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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  A Classic in Silver - 2002 Jaguar S-Type
  By Bob Varney - March 10 - 10:00 am

  After two years, our outstandingly beautiful silver S-Type remains in the same perfect condition as the day it was delivered to our home. (We still talk about that.) The car continues to turn heads and verbal compliments are common. All the reliability Ford promised to bring to Jaguar products appears to be present in our car. Drives and looks great!

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  2000 S Type - 2000 Jaguar S-Type
  By bkalin - February 25 - 2:00 am

  The console storage is small, there are too many squeeks and rattles for a car of this price, and the rear window motor gave out with less than 20,000 miles. The car handling is excellent for a vehicle of this size, acceleration is quick and with the upgraded tires wet weather handling is very firm. I was hit on the passenger side by a Ford F350 duel wheel pick-up with very little impact into the passenger compartment. The car is very sturdy. No passenger injuries at all. Unfortunately, it cost $8000. to repair my car, and took over a month to get the parts. I still consider this a great car for the price!

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  It is not a BMW or a Mercedes.... - 2005 Jaguar S-Type
  By Barry Lee - February 21 - 6:40 pm

  Within 3 months this car has been serviced 3 times for a bad transmission that they have not been able to fix. It has a jolt. Car is great but a problem is a problem and at this price I say go elsewhere. I never had this with BMW or Mercedes and I own all three. The dealer has never given me any confidence about repairs, as I think they are doing this often.

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  Turns more heads than any other car yet - 2003 Jaguar S-Type
  By BuddyM - February 20 - 2:00 am

  I took ownership right after the 2003s were introduced. Gas milage on trips is about 31 mpg traveling between 70 and 80 mph. overall has averaged 25 mpg. Outstanding!! There were a few minor problems but the dealer here in Austin, TX took care of everything in a very satisfactory manner, and always provided a Jag loaner car. It is the best car I have owned for driving on the highway and around town. I usually have driven Cadillacs.

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  Love it! - 2006 Jaguar S-Type
  By RCT - February 16 - 12:26 am

  Researched a lot of cars in this luxury class but nothing stirred me as much as the Jag. Having been a Land Rover owner I wasnt put off by the scare stories about reliability problems. You have to drive these British cars all the time to keep them in good condition. They dont like to sit for long. I love the ride in this Jag. The engine feels plenty powerful to me. I dont know what all the magazine writers complain about when they talk about not as much power as other luxury sedans. A few minor cosmetic problems. The eye glass holder doesnt like to stay shut. Some bracket holding up a cable under the car broke. I noticed that the radio volume fluctuated a bit. Would buy again!

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  What a performer! - 2005 Jaguar S-Type
  By evol - February 15 - 10:00 am

  This was the best performance/luxury car Ive driven. I didnt want anything to harsh, and the R gave the best luxury / performance tradeoff. Highly recommended

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  S for Sensational - 2000 Jaguar S-Type
  By Stephen F. - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Great car. Rides great, looks great, and performs great. This car turns heads. Its style and raw HP blows away all other cars in its class. Jaguar sets the standard for cars, Ray Catena sets the standard for dealerships. I used Ray Catenas "Internet Sales" option to negotiate and purchase my car -- it was easy, pleasant, and way too cool.

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  COSTLY TO DRIVE - 2004 Jaguar S-Type
  By Sharfire - February 10 - 12:36 pm

  My Jag has had the tires replaced at 15,000 miles at a cost of $860.00 and a front end alignment at a cost of over $300.00. I had new brakes on at 22,000 and that included new front rotors. Now at 30,000 need new tires again because the tires are very loud and wearing out even though I have had them rotated on a regular basis. My car is eating tires and picks up road noise. Also, screws are falling out and the cover to fuses under passenger side glove box fell off and the sun glass holder has been replaced three times and it still wont stay closed. It has a surge in the engine that the dealer cant fix. The Jaguar decal on the front fell off (came unglued)

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  Beautiful car! - 2005 Jaguar S-Type
  By Robin Sue - February 10 - 9:13 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned,including 500 series M-B, 700 series BMW, Lexus, as well as Jag XJ. Great balance of everything I was looking for. Love the look, performance, handling and ride. The retro styling is perfect.

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  I love my Jag - 2002 Jaguar S-Type
  By Love my Jag - February 9 - 1:53 pm

  I bought my used Jag with 40000 miles in April 2009. Since then a few minor repairs, nothing crazy, but the ride and the looks are all worth it. Hitting 80 mph is too easy - watch out for the police because I have been at 105mph several times, turning heads is easy with this car.