Search Consumer Guide Auto and the Web
 

2007 Cadillac XLR Full Review
Date Published: 5/06/08
2007 Cadillac XLR Review
All versions of Cadillac's two-seat V8 convertible have a 6-speed automatic transmission for 2007. XLR shares a basic structure and plastic composite body panels with the Chevrolet Corvette, but has unique styling, a power-retractable hardtop, and different suspension tuning. Base models have 320 hp. The supercharged XLR-V has 443 hp. Both have a 6-speed automatic transmission; the 320-hp models had used a 5-speed. ABS, traction/antiskid control, run-flat tires, and GM's automatic-adjusting Magnetic Ride Control are standard. So are side airbags covering head and torso and heated/cooled seats. A dashboard screen displays navigation and audio functions. Also standard are adaptive cruise control and keyless locking and engine start.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Offering more power and style than typical Sporty/Performance vehicles, Premium Sporty/Performance Cars usually cost much more and have more comfort and convenience equipment. Two-passenger convertibles and four-seat coupes rule the roost in this class.

Our Best Buys are the BMW Z4 and Chevrolet Corvette. Our Recommended picks are the Jaguar XK Series and Porsche Boxster, and Porsche Cayman.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Jaguar XK Series and Volkswagen Eos.
News
We hear the XLR will be freshened for model-year 2009, then fully redesigned two or three years later. We hope to have more-detailed information soon, so keep checking back with us.
   Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2007 Cadillac XLR Road Test
Pros Cons
Acceleration Cargo room
Steering/handling Rear visibility
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

Base XLR-V Class Average
8 9 8.1

No opportunity yet to test base XLR with 6-speed automatic transmission. Impressive engine power supports Cadillac's 0-60 mph claims of 5.9 sec for base model, just 4.6 sec for XLR-V.
Fuel Economy

Base XLR-V Class Average
4 3 4.6

No opportunity to measure. Cadillac recommends premium-grade fuel for base, requires it for XLR-V.
Ride Quality

Base XLR-V Class Average
6 6 4.5

Refined and stable, even with XLR-V's firmer suspension and 19-inch tires. Tar strips, surface blemishes noticed, but generally aren't jarring. Magnetic Ride Control helps provide reassuring high-speed discipline. Impressive structural rigidity, even top down, though one test car suffered a creaking cowl over bumps.
Steering/Handling/Braking

Base XLR-V Class Average
8 8 8.6

XLR-V corners with Corvette-style balance and grip; base model shows a touch more body lean. Precise steering imparts agile feel. Traction/antiskid control lends welcome margin of security.
Quietness

Base XLR-V Class Average
6 6 4.5

Tightly sealed hardtop, plenty of insulation keep wind, tire noise well within reason. Normal conversation possible with top down, even at highway speeds. Rapid acceleration brings spirited V8 growl in base XLR, supercharger whine in XLR-V.
Controls

Base XLR-V Class Average
7 7 6.7

Clear array of analog gauges supplemented by head-up windshield display. Numerous switches control myriad of functions, but are logically placed and not cluttered. Navigation screen required for some audio functions. Ignition is dashboard "start" button rather than key. Old-fashioned pedal parking brake clutters driver footwell. Mix of top-quality leather, wood, aluminum gives cabin fresh, upscale ambience.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base XLR-V Class Average
7 7 5.9

Not expansive, but as roomy as any rival. Comfortable, supportive seats set low, so entry/exit requires minor effort. Visibility slightly compromised, especially with top up.
Room/Comfort (rear)

Base XLR-V Class Average
0 0 .6

(No rear seating.)
Cargo Room

Base XLR-V Class Average
2 2 2.2

Power-operated trunklid opens to 11.6-cu-ft hold, enough for two golf bags. Roof and rear glass lower into trunk, shrinking volume to 4.4 cu ft. Interior storage tight. Difficult for occupants to access small bins behind console while seated.
Value within Class

Base XLR-V Class Average
5 3 5.4

Priced between the less expensive Lexus SC 430 and costlier Mercedes-Benz SL, XLR need make no apology for features and performance. The XLR-V is a genuine high-performance machine, even if it doesn't quite feel like a $100,000 car. Cadillac's challenge is to convince well-heeled shoppers that any XLR is in the same league as its prestigious competition.
Total Score

Base XLR-V Class Average
53 51 51.1
Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars

Low Score
43
Average Score
51
High Score
63
   Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2007 Cadillac XLR Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/16/2007
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
Base 2-door convertible $78,335 $73,243 $840
XLR-V 2-door convertible $97,460 $86,252 $840
Price note: XLR-V adds $1700 Gas-Guzzler Tax.
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
Model Rebate & Incentives Type Expires
XLR, XLR-V $7500 cash back or 0%-1.9% financing. Customer 06/02/08
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 V8 engine, 6-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 assistance system w/one year service, navigation system w/voice recognition, power steering, power tilt/telescope wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, adaptive cruise control, leather upholstery, heated/cooled bucket seats, 8-way power seats w/lumbar adjustment, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel, radio, climate controls), center console, cupholders, wood and aluminum 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 and starting, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/DVD changer, satellite radio, digital 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, rear defogger, power-retractable hardtop, automatic parking brake release, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, steering-linked adaptive bi-xenon headlights, fog lights, automatic suspension control, 235/50WR18 run-flat tires, polished alloy wheels.
XLR-V adds to Base:
Powertrain
4.4-liter supercharged V8.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather/suede upholstery.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sport suspension, 235/45VR19 front and 255/40VR19 rear run-flat tires, painted alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Passion Red Limited Edition
Base
$2,575
$2,408
Unique interior and exterior trim.
Platinum Edition
Base
$6,080
$4,002
Leather/suede upholstery, unique interior and exterior trim.
   Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2007 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 Supercharged dohc V8
Size, liters/cu. in. 4.6 /279 4.4 /267
Horsepower @ rpm. 320 @ 6400 443 @ 6400
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 310 @ 4400 414 @ 3600
Availability Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
   
6-speed automatic 17/25 15/22
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 5/100,000 --
Bumper-to-bumper 4/50,000 --
Corrosion 6/unlimited --
Free roadside assistance 5/100,000 --
Free scheduled maintenance None/-- --
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
   Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Car Buying Resources

Trade-In Calculator

Research how much your car is truly worth

Trade-In Calculator



Used Cars

Search online classifieds and find a local dealer
Search Local Listings

Vehicle History Report

Get a CARFAX Vehicle History... the first step to protecting yourself from costly hidden problems.



What's Under the Hood?

Learn about how cars work.

Learn things



Insurance

We're dedicated to making insurance easier.

Get Insurance



Sell Your Car

Reach over 8 million buyers
Sell Your Car



   Locate a Dealer
    Sell Your Car
Powered by: