DecodedCarsCadillac XLR
5 model years from 2005 to 2009, compared on size, efficiency, safety and reliability.
- Model years
- 2005–2009
- Class
- Two Seaters
- Latest engines
- 4.6L 8-cyl
- Best MPG
- 18–18 combined, by year
- Latest rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns, all years
- Most complaints
- 2005 (21)
The 2009 XLR in brief
The 2009 Cadillac XLR is a two seaters offered with a 4.6L 8-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 178 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,646 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 18 MPG combined (15 city / 24 highway), 5% worse than the 2009 two seaters average of 18.9 MPG, for an estimated $4,550 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
The Cadillac XLR has 5 model years in our data, from 2005 to 2009.
Its most efficient year was 2009 at 18 MPG combined; across all years the best version ranged from 18 to 18 MPG.
Owners most often report problems with the structure › body (11), fuel/propulsion system (4), power train (4).
How the 2005 XLR compares
The 2005 Cadillac XLR is a two seaters offered with a 4.6L 8-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 178 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,646 lb.
2009 XLR pros & cons
Full 2009 details →What's good
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Show all 5 model years side by side
| Year | Latest engines | Best MPG / range | Length | Weight | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 4.6L 8-cyl | 18 MPG | 177.6 in | 3,646 lb | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2008 | 4.6L 8-cyl | 18 MPG | 177.6 in | 3,646 lb | Not rated | 0 | 2 |
| 2007 | 4.6L 8-cyl | 18 MPG | 177.6 in | 3,646 lb | Not rated | 0 | 2 |
| 2006 | 4.6L 8-cyl | 18 MPG | 177.6 in | 3,646 lb | Not rated | 0 | 6 |
| 2005 | 4.6L 8-cyl | 18 MPG | 177.6 in | 3,646 lb | Not rated | 0 | 21 |
Alternatives to the 2009 XLR
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Porsche 911 | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2009 Audi R8 | 15 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2009 Porsche Boxster | 24 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2009 Porsche Cayman | 24 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2009 Lexus SC | 19 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Most common owner-reported problems
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Cadillac. How we calculate this →