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 very good cat - 2005 Jaguar S-Type
  By Maria Parelta - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I recently purchased this vehicle in July and I have been in heaven ever since. I just love this car so much that I look for reasons to drive. Everything is so perfect and the car screams luxury and british carm. People have complained about the reliability of Jaguar and I think that they are wrong. This car feels safe and reliable and is powerful.

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  SO FAR SO GOOD - 2003 Jaguar S-Type
  By RUBES - January 20 - 10:00 am

  HAD BMWS AND MERCEDES IN THE PAST. FIRST JAG AND SO FAR I LOVE IT. EVERYTHING WORKS ALTHOUGH SO FAR THE GAS MILEAGE ISNT SO HOT. AVE. 21 MILES/GAL. THE ONLY TIME I SEE THE DEALER IS WHEN I GO FOR A WASH I THINK ITS THE BEST LOOKING SEDAN ON THE ROAD. CHANGED TO JAG CAUSE I GOT FED UP WITH GETTING RIPPED OFF EVERYTIME I WENT IN FOR MERCEDES SERVICE. THE DEALER WAS ARROGANT. HE THOUGHT HE MUST BE SELLING POPE MOBILES. YOU MIGHT AS WELL HAND HIM YOUR WALLET WHEN YOU ENTER THE SERVICE AREA. ALSO HAD FOUR MERCEDES AND WITH EACH ONE THE QUALITY PROGRESSIVELY WENT DOWN.

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  Dream Car - 2005 Jaguar S-Type
  By ThomasE - January 18 - 7:56 pm

  I love this car. I have only had it for three weeks and its so much fun to drive I cant stay out of it. I find excuses to drive somewhere/anywhere. Best looking car on the road and the performance is outstanding. Almost perfect blend of luxury and performance. I picked this car over MB, BMW, Lexus, Audi, and all the Infinitis. I made the right choice.

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  do not judge car by its goods looks - 2000 Jaguar S-Type
  By g d P - January 12 - 2:00 am

  totally disappointing in reliability. constant trip to the shop ... water pump , air conditioning ,door opening problems . never again!

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  Wonderful Car!! 2002 Best Year Yet!! - 2002 Jaguar S-Type
  By katee314 - January 4 - 3:36 am

  I have had my Jaguar for about 22 months. It has been excellent to drive and thrill to ride in. Interior should be a little more roomier in the rear. I love the memory seats and dual temperature settings. Not to mention the heated seats are wonderful. I do wish it had remote starting. I agree it is the best looking car I have seen. Even for the newer model cars for 2006/2007.

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  Jaguar S type 4.2 Sport package - 2003 Jaguar S-Type
  By R. Leverson - December 31 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car a short time and put 2500 miles on it. This was more than enough to tell I made a good choice. It handles like it should have no fenders and paddle shifters (just kidding). Seriously the best handling sedan I have ever driven and I have owned three BMWs in the past 15 years plus a cadillac STS which was somewhat of a dissapointment in all respects. This car has looks,performance, and handling. What more could you want.

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  A beautiful experience - 2005 Jaguar S-Type
  By Nick Stafford - December 27 - 1:16 pm

  I moved from Mercedes to Jaguar and will not go back. I cannot fault the S- Type in any way and it looks beautiful. It will certainly be a classic one day, but for now it has everything for today. The build quality is perfect. The performance is powerful for a large compact. The sat nav and other extras are very practical and integral to the design. Driving it is as smooth and responsive as any Mercedes or BMW I have ever owned. The interior leather and wood trim is classy. Also the reliability data for Jaguar are as good as any other luxury car and I hope this becomes reflected in the resale figures. Full marks Jaguar.

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  S-Type Review - 2001 Jaguar S-Type
  By 01JagSType - December 21 - 3:16 am

  The Jaguar S-Type has treated me well the past 5 years I have owned it. However, minor technical problems do come up now and then. Its a good idea to get the extended warranty after end. Acceleration is not on par with MB, but handling is superb. The styling is more appealing than most. Interior quality is excellent, and even better with the 03 Revised models. The 19/24 fuel economy is just average. The car definately is a head turner, but it is quickly silenced with electrical headaches. I do suggest this car as long as it is an 03 or newer model. I plan to try trade it in for jaguars new XK. Overall, this car has met my demands and I can reccomend it.

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  A real head turner - 2003 Jaguar S-Type
  By billnov20 - December 6 - 8:00 pm

  Bought this British Racing Green vehicle from the dealer with 41,000 miles. Came with a 100,000 mile warranty. Car is immaculate inside and out. Added beehive grille, chrome pillars and side mirrors. Vehicle looks like it just came off the assembly line. Power is awesome, car is quiet and comfortable. Vehicle now has 131,000 miles and going great. Biggest expense to date was replacement of passenger side Xenon Headlight Assembly (leveling device went). Real pain to change burnt headlamp bulb. Bumper needs to be dropped adding a big cost for a simple problem.

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  Its a Wind of Change - 2005 Jaguar S-Type
  By Zaiman - December 2 - 5:36 pm

  Bought the car new for a Birthday present to my dearest wife. I let her choose for any brands and any models (mid size). I took her to all dealers except Al Tayer - Jag sole dealership in UAE. She did not choose any, not until I took her to see this stunning Jag. Had to wait eagerly for a month before finally arrive. I had many luxury brands since 30 years, but this S type was totally the winner of it all. Never had a problem since and enjoy every bit of it. Very good in mileage especially on a long cruise. The V6 3000cc is a bit underpowered but more than enough for my wife to chew. Smooth, luxury and have class. Beats any Mercedes, BMW, Volvo or Audi. No regrets and still loving it till now