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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  Great Car ! - 2005 Jaguar S-Type
  By Drew - August 27 - 8:03 am

  Great style, performance and quality. Im getting 19/30 mpg! Nav works great. Fantastic road car: I just completed a 14 hour non-stop trip with no aches or pains because everything is adjustable to exactly fit each driver. It definitely has that "English Feel" to it which is priceless.

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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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  Super Sedan - 2005 Jaguar S-Type
  By steve - August 10 - 12:10 pm

  This was supposed to be my wifes car, for me to borrow only to drive clients who might not appreciate the ride in my 911. My excuse for getting the "R" was that I didnt want to cause an accident if I forgot which car I was in. But on weekends, rather than making her ride in the Porsche, I find myself looking forward to getting this beast out on the freeway. Elegant, fabulous looks, goes like a bat out of hell, stops on a dime, seats are incredibly comfortable, and great agility for a car this size. Its a car in which its easy to create the illusion that youre a good driver. My wife also finds it easy to drive at her more relaxed pace (not in "S" mode).

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  Nothing compares with this beauty - 2003 Jaguar S-Type
  By John M - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I am in the process of purchasing my third S-Type. No car on the road today has the appeal of this modern classic. The reto look has given me the chance to drive a Jag from the E-Type era, with the curves of the XJ6 Series 2. The lines on this car make it stunning and down-right beautiful. For the many years I waited for a modern XKE, I find myself driving a S-Type and not the XK8 or XKR. This car is a gem.

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  Awesome! - 2003 Jaguar S-Type
  By JSinVA - August 6 - 10:00 am

  A very fast cat! It has more than enough power and its there when its needed. Comfort is outstanding. Turns are effortless, does not driv like a 4-door. I just wish it would stay on the road and not in the shop. first a fron right suspension problem. Brakes (rotors and pads) needed replacement just after 25,000 mile and its in the shop again for an electrical "glitch."

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  2000 S-Type - 2000 Jaguar S-Type
  By Danny - July 21 - 11:56 am

  I purchased this 2000 S-Type from a private owner just last month. It is white, with chrome rims and 45 series tires, with an after market mesh grill. This car gets so many compliments. Mechanically the car is excellent, the ride is great, the style is one of a kind.

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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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  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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  Great Car - 2000 Jaguar S-Type
  By Dan Shuck - June 21 - 2:00 am

  One of the smoothest rides Ive ever had for the price... head turner

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  Love the 5 speed Manual - 2003 Jaguar S-Type
  By alexb - June 21 - 2:00 am

  Test drove the 6 cylinder manual and automatic, and fell in love with the manual. This cat really moves, and I love having the control of the manual, though I do not drive in traffic because I take the subway to work. This is a great fun car for the weekend. I read that 70% of the 2003 is new and that lots of the R technology dribbled down in the suspension and the frame....wow, even the low end S is a wonderful machine. I am in love.