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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  AWESOME WOMANS CAR - 2004 Jaguar S-Type
  By Roy Harrigill - February 27 - 2:00 am

  It drives like a sports car. Handles excellent and turns heads everywhere it goes. It is fun, never boring and going anywhere in it is a pleasure. Can also carry grandkids in it as it is plenty roomy. Love my car....

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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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  Great Design/functional/fun - 2004 Jaguar S-Type
  By sue - January 27 - 10:00 am

  An excellent car to drive, great handling, fast exceleration, a real head turner

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  My 6th Jag - 2004 Jaguar S-Type
  By vandy48 - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Vehicle very responsive and comfortable.We are short and it fits us perfectly. Head room s better than previous models for our taller friends.The best most responsive of all the Jags we have owned. Has a real sports feel. Mileage on the road exceeded the stiker mileage.

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  Jag S type - 2004 Jaguar S-Type
  By rx1dxw - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle for long trips.

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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.

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  Amazing car! - 2006 Jaguar S-Type
  By jessrayo - December 17 - 7:53 am

  I have had my S-Type R for almost 2 years and Im now putting the experience on the web for others to see. This is the best car I have ever owned. I now have 80,000 miles (purchased with 40K). This car is quiet, comfortable, and amazingly fast. I was concerned about reliability and maintenance so I specifically looked for a certified pre-owned car. I have had one trip to the dealership for a warranty claim in the 2 years I have owned the car, I have driven it hard. Im kind of a speed junkie and nothing touches this car. I had to get a radar detector to keep from loosing my license. If you are not looking at the speedo you cant tell how fast you are going.

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  This Car Turn Heads like no Other - 2003 Jaguar S-Type
  By Mcellyc - December 15 - 10:00 am

  My experience with tha jag is alsome! This is my first expensive car and it rides like a fighting machine! I think it has BMWs faded all the way. I would tell anybody in the market of buying a car, to check out the jaguar!

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  Still Lovin My JAG - 2000 Jaguar S-Type
  By Dee - December 10 - 1:13 pm

  I bought this Jaguar brand new when the commercials first appeared on tv. I traded a brand new Lexus SUV with less than 4000 miles for this classic, sleek and gorgeously styled "Cat". Needless to say it was love at first sight. There have been very few mechanical problems (none which have kept me from enjoying the great performance of this car). And I can honestly say I have enjoyed the ride.