2008 Cadillac XLR Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Write a review

$80,650 to $85,650

Original MSRP

--

expert review

4.3

avg user rating

(7 reviews)
2008 Cadillac XLR Preview summaryImage

Cadillac made only a few upgrades to its XLR luxury roadster for the 2008 model year. The automaker added a heated steering wheel to the drop-top's list of standard features, and offers the XLR in a limited-edition Alpine White version, as well as with new optional chrome wheels.

Other than that, the XLR carries over from the previous year with no changes, but fans of high-performance convertibles should consider that a good thing. In its current form, the XLR offers just about any amenity a driver could want, as well as plenty of power and all the latest safety and mechanical innovations, all wrapped up in an very contemporary and stylish design.

The two-door, two-passenger XLR has a low, wide stance, showing off its angular lines, flared wheel wells, and sculpted hood. It packs a 320-horsepower, 4.6-liter version of Cadillac's famed Northstar V8. A six-speed Hydra-matic automatic transmission provides smooth shifting.

For open-air driving, the XLR comes with an automatic retractable hardtop roof that opens or closes at the push of a button. It takes less than 30 seconds for the roof to retract and store in the trunk.

Inside, leather seating surfaces, heated seat cushions and seatbacks, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, BVLGARI-designed instrumentation, a head-up display in five languages, and aluminum accents (with optional eucalyptus trim) all combine to provide an upscale feel, although some drivers and reviewers have noted that the XLR's interior can feel cramped at times. Trunk space is also limited, especially with the top down. Some reviewers also note that the XLR's steering isn't as responsive as expected for a car in this league.

Features such as StabiliTrak electronic vehicle stability enhancement system, Magnasteer rack-and-pinion steering, and performance-tuned Magnetic Ride Control help improve the XLR's handling, stability, and balance.

The previous year's version of the Cadillac XLR roadster received high marks from many drivers and critics, and there's no doubt those high marks will carry over to the 2008 model.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2008 Cadillac XLR

Write a review
User rating:
by David L
May 27, 2021
The car features were inoperable. The information May 27, 2021
by Paul F
May 15, 2021
Nice color combo with tan interior, love the candy apple red! Most modern equipment except Bluetooth and Backup camera!May 15, 2021
by Lavon R
Apr 03, 2014
0 to 60 in 5.2 is true. Put your head on the head rest when you put the peddle down. Hard top convertible locks out street noise and auto up and down in less than 30 seconds. Large doors make getting in and out easy. and the 105" chassis makes it roomy.Apr 03, 2014

2008 Cadillac XLR Pricing

Original MSRP
$80,650 to $85,650
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
N/A
YoY price change
N/A

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 9

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.8 · Front brake width: 1.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.0 · Rear brake width: 1.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Center console trim: leather · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: wood · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 2.73

Exterior Features

License plate bracket: front · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated

Headrests

Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Roof

Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: power retractable hard top

Safety

Parking sensors: rear

Seatbelts

Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Upholstery: leather

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Spring Type: transverse leaf springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Front shock type: monotube · Rear Spring Type: leaf springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Rear shock type: monotube · Stabilizer bar(s): front · Suspension control: magnetic

Telematics

Navigation system: touch screen display · Satellite communications: OnStar

Tires

Type: performance

Tires and Rims

Wheels: chrome

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Side airbags: front with head protection chambers

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 9

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.8 · Front brake width: 1.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.0 · Rear brake width: 1.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: wood

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: voice recognition controls · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 2.73

Exterior Features

Grille color: chrome · License plate bracket: front · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated

Headrests

Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: HID · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: reverse gear tilt

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Roof

Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: power retractable hard top

Safety

Parking sensors: rear

Seatbelts

Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Spring Type: transverse leaf springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Front shock type: monotube · Rear Spring Type: leaf springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Rear shock type: monotube · Stabilizer bar(s): front · Suspension control: magnetic

Telematics

Navigation system: with voice recognition · Satellite communications: OnStar

Tires

Type: performance

Tires and Rims

Wheels: chrome alloy

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 9

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.8 · Front brake width: 1.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.0 · Rear brake width: 1.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Center console trim: alloy · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: wood · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: cargo net · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 2.73

Exterior Features

Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Grille color: chrome · License plate bracket: front · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated

Headrests

Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: cornering · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual folding

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Roof

Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: power retractable hard top

Safety

Parking sensors: rear

Seatbelts

Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather · Upholstery accents: faux suede

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Spring Type: transverse leaf springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Front shock type: monotube · Rear Spring Type: leaf springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Rear shock type: monotube · Stabilizer bar(s): front · Suspension control: magnetic

Telematics

Navigation system: with voice recognition · Satellite communications: OnStar

Tires

Type: performance

Tires and Rims

Wheels: aluminum

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing

See all trims (3)