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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  Love the 5 speed Manual - 2003 Jaguar S-Type
  By lawrence - 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.

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  Great Car - 2000 Jaguar S-Type
  By Joe 1667 - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I Own a BMW also.This car is more logical in interior design.My new X-5 died on me only after 6 months.I have had no problems with the S-Type.Much better Navigation and A/C controls then the BMW.Ride is comparable to the BMW.I will admit that the BMW feels faster and has a sportier ride.

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  Tons of Funs - 2004 Jaguar S-Type
  By Yankee in Dallas - May 24 - 10:00 am

  We tested BMW, Mercedes and Infinity. Both liked the Jag better for looks and performance. Nice V-8 for the price of a six cylinder Beemer or Mercedes. Beautiful and very comfortable interior. Get the V-8 !!

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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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  Number 2 and counting - 2003 Jaguar S-Type
  By lschuch - May 22 - 10:00 am

  This is my second S-Type. Traded my 2000 V-8 for the new 2003 S-Type R. What a car!!! Calling the engine/transmission combination superb would be a huge understatement. I cant believe how much better this car is than my 2000, which is by far the best car that I have ever owned. Build quality is incredible, no problems at all with the 2000 and the quality of the 03 appears to be even better. Dont know how they did that. This is now the best car ever.

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  Didnt see this one coming - 2000 Jaguar S-Type
  By Dawn - April 23 - 4:10 pm

  What can I say; buy the car on a Monday and have over $3,000 in repairs before the weekend. The bleeding doesnt stop there. Make the monthly payment and triple that for repairs. Has been that way for over a year now. Been paying $9 per lug nut, $1000 for a starter w/o installation, just lose the key, or have the hood ornament taken. The leather fades in color, the sun roof sticks, and the car only starts when it feels like it. Doesnt drive well at all in any amount of snow. It stays at home, it wont move! My dream is my worst nightmare. Anyone can afford to buy a Jag, but not many can afford to keep one. The parts are dealer only, no aftermarket, and are about 400% more. Sad!

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  Terrible Car - 2000 Jaguar S-Type
  By Hulloimadam - April 23 - 2:26 am

  We bought this car a while ago for around 56K... We sold it for 12k. The worst car every owned by far. Dont get me wrong its beautiful but other than that it stinks. We now have a mercedes s class thats 837264517635 times better than this car. Lets face it... THE BRITISH CANNOT MAKE CARS!!! Oh! and we had a whopping five trannys in it and it spews blue smoke!!!

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  Jerrys Jag SR - 2003 Jaguar S-Type
  By JEROME GATES - April 17 - 2:00 am

  First Jaguar after many Mercedes Benz. Fun to drive Fun to sit in distinctive Moderate gas consumption

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  Mid-Life Crisis Muscle Car - 2003 Jaguar S-Type
  By M Bathurst - April 16 - 12:30 pm

  I have driven a Porsche 911 SC Targo foralmost 20 years. Decided it was time to grow up. Love the S Type R. Plan was to drive it for a couple of years, thengo back to a Porsche. Probably, wonthappen. Class, style, comfort and catquick. The muscle car you wanted in the60s with luxury. Fuel consumption on the open road is very good, considering the engine. In town, I only have my right foot to blame. Although, a heavy car, it handles like it is on a rail. I have not had the car long enough to discuss reliabilty. I completely enjoy the car; and, have a teenage son that is drooling about the chance to drive it (there is a chance - a fat one).

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  Absolutely the best mid-sized car! - 2005 Jaguar S-Type
  By William J. - March 31 - 10:00 am

  The 2005 Jaguar S-Type is unbelievable. It has improved cosmetically a lot, except for the rear. The rear is beginning to look like a ford, not attracting. The interior is what I have to brag about. The new wood styling, piping on the seats, many new standard options, rack and pinion steering which makes a tight sport feel to driving, and so much more (VDP edition)!! This car makes you really feel like a million bucks, as a Jaguar should. I get an adrenaline rush just sitting in it with my hands on the wood steering wheel. The driving is so fun it makes me want to take a 10-hour road trip! The navigation is a great add on, really fun and convenient