Overview & Reviews

The Jaguar S-Type was always a bit of a throwback. Stately and posh, the S-Type's exterior design showed shades of the '60s Jaguar saloons, from which its designers cribbed generously. The distinct styling also distinguished the S-Type from other luxury sedans on the market, which more typically feature sharp edges and angled surfaces.

At its debut for 2000, the Jaguar S-Type signified the first real fruit of the Ford-Jaguar partnership. Born as the classier-looking twin of the Lincoln LS, the S-Type was the brand's first true competing model in the modern midsize luxury segment. However, any sort of dynamic excellence exhibited by that platform faded quickly and the S-Type lived long past its expiration date. Its once-novel retro styling eventually became synonymous with a brand perilously stuck in the past. As such, one of the car's more up-to-date competitors might be a better choice. Also, you'll want to pay close attention to the model's history, as Jaguar made continual improvements to rectify early mistakes.

Most Recent Jaguar S-Type

The Jaguar S-Type was a four-door sedan produced from 2000-'08. It survived for one generation and there were some incremental changes over the years, mainly on the inside. It was replaced by the Jaguar XF

Originally, Jaguar rated the S-Type's 3.0-liter V6 at 240 horsepower (this number lowered slightly for 2002 and '04) and the 4.0-liter V8 at 281 hp (reduced to 277 hp for 2002). A five-speed automatic was at first standard, but for 2003, Jaguar replaced it with a six-speed and made a new five-speed manual transmission standard on the 3.0 trim. It was never popular with consumers, however, and Jaguar dropped it two years later. For 2004, the optional V8 was upped to 4.2 liters and 293 hp. Two years later, it was raised to 300 hp.

Regardless of year, we found the V6 to be underpowered given the S-Type's considerable weight, and recommended sticking with the beefier V8. Despite the light steering and a soft suspension -- two deliberate traits of the brand -- all S-Types nevertheless felt stable through the turns.

The most important addition to the Jaguar S-Type came in 2003, when the 390-hp supercharged R trim was released. From 2004 to its final year, the S-Type R produced 400 hp. While it was capable of doing the 0-60 drill in just 5.3 seconds, there was more to the R than mere muscle. It was an all-around performer, equipped with larger disc brakes, an adjustable sport-tuned suspension system and 18-inch wheels (19s for 2008). Still, the S-Type R could never stand toe-to-toe with the best high-performance sedans from Germany.

At first, the S-Type's cabin was widely considered unbecoming of the Jaguar name. Both the design and materials seemed down-market and indicative of the car's Ford roots. For 2003, the interior received a thorough overhaul, bringing it more in line with the pricier XJ in terms of design and luxury trappings. The interior was upgraded again in 2005 (along with the exterior), but changes were minor. Nevertheless, controls maintained a certain "ye-olde" quality to them and switchgear (as on the XJ) seemed cheaper than the rest of the car.

Equipment levels were also increased as the many years went by, from the optional CD changer when introduced to Bluetooth phone connectivity in its waning hours. And because it was a Jaguar, leather and wood trim were never in short supply.

In reviews of the Jaguar S-Type, consumers typically praise the car's styling and features. They've commented unfavorably about its small trunk and the poor shift quality in earlier cars. The Jaguar's overall reputation for reliability is also not as good as those of other midsize luxury sedans from Japanese automakers.

User Reviews:

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  $60,000. Hunk o JUNK - 2000 Jaguar S-Type
  By anyjoe - November 23 - 1:16 am

  I have owned about 15 cars since I was 16 years old. The Jaguar was purchased new for $60k. It needed internal engine work @ 8K mi, 12K, 20K and 50Kmi. When I got it home from the last engine overhaul ($1800) the radiator started leaking. After that the transmission staarted downshifting on the freeway. At 60,000 mi I had to dump it. It was a VERY expensive mistake. DO NOT BUY ONE.

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  Nothing But Trouble - 2001 Jaguar S-Type
  By DONT GET IT - June 24 - 7:03 am

  I feel sick just thinking about my cat, Ive had nothing but trouble ever since I got it. The first month I got it I had to get the transmission fixed and now the car goes off when i get a red light. I like the leather seats and how the car looks inside and out. Dont get this car if you want a good everyday car.

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  Run far from this car - dont do it - 2000 Jaguar S-Type
  By nkarr - May 23 - 3:43 pm

  Worst purchase of my life. 55k when purchased and 6 months later I have less than 60k and have had the car in the shop more than 5 times. Replaced evaporator, condenser, 2 coils with the need to still replace the others. Both back windows quit working. One of them falls down. Idles rough probably because of the coils. Trans doesnt shift correctly. Interior compartment door latch broke. Entire dash taken out to repair freon leak. Total cost has been over 2k in repairs without fixing some of the outstanding problems. Every time I see a car like this I say "but isnt it pretty". In other words if you want a car that looks great but runs like crap then buy this car. If you value your money dont.

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  A Beautiful Piece of Crudd... - 2000 Jaguar S-Type
  By Doug - November 27 - 2:40 pm

  I purchased this 2000 S type 3.0 several years ago with less than 40K miles on it. Its an absolutely beautiful car and I still get compliments from strangers. IF they only knew what sort of NIGHTMARE this car is mechanically. From cheap front headlights, to constant leaks, continued engine trouble, poor brakes and constant repair bills. Im looking to dump this car as soon as it makes sense monetarily. DO NOT buy a 2000 Jag S Type from any dealer. At first, youll love you car ... but eventually youll regret the day you drove it off the lot.

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  Nice, but VERY High Maintenance - 2005 Jaguar S-Type
  By JGY - May 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car and the dealer highly suggested I purchase the extended warranty, and Im glad I did. I like the car, drives great, is quiet, shifts smoothly, fuel economy is ok, around 21 avg. However, it is in the shop every 2-4 months for either oil leaks, electrical probs (my wife called me this morning saying the temp read out was flashing on and off), transmission fluid leaks, parking break motor going out, etc. and I have only had it 2 years. The dealer is normally good about giving me a loaner, and they always fix it for free, except when the gas tank latch broke. I thought that was bad, but didnt say much. All in all, I would never buy a Jag again, but I am glad I owned a nice car

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  It is not a BMW or a Mercedes.... - 2005 Jaguar S-Type
  By Barry Lee - February 21 - 6:40 pm

  Within 3 months this car has been serviced 3 times for a bad transmission that they have not been able to fix. It has a jolt. Car is great but a problem is a problem and at this price I say go elsewhere. I never had this with BMW or Mercedes and I own all three. The dealer has never given me any confidence about repairs, as I think they are doing this often.

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  do not judge car by its goods looks - 2000 Jaguar S-Type
  By g d P - January 12 - 2:00 am

  totally disappointing in reliability. constant trip to the shop ... water pump , air conditioning ,door opening problems . never again!

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  Save your money - 2001 Jaguar S-Type
  By miKE - November 15 - 10:00 am

  Ive always had Luxury cars. This one drives me nuts. Have 24000 miles, and it is at the dealers everyh month. Had 4 radios installed. Still every time I hit a bump it jumps from FM to AM or my CD. Passenger door remote works 1/2/ the time. Air conditionere blew out, took 8 days to get parts. Low inventory at dealers for any parts. Cant wait to buy an Acura

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  Run from the 2000 S-type 3.0 - 2000 Jaguar S-Type
  By S Type Owner - August 31 - 1:33 am

  After reading the other reviews in here (very few of which were positive) I can concur with almost everything. This car, though gorgeous, is a mechanical nightmare. I bought mine used, its almost paid off, and I will get rid of it asap. If you ever by an s- type 3.0, youd better have a great warranty to fix the common issues seen on almost all s types eventually: (coils fail, o2 sensors fail, coolant seals fail, headlights fail, headliner falls, oil leaks, transmission problems, weak brakes, plastic parts eventually fail, rear window tracks fail.) if you do your research (like I should have) youll see negative comments all over the web about this model car. Buy it if you can afford many repairs!

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  Bad purchase - 2004 Jaguar S-Type
  By J Simmons - October 8 - 4:26 am

  The S type will make a person financially poor there is always a problem fuel system, a/c system. Every time I go in for an oil change there is a new repair problem.You can never get an assistance from the service department there a charge to tell you what is wrong with the car. The car is pretty and that is the only good things I can say. I will not purchase another Jaguar.