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Used 2005 Cadillac XLR Consumer Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
46 reviews

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5 out of 5 stars

Amazed

Jetboy, 11/12/2006
2005 Cadillac XLR 2dr Roadster (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
28 of 29 people found this review helpful

I truly expected to have some problems with this car being limited production and a new design with complicated electronics and top but to my amazement it has been totally trouble free for 16,000 miles now with hundreds of top down cycles. I was considering a Vette when I found this, much better choice for comfort while not giving up much in handling or performance.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Bought It Used, Saved Depreciation

qgsm33, 01/09/2007
2005 Cadillac XLR 2dr Roadster (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
14 of 14 people found this review helpful

I looked hard at the Mercedes SLK55 and the SL500. I couldn't afford the SL500 (ouch). The regular SLKs (350, 280, etc) didn't have enough horsepower to really compare. The SLK55 was almost impossible to find used with fairly low miles. Although the SLK55 is a great car, it just seemed too small for me. My daughter said "you look like an elephant riding a peanut" (referring to the short wheel base and short overall car length). Mercedes made a big deal out of their hard top retracting in 19 seconds vs. 30 seconds for the Caddy. My only trouble on the Caddy has been the computer thinking the top isn't fully locked when you hit a hard bump. That has been fixed now via some reprogramming.

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3.25 out of 5 stars

From a Cadillac Technican's Point of Veiw

DRB, 06/14/2005
2005 Cadillac XLR 2dr Roadster (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
20 of 21 people found this review helpful

The 2005 Cadillac XLR has great perforance, with only a slight under steer at 130 mph. With the ground effects the chassis does a nice job sticking you to the road. The slap stick / shifter is pretty cool with the HUD system and the cruise control great. With this system, the XLR matches the speed of the slower car ahead of it until either you switch lanes or the slower car ahead of you speeds up, then your set speed on the cruise control returns to your set speed. How cool is that! The downfall is with the top down ther is very little room in the trunk, no place for those golf clubs to go with the roof down. I have seen a lot of folding top repairs already and miss aligned rear quarter glass misfits. Aftermarket wheels seem to mess up the ride.

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5 out of 5 stars

Awesome

Sharon, 01/05/2009
2005 Cadillac XLR 2dr Roadster (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
16 of 17 people found this review helpful

I traded a 1993 red Corvette for my 2005 Xenon Blue XLR and I have no regrets. I get whistles, thumbs up, nice color, nice car comments from people ages 16 to 75. Truly a fun car to drive and own.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Like New

mmb, 07/08/2008
2005 Cadillac XLR 2dr Roadster (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful

Really love the car, only top does not operate properly. Have to have serviced, but under warranty.

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3.13 out of 5 stars

XLR - LEMON

Rick Benson, 11/18/2004
2005 Cadillac XLR 2dr Roadster (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

I HAVE OWNED (9) Cadillacs over the past (14) and have been extremely satisfied with each one. In February 2004 I received my dream car, only it turned out being a nightmare. The problems started at 430 miles. Lights that did not work, windows switches defective, inability to start. XLR had to be towed on a flatbed twice, back to the delarship. One of the fuel tanks had to be replaced, "check fuel cap" message continuosly on drivers information center. Less than 13 MPG on open road and highway driving. Engine misfiring, engine leaking 1/2 - 1 pint of oil everytime it was shut off. Various other electrical problems. Navigation System works about 1/3 of the time. In the shop 40 days.

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3.88 out of 5 stars

out too soon?

Chris, 06/10/2005
2005 Cadillac XLR 2dr Roadster (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful

Many details were missed in my Cadillac XLR. For example, when you raise the trunk lid outside in the rain the water drains off the forward lid and into the trunk. This causes a damp, musty odor and wets anything inside. The electronics on the car are very complicated and the owner's manual is poorly written. If a passenger who is not familiar with the car is left inside without a fob, they can't get out. This is very dangerous in an emergency! There is an electrical drain on the battery. When my car not used 2 or 3 days the battery dies. This has happened 3 times in 18 months requiring road service. Most of the aforemtioned problems are fixable and would make the ownership experience much more enjoyable, but Cadillac has a deaf ear!

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4.75 out of 5 stars

2 years of ownership

edwestrfld, 06/11/2005
2005 Cadillac XLR 2dr Roadster (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

The car is a blast to drive and always turns heads on the road. I have lost count of the number of people giving me the thumbs up. The XLR has been a solid performer. I had one computer chip issue in the first two months, which was quickly fixed. My car was one of the first off the line, and had brake squeal with low speed stops. Cadillac replaced all four rotors with upgrades. All subsequent cars produced have the same rotors. Have had one chip in the paint on the retractable roof. External trunk release was replaced. You do have to tell the carwash guys the trunk is "powered" and you don't close it by hand. Also has a hidden panel they inevitably don't clean.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Cadillac joins the Big League

Chris O, 12/05/2004
2005 Cadillac XLR 2dr Roadster (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

If the crisp creases of the XLR's lines get your attention right away, then the cockpit comfort and layout just reinforce the fact that Cadillac has built one seriious sports car. It has all the gizmos, and some, but all serve to enhance the driving experrience and not confuse and overtwhelm the enthusiast. It is quick of the blocks, but with finesse rather than machismo. The XLR's handling is precise and exhilerating. The retractable top is an engineering masterpice and delivers a whisper quiet interrior when up, and a head turning air in the hair thrill when stowed. Its clean lines, luxury, and power combine to deliver a grand touring roadster to compete with the best Europe has to offer.

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5 out of 5 stars

New Cadillac XLR 2005

John L Martin, 04/21/2005
2005 Cadillac XLR 2dr Roadster (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

The new 2005 Cadillac XLR competes easily with the Mercedes-Benz SL500 and has in my examination surppassed the it for ease of driver use. Cadillac's XLR technology integration is the best in its class. The edge in overall performance goes to the XLR. The interior luxury is on par with the SL500 with the XLR's looking more modern. Its general styling best in its class. Its comtemporary edge makes heads turn. Everyday driving is where the XLR excels with all features standard except for XM digital radio. In summary, the Cadillac XLR is sitting at the first position in luxury sports roadsters when you consider the price.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Cadillac XLR

SR, 05/20/2005
2005 Cadillac XLR 2dr Roadster (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I have previously owned Lexus products including the SC430 and I feel that the Americans, specifically Cadillac have hit the mark on the XLR. It is more powerful, more advanced and certainly more fun to dry than the Lexus. This is remarkable considering that the Lexus is one of the best cars in the world. I feel that the XLR proves that American automakers can, when they want, build a car that is second to none.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Needs more trunk space

Frank, 09/02/2005
2005 Cadillac XLR 2dr Roadster (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Wow- Car gets the looks, I wish the wood grain would not scrach so easy. Fun to drive with top down. Radio needs better antenna, but sound is great.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

2005 Cadillac XLR

BobJ, 04/30/2005
2005 Cadillac XLR 2dr Roadster (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

My 2005 Cadillac XLR has been better than I expected in terms of being fun to drive and the build quality. I have not had any problems with it at all at all after six months of ownership. Heads turn constantly when I drive by. This car is faster than I can go, quicker than I need, and turns and brakes better than my last Porsche. My oonly problem with it, and this is a minor gripe, is that when backing out of a parking space, the roll bar partially blocks my view.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

My XLR

Elizabeth Henderson, 07/10/2004
2005 Cadillac XLR 2dr Roadster (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

I love my XlR, it's sporty and goes very fast! Although, it has been in the shop for repairs many times! It had to have a new rear end put in, the air conditioner worked on and the speed control worked on. But all in all it's a beautiful car, not for long trips not much trunk space and really not that comfortable after 8hrs. My husband thinks the driver's seat is very uncomfortable but I don't. I feel bad that I rated the relibility of it poorly, we have had Cad. for a long time and never had much trouble. Our dealer is very nice and always has a loaner car ready for us. Maybe because it's so new we just have to get the bugs out.

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5 out of 5 stars

World Class Car

David Toth, 07/08/2009
2005 Cadillac XLR 2dr Roadster (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
7 of 26 people found this review helpful

This car blows the BMW's that I have been driving off the road. The XLR is fast, handles great, and extremely comfortable. I also love the bold design and I have been stopped many times by admirers of the car. Taking the XLR on road trips is a joy, allowing one to enjoy both the power and comfort of the car.

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3.88 out of 5 stars

First Cadillac, no surprises

Fibbidiboo, 08/07/2005
2005 Cadillac XLR 2dr Roadster (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

Frankly, I must be naive. Thinking GM- the large bank that also makes cars- could compete with the finest autos from Lexus, BMW and Mercedes reveals a sudden lapse in judgment. Yes, the Eucalyptus wood is beautiful but the bin doors are pure Cavalier quality. Sure the design is provacative, but evidently engineer imagination must have been worn out by the time they got to the wheels. I mean do all new Cadillac shoes have to look the same? But the biggest clue to engineering misfires evidenced itself on a recent 1,200 mile trip in which the heat from the transmission tunnel fused my vitamins together in the trunk. And getting it to recognize the FOB so that I can start it is a hope/prayer.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

HOW CUTE!!

Car Crazy, 07/10/2004
2005 Cadillac XLR 2dr Roadster (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
3 of 12 people found this review helpful

I love it! It's fun to drive, and a MUCH better can that the SL500.

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5 out of 5 stars

Cadillac XLR

HOWDY, 12/03/2004
2005 Cadillac XLR 2dr Roadster (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My new 2005 Cadillac XLR is my second one. I purchased an early 2004 model and it was great. It turned heads and was enjoyable to drive. I had very few problems with it, considering that it was such a new model. I purchased a 2005 XLR without any reservations. From the perspective of a previous Chevrolet Corvette fanatic, this is an excellent car.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Corvette with Class

Matt Lucchese, 05/27/2005
2005 Cadillac XLR 2dr Roadster (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The Cadillac XLR is absolutly fantastic! it handles as well as my best friend's Chevrolet Corvette, but it isn't as fast. The car looks much better than the 'vette, and with the luxurious interior, is much more comfortable than it. Having the hardtop convertible is the best feature of the car because you'll never have the old rag look.

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5 out of 5 stars

second one

howdy, 05/31/2005
2005 Cadillac XLR 2dr Roadster (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I enjoyed my first Cadillac XLR, a 2004 model, so much that traded it in for a new 2005 model! I have been a Chevrolet Corvette nut for many years (from 1965 on - and have owned several). The XLR fits better for comfort and style. Instead of the old Corvette wave, the XLR demands the ogle of admiration from those who see it on the road. There still are not very many out there.

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5 out of 5 stars

Excellent Car to Drive

greg holloway, 05/29/2005
2005 Cadillac XLR 2dr Roadster (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The exterior and interior look of the Cadillac XLR "turns heads" everywhere you go. Its power and handling feel like a race car. No car make compares with the comfort of Cadillac and the interior seats, by comparison to all other two door sports cars, is unparallelled. Its strong standard features do not make you want to do add ons. This is an exceptional car - GM did this right.

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5 out of 5 stars

AWESOME

caddy lover, 06/10/2005
2005 Cadillac XLR 2dr Roadster (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have driven the Cadillac XLR and it is amazing, better than I would have expected. I got more stares from people than with my Mercedes-Benz. Its just a great car, which few people have which makes it even better.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Birthday Present from Wife

Charley Dickey, 06/02/2005
2005 Cadillac XLR 2dr Roadster (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love 2005 Cadillac XLR. I can change it from hard top to convertible at a stop light! It is a pleasure to drive. Unfortunately, its luggage space with the top down is practically nil.

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5 out of 5 stars

A Great Car - Fun to Drive

LeeRoyLRT, 08/17/2005
2005 Cadillac XLR 2dr Roadster (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is one fine automobile. Quality inside and out. Very quite with great performance. Finally a true sports car with luxury. I love the crash avoidance system, yes you may call it cruise control, but on the way home from a trip and it senses vehicles in front of me in a torrential down pour and I am only going 47 mph and I can't see them. I think much more highly of this option than of normal cruise control. Go GM, especially Cadillac.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

An Excellant Review

XL R Roadster, 05/18/2006
2005 Cadillac XLR 2dr Roadster (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I had always wanted a Corvette and had been looking at Corvettes. I took my Cadillac DeVille in for service and they were asking me when I was going to trade. I told them I was wanting something different. They told me about the XLR that was coming out. When they got one in they called me to look at it and I fell in love with it. It is so much fun to drive and really turns heads. I have a second car and I don't drive it every day. I took a trip to Lafayette, LA and it was a pleasure. It is totally a sports car. I have thoroughly enjoyed this car.

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5 out of 5 stars

Awesome

Gregg LEwis, 08/12/2004
2005 Cadillac XLR 2dr Roadster (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The best vehicle I ever HAd

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great USA Luxury Convertible

cactus ldy, 09/07/2004
2005 Cadillac XLR 2dr Roadster (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

What a car,cadillac really outdid themselves. It rides like a cadillac,handles exceptionally well, and is FAST. Great to have a luxury convertible, made in the USA.

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5 out of 5 stars

xlr rockss

sadfgsdfg, 09/14/2004
2005 Cadillac XLR 2dr Roadster (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

my experience in a car has never been better.

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5 out of 5 stars

I Love XLR

Micho, 10/01/2004
2005 Cadillac XLR 2dr Roadster (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

the best car ever... i will never get board of it... in every way the XLR is perfect... im gonna tell y`all the truth.. i am in love with it and it is my girl friend at the moment... everytime i say XLR my heart goes Boom!! for real :) its amazing... but im getting the XLR-V ;) 2006 hahahaha....

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4.88 out of 5 stars

My Blacky

Arcuby, 10/02/2004
2005 Cadillac XLR 2dr Roadster (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

So far all OK. Very Happy

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Fun and eye catching Car

Visionary, 10/02/2004
2005 Cadillac XLR 2dr Roadster (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

When driving to my destination a Porche tried to overtake my Cadillac. I smoked him out of the gate and he gave me a thumbs up!

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5 out of 5 stars

THE BEST EVER

MR HENRI, 10/12/2004
2005 Cadillac XLR 2dr Roadster (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

JUST GOT MY 2005 XLR AND IT IS THE BEST CAR I HAVE EVER SEEN OR DRIVEN. BRAVO CADILLAC FOR SHOWING THE REST OF THE WORLD THAT YOU ARE STILL NUMBER ONE IN LUXURY AND PERFORMANCE. THIS IS A DREAM CAR WHICH HAS COME TRUE.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

This is fun

Jo Ann, 10/21/2004
2005 Cadillac XLR 2dr Roadster (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have been a Cadillac Girl for 15 years, but this is the first time I have fallen in love with my car. What fun!!!

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5 out of 5 stars

XLR is Cool

Little Birdie, 11/09/2004
2005 Cadillac XLR 2dr Roadster (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is a head-turning, stylish car that is incredibly fun to drive.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

The XOXOSled

Debie, 12/01/2004
2005 Cadillac XLR 2dr Roadster (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Waited for years for this car. The minute I saw it,I sat in it,I knew I had to have it. It glides. Cars slow down in awe of this car. I constantly get the thumbs up.I almost bought the Lexus SC 430, browsed a Crossfire but then I went to the Cadillac showroom and I fell in love.The it was. Out of the ordinary.Original!Perfect color, perfect interior, perfect fit.It was made for me!!I couldn't believe the concept car was road ready.I wanted this car before I got too old to look good in it. I get more compliments like "Not sure what's more gorgeous, the car or the girl driving it." This from teenage boys to older men in Corvettes, Mercedes,Lexus etc. I am 49!! I feel like I am 25.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

cadillac xlr

robert morgan, 12/02/2004
2005 Cadillac XLR 2dr Roadster (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

fun car to drive good handling good comfort need to make instructions for map and voice recg.

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5 out of 5 stars

Not your typical Caddiac

JBelll, 02/20/2005
2005 Cadillac XLR 2dr Roadster (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love the Cadillac XLR. I have been a Cadillac gal for fifteen years and my husband is a Corvette fan. If he were alive we would have two in the garage. It has the peppy fun ride of a Corvette, but the comfort of a Cadillac.

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5 out of 5 stars

Great Car

Nick, 04/03/2005
2005 Cadillac XLR 2dr Roadster (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Great Car whoever designed it sure knew what they were doing. It is really fun to drive, and before you know it you are up to 100 miles an hour. Just going down the highway is hard without going about 70 because it doesn't seem like you are going even 30.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

No XM radio

MicksCAD, 04/07/2005
2005 Cadillac XLR 2dr Roadster (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Bought my 2005 Cadillac XLR in November 2003. It was the fourth XLR delivered to dealership. Cadillac had not figured out where to put the XM antenna, which is now located on center of the trunk lid. I miss having XM radio, but will order it on a new 2006 XLR. This is a nice car and it is very confortable on long trips.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great Ride

DrZ89, 06/18/2005
2005 Cadillac XLR 2dr Roadster (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have owned a lot of cars but this is by far the best car I've owned. It is a great car to put the top down and hit the open road. The car is comfortable to drive and handles like a dream. I can get in and out of the car without feeling like I have to climb or roll. The car gets looks wherever I go. I can't imagine ever selling this car.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Cadillac XLR

jabben, 07/13/2005
2005 Cadillac XLR 2dr Roadster (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Everthing I had expected is coming true as this baby boomer really wanted a fast and exciting entry level two seater. It excellent and quick to respond. The oil life seems to be okay and gas mileage okay. I have never been in a vechicle that people have given there thumbs up on the style of it.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

XLR, Best of the Breed

GoVols, 08/14/2006
2005 Cadillac XLR 2dr Roadster (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is the most commented-on car I have had since I owned a 1973 Jaguar E-Type V12 in the 70's. It has power, performance, comfort and (most of all) style. From its front angles it looks like the Batmobile. I am very happy with the car. The only problem is the touch screen for audio/mav/etc. is unreadable with the top down on a sunny day.

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5 out of 5 stars

A Great and Fun Car

Bill, 11/26/2006
2005 Cadillac XLR 2dr Roadster (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This vehicle is not only fun to drive, but undoubtedly it gets the most looks of any car on the road.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

POWERFUL & AWESOME CAR

Jacqueline Gordon, 07/10/2004
2005 Cadillac XLR 2dr Roadster (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 3 people found this review helpful

What an incredible car! All the luxury of the sedans and the speed of the vet! Hope to buy one next year.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Most Impressive

Allan, 05/03/2005
2005 Cadillac XLR 2dr Roadster (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

I previously had a Mercedes-Benz 500SL, which cost close to $20,000 more than my Cadillac XLR. Even if the numbers were the same I would still opt for the XLR. Across the board, this is one of the best and fun to drive vehicles that I have ever had.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Feeling Young Again!

Sandy, 06/18/2005
2005 Cadillac XLR 2dr Roadster (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Now that our kids are grown we decided to give up the SUV& purchase a 2-seater. WOW! The new Cadillac XLR we purchased has made life fun again. This car is amazing-fast-comfortable & so much fun to drive. It takes us back to our youth & it sure is fun having everyone stare & asks questions about your new toy.

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