DecodedCars2005 Cadillac XLR
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.
- Class
- Two Seaters
- Body styles
- Roadster 2dr Conv RWD
- Engines
- 4.6L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 18 combined · 15 city / 23 hwy
- Length
- 177.6 in
- Curb weight
- 3,646 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 12 similar 2005 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
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.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 18 MPG combined (15 city / 23 highway), 2% worse than the 2005 two seaters average of 18.3 MPG, for an estimated $4,550 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 21 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the structure.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roadster 2dr Conv RWD | 177.6 in | 72.4 in | 50.4 in | 105.9 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 3,646 lb | 49/51 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XLR | 4.6L 8-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 23 / 18 | -2% | $4,550 | 494 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2005 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2005 Cadillac XLR under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2005 two seaterss
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Cadillac XLR (this car) | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 BMW 3 Series | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Acura NSX | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Porsche Boxster | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Lexus SC | 18 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR | 13 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2005 Cadillac XLR.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2005 Cadillac XLR is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2005 Cadillac XLR buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Structure › Body — 10 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Exterior Lighting — 2 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 2 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 75,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2005 Cadillac XLR. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other XLR years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Cadillac. How we calculate this →