distribution, teams with well-calibrated steering for precision feel. Traction/antiskid control lends welcome margin of security.
Quietness
Tightly sealed hardtop, plenty of insulation keep wind, tire noise within reason, but more top-down buffetting than in most other 2-seat convertibles. Rapid acceleration brings spirited V8 exhaust growl.
| Base | Class Average |
| 5 | 4 |
Tightly sealed hardtop, plenty of insulation keep wind, tire noise within reason, but more top-down buffetting than in most other 2-seat convertibles. Rapid acceleration brings spirited V8 exhaust growl.
Controls
Clear array of analog gauges supplemented by head-up windshield display. Climate controls mounted too low for easy reach or view. Navigation-screen manipulation required for some audio settings, adjustments. Gear selection shows in head-up display only in manual-shift mode; otherwise, driver must look to floor console for transmission position. Ignition is dashboard "start" button rather than key, and getting out means reorienting from traditional handle to small button release on door armrest. One test XLR did not consistently respond until driver adjusted position of keyfob in pocket. Old-fashioned foot parking brake clutters driver footwell. Cabin's mix of top-quality leather, wood, aluminum competes with too much run-of-the-mill GM plastic for this to qualify as world-class interior ambience.
| Base | Class Average |
| 7 | 5.8 |
Clear array of analog gauges supplemented by head-up windshield display. Climate controls mounted too low for easy reach or view. Navigation-screen manipulation required for some audio settings, adjustments. Gear selection shows in head-up display only in manual-shift mode; otherwise, driver must look to floor console for transmission position. Ignition is dashboard "start" button rather than key, and getting out means reorienting from traditional handle to small button release on door armrest. One test XLR did not consistently respond until driver adjusted position of keyfob in pocket. Old-fashioned foot parking brake clutters driver footwell. Cabin's mix of top-quality leather, wood, aluminum competes with too much run-of-the-mill GM plastic for this to qualify as world-class interior ambience.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Not expansive, but roomy as any rival. Low-slung design means entry/exit requires minor effort. But seats top-notch for comfort, support, with power tilt/telescope steering column helping dial in friendly driving position. Large, obtrusive sunvisors cut into open-air feel with top down. Top-up outward visibility better than in soft-top convertibles,
| Base | Class Average |
| 7 | 5.4 |
Not expansive, but roomy as any rival. Low-slung design means entry/exit requires minor effort. But seats top-notch for comfort, support, with power tilt/telescope steering column helping dial in friendly driving position. Large, obtrusive sunvisors cut into open-air feel with top down. Top-up outward visibility better than in soft-top convertibles,
Room/Comfort (rear)
(No rear seating.)
| Base | Class Average |
| 0 | .6 |
(No rear seating.)
Cargo Room
Power-operated trunklid opens to 11.6-cu-ft cargo hold, large enough for two golf bags. But roof and rear glass lower into trunk, shrinking volume to just 4.4 cu ft. Interior storage sparse. Difficult for occupants to access small bins behind console while seated.
| Base | Class Average |
| 2 | 2.2 |
Power-operated trunklid opens to 11.6-cu-ft cargo hold, large enough for two golf bags. But roof and rear glass lower into trunk, shrinking volume to just 4.4 cu ft. Interior storage sparse. Difficult for occupants to access small bins behind console while seated.
Value within Class
Priced between the less-expensive Lexus SC430 and costlier rivals from Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar, XLR need make no apology in terms of features, performance, or presence. Cadillac's challenge is to convince well-heeled shoppers it's in the same league as those prestige brands.
| Base | Class Average |
| 5 | 4.6 |
Priced between the less-expensive Lexus SC430 and costlier rivals from Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar, XLR need make no apology in terms of features, performance, or presence. Cadillac's challenge is to convince well-heeled shoppers it's in the same league as those prestige brands.
Total Score
| Base | Class Average |
| 52 | 47.4 |
Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars
| Low Score | 38 | |
| Average Score | 47 | |
| High Score | 57 |
2004 Cadillac XLR Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/04/2003
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| Base 2-door convertible | $75,385 | $69,731 | $815 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base
Powertrain
4.6-liter dohc V8 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, rear-obstacle-detection system, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, OnStar telematics system w/one-year service, navigation system w/voice recognition, power steering, power tilt/telescoping wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, adaptive cruise control, leather upholstery, heated/cooled bucket seats, 8-way power front seats w/lumbar adjustment, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel, radio, climate controls), center console, cupholders, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors w/tilt-down back-up aid and driver-side automatic day/night, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, keyless access, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, analog clock, tachometer, head-up instrument display, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage-door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers, map lights, remote fuel-door and decklid release, rear defogger, power-retractable hardtop, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, cornering lights, automatic suspension control, 235/50WR18 run-flat tires, alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Comfort and Convenience Features |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Satellite radio
|
||
|
Base
|
$325
|
$276
|
|
|
||
2004 Cadillac XLR Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Cadillac XLR 2-door convertible |
| Wheelbase, in. | 105.7 |
| Overall Length, in. | 177.7 |
| Overall Width, in. | 72.3 |
| Overall Height, in. | 50.4 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3647 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 11.6 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 2 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 37.6 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.6 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | -- |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | -- |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 4.6 /279 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 320 @ 6400 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 310 @ 4400 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 5-speed automatic | 17/25 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Cadillac XLR 2-door convertible |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 6/100,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | Premium Care standard on XLR. Includes oil and oil filter replacement, engine air filter replacement, and passenger compartment air filter replacement at regularly scheduled maintenance intervals for the first four years or 50,000 miles. |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
rear-wheel drive
Also in the 2004 Cadillac XLR Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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