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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  My Fave - 2003 Jaguar S-Type
  By Julie C.W. - October 26 - 6:38 pm

  I purchased a 4.3 S Type used in B condition & it needed some non engine related issues fixed. I did that right away. Its a fantastic, comfortable car & it has spoiled me so I will need to spend the rest of life in Jaguars & nothing else. I need to redo the paint on the trunk lid because it faded while it stayed too sunny under the end of a carport. I have a full garage so its not getting anymore damage. I strongly encourage purchase & preservation of Jaguars to those who are reading reviews to decide to buy. You will seriously need to find a non liar mechanic. I use a relative & avoided a huge bill.

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  Lemon or not? - 2001 Jaguar S-Type
  By Rkfd - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Electronically a nightmare!!! EVERYTIME the dealership trys to fix something it causes another problem. Finally, after 3 weeks in the shop, CA flew to IL to figure out the problems. But then there is always more... (Nearly 2 months in the shop in all)

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  This cat purrs but doesnt roar - 2003 Jaguar S-Type
  By Seeabe - September 27 - 10:00 am

  The best looking sedan on the road - by far. Nothing beats the style of this car, inside and out. This is my second Jag - my first a 95 XJ6 was also a dream. I wish Id opted for the 4.0 (dont like the R, I want the chrome)- the 3.0 6 cyl lacks response in lower gears. After having driven a BMW 5 series for the last 3 years, I was used to lightning quick excitement. Still, the beauty, grace and ride quality are more than worth the trade-off in acceleration. And did I say it was the best looking car on the road? This is a head-turner - no mistaking this car for anything but a Jag. I am so sold on Jags I got an X-type for my daughter.

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  I think mine is a lemon - 2006 Jaguar S-Type
  By surfsidejo - September 23 - 10:09 am

  I purchased my 06 S Type last Feb (2011) from a reputable Ford dealer. As soon as I got it home, my husband noticed the door seal was torn big time. I didnt notice when doing the test drive or checking it out, because I was always looking at the interior. Never thought to check areas like that. Anyway, $125.00 later we thought no more problems. 1 week later, husband was washing the car and noticed the lense on one of the fog lights was cracked. Took it for repair, $350.00, we thought we were good to go, spring comes along and we sure cant get cooled off. Everytime I slow down in traffic the AC gets warmer and warmer. Took it to reputable mechanic, $700.00 later we think we are good. Wrong.

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  I love my Jag! - 2002 Jaguar S-Type
  By Dr Nev - August 21 - 10:00 am

  Granted, I have only owned 4 different auto styles, but I have driven countless others. My 2002 Jag S-Type (3.0 V6 sport) is the most fun car I have ever driven. I love the way it handles and despite the smoothness of the ride, I still can feel the road. My only complaint is that the same as everyone elses: Not enough interior storage space!

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  Incredible Value - 2004 Jaguar S-Type
  By MM - July 7 - 8:13 pm

  I couldnt believe the price for this beautiful, like new Jaguar (under 12,450) purchased just this year. Never owned a Jaguar before, but am impressed by the 6-speed ZF automatic (same as used in BMWs 7 series), excellent fuel economy, and though a V6, it really accelerates. Gorgeous interior and exterior - cant take my eyes off of it. Quiet, smooth drive.

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  Going to the Lexus Dealer - 2000 Jaguar S-Type
  By deecee - May 22 - 10:00 am

  Beautiful looking car but not reliable. New transmission required after one year; rear view mirror fell off after one month! Drivers door nearly fell off; now I cant open trunk without pushing down on it. Terrible, Terrible customer service at Towne & Countree in Indiana. While waiting 3 weeks for transmission replacement, I was given an Enterprise Rental car, truly an insult. Requested a $10 upgrade for rental car during my $700 30K maintenance service, and service manager denied it!! Jaguar International was no help either.

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  Good But Could Be Better - 2005 Jaguar S-Type
  By Tucson driver - February 8 - 3:16 am

  I used to drive traditional 2-seat convertible sports cars. Now as a grown-up I buy 4-door sedans that have potential to be fun to drive, such as a turbo-charged Audi and a 5-series BMW. The 2005 S-type 4.2 beats those in terms of visual appeal and perceived poshness, but not in actual comfort or roominess and certainly not in handling. Smooth cruising, yes. Handling, no. The reliability is barely good enough to keep me semi-satisfied. Same for the amount of interioor rattling. Unless the 2008 S-type handles much better better, I am not going to be seduced by the sexy spy photos, and when my lease ends, I am going to switch.

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  The Cats Meow - 2003 Jaguar S-Type
  By John - January 8 - 12:20 pm

  This car has standard suspension and has excellent handling and braking. The interior layout is just fair. It lacks thoughtful displays a dedicated driver needs; eg, the information panels are tiny, LCD panels that cannot be read when wearing polarized lenses. The old J-gate transmission shifter needs updating. The auto on/off lights and wipers are terrific. The seats are extremely comfortable, even in back, where the seats can fold down. Unfortunately the trunk is so designed as to limit access of some larger boxes.

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  What a car - 2002 Jaguar S-Type
  By Bill Weigold - January 5 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for about 6 weeks and if your looking for something different, then this is the car. Ive been driving a Toyota Avalon and was looking to upgrade. But although the styles of the various cars were different from the outside, once I sat in them, it was just another Avalon - and the Avalon was a great car. This really moves down the highway and you need to be careful because at 80, you feel as if your no moving as the ride is so smooth. Its great on turns as if it was hugging the road and although I didnt rate the gas mileage very high, Ive been getting around 21 to 22 miles per gallon. Its a great car if you want to be noticed.