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, but some disappointments - 2004 Jaguar S-Type
  By TRBaker - June 7 - 10:00 am

  This car is fun to drive for a lot of reasons. First is the shear power and handling. The CATS system really lets you toss it around with confidence. The Brembo brakes are just awesome. Second is the looks and compliments you receive. My wife and I joke about the looks we get from other S-Type drivers and the leers we get from the X-Typers. For the money, I really dont think there is another car that can beat its performance, style and cachet. The platinum silver is just a stunning color. The fit & finish are superb. The car just makes you feel good when your driving it. The gas mileage is suprisingly good for a 390HP car. 24MPG, PA to FL and back

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  Steve Bessette - 2005 Jaguar S-Type
  By Review - May 16 - 2:23 pm

  The Jaguar S-Type R was a perfect choice for me. I have two kids and my dad lives with me. The back seat provides plenty of room for the kids and also for my dad who is 5ft 9in. Me and my wife take turns every morning on who gets to take the Jag to work. The seats are extremely comfortable. I would recommend this vehicle to people that have small families and a need for performance.

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  Buyers Beware - 2000 Jaguar S-Type
  By adsharp22 - May 11 - 2:00 am

  While this is a beautiful looking vehicle, dont be fooled into buying or leasing for that matter. From day 1 we have encountered issues with electronical, steering, window motor, transmission, radiator, the battery and the list goes on. From driving down the freeway and having your trunk fly open to not being able to start the car on soo many occassions. What good is a beautiful looking vehicle if you cant trust whats under the hood?

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  Luxury - 2005 Jaguar S-Type
  By Connie Ernst - April 30 - 8:56 am

  The jaguar is built so sturdy and elegant. It is fun to drive with great pick-up. The exterior is strong while the interior is pure luxury. I love the high grade of leather and the smooth ride of the car. I think it is the best styled car on the road.

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  The S-Type is solid and stylish! - 2003 Jaguar S-Type
  By Eric Erickson - April 17 - 10:00 am

  The S-type Jag, 4.0 V-8 sports model is one hot machine. It doesnt lean into sharp curves, but hugs the road like a magnet on a refrigerator. This car is solid, with no squeeks or creaks. Dont confuse it with your fathers Ford. Dont confuse these beauties with Jags from the past that had electrical and other problems. Ford has focused on quality - and they have delivered.

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  Dont mess with gorgeous - 2003 Jaguar S-Type
  By sv - April 15 - 12:53 pm

  Outstanding bargain as a 2003 thanks to Jags old reputation for unreliability. Best performance sedan under 60K. Has been very reliable so far. Nothing more than scheduled maintenance. Impressive performance, especially if you factor in the automatic and all the Jaguar nanny electronics (delimiter, Traction, etc). Gorgeous exterior that gets looks everywhere. Its acceleration sneaks up on other performance cars, especially M3s and M5s. Interior fit and finish is excellent and sumptuous. Brakes are grabby (good) and stop the car with authority. The mesh grill and fat 275 tires make the car. Supercharger whine is music over 3500rpm. Butt-dyno feels like a 4.8-4.9s car, not 5-5.2.

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  Wow Great Car - 2006 Jaguar S-Type
  By Jspan - April 13 - 5:46 pm

  Best Performing car I have ever owned. Great technology and ease of use. Unlike the terrible I drive on BMW

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  Not The 80s Jag Nightmare - 2002 Jaguar S-Type
  By Nice Little Cat - April 5 - 2:53 pm

  I just bought this car pre-owned for my fiance and despite my objections being a previous Jag owner (1995 XJ8) that was junk, the S-type seems to be a much needed improvement. Nicely laid out inside & out, runs well, but compared to my BMW 528i, the gas mileage on the Jag for a V6 is horrible. Handles well for such a heavy car and picks up nice on the highway. Currently has 85000 miles and looks brand new inside and out! Compliments have been incredible and common. Certainly a car for somebody looking for something different. Im hoping the Ford influence pays off on this higher mileage Jag. Looks like we paid 3 times more then what we did, the neighbors are very jealous!

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  The big cat, built to cruise, sips gas - 2005 Jaguar S-Type
  By spinlocker - March 25 - 12:43 pm

  30 mpg at 60 mph no a/c. Tires were gone at 50K. Dealer says wear on inside is design so it will handle well, no way to correct. Small leak in coolant system, dealer has tried to correct 3 times, no avail. Passenger window has mind of its own, sometimes wont go up fully, pain in the rain. Dealer has tried to correct twice. Think it will stick this time. Driver seat puts my skinny backside (6, 140#) to sleep after 2 hours, not as comfortable as my Dodge Ram seats, but very smooth quiet ride. Extended warranty has saved my billfold bigtime.

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  Love this Jag! - 2005 Jaguar S-Type
  By Dave Yeske - March 18 - 5:33 pm

  This is my first Jag and I love everything about this car. The styling, the solid feel, and the snappy performance add up to luxury and fun. From the muted growl of the engine to the neck snapping acceleration, you know youre in a Jag. Also confirming this is the full leathter interior, including leather trim on the steering wheel, dash, and doors, and the rich walnut burl trim throughout.