DecodedCars2006 Cadillac XLR
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2006 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 8 similar 2006 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2006 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), 3% worse than the 2006 two seaters average of 18.6 MPG, for an estimated $4,550 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2006
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2005 XLR — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2005; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2005 XLR →
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 | -3% | $4,550 | 494 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2006 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2006 Cadillac XLR under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2006 two seaterss
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 Cadillac XLR (this car) | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Porsche Boxster | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Porsche Cayman | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Lexus SC | 19 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLR | 13 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Jaguar XKR | 17 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2006 Cadillac XLR.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2006 Cadillac XLR is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2006 Cadillac XLR buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Electrical System — 2 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 2 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 1 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 45,000 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 2006 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 →