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:
Showing 121 through 130 of 410.00-
2001 Jag S type - 2001 Jaguar S-Type
By Andyman - November 24 - 10:00 amI have never had this much fun driving! The exterior gets people to turn and look and I get a lot of thumbs up from other drivers. The drop down to passing gear is a little hesitant but acceleration more than makes up for it. The premium sound system rocks. The rear view mirrior shakes with the volume at 50%. The best part of driving this machine is how it handles on curvey, hilly roads. This car has far exceeded my expectations.
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Save your money - 2001 Jaguar S-Type
By miKE - November 15 - 10:00 amIve always had Luxury cars. This one drives me nuts. Have 24000 miles, and it is at the dealers everyh month. Had 4 radios installed. Still every time I hit a bump it jumps from FM to AM or my CD. Passenger door remote works 1/2/ the time. Air conditionere blew out, took 8 days to get parts. Low inventory at dealers for any parts. Cant wait to buy an Acura
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In and out of the shop constantly - 2004 Jaguar S-Type
By CHRIS - October 5 - 4:43 amThis is a beautiful car. If it only ran as good as it looks. I had a 2001 S Type which was an excellent car. However, the reliability went south on this one. It has been in the shop many times - sometimes for weeks. Jaguar was not particularly responsive or compassionate about selling me a lemon. I wont buy another jaguar.
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New to Jaguar - and Loving It! - 2003 Jaguar S-Type
By Marketman - September 14 - 10:00 amI just leased a 2003 S-Type V8 as my new company vehicle and Im very impressed so far. The car looks great, commands a ton of respect and goes much quicker than I would have imagined. The fuel economy is not great and Ive noticed the brake dust problem as well but it sure is a heck of a lot of fun to drive!
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Massive value in luxury sedan segment - 2000 Jaguar S-Type
By Tranpark - September 2 - 2:00 amAwesome blend of styling, quality, features, performance, luxury, comfort, and reliability. Jaguars somewhat tainted track record of years past is no more; product quality and reliability has improved drastically since the buyout by Ford.
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Run from the 2000 S-type 3.0 - 2000 Jaguar S-Type
By S Type Owner - August 31 - 1:33 amAfter reading the other reviews in here (very few of which were positive) I can concur with almost everything. This car, though gorgeous, is a mechanical nightmare. I bought mine used, its almost paid off, and I will get rid of it asap. If you ever by an s- type 3.0, youd better have a great warranty to fix the common issues seen on almost all s types eventually: (coils fail, o2 sensors fail, coolant seals fail, headlights fail, headliner falls, oil leaks, transmission problems, weak brakes, plastic parts eventually fail, rear window tracks fail.) if you do your research (like I should have) youll see negative comments all over the web about this model car. Buy it if you can afford many repairs!
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SUPER JAGUAR! - 2006 Jaguar S-Type
By PCardali - August 24 - 6:06 amThe 2006 S-Type R is one of the worlds most underrated cars. With 400hp the car defines "Performance Luxury Sedan". The cars power and handling will amaze you the first time you drive it but the luxury and styling will make you fall in love. Technically the car has everything that any car lover would want: Nav system, Bluetooth compatible, satellite radio without the hassle and annoyance of the German brands. Avoid the iDrive! The cars interior has improved in terms of the quality of the materials compared to earlier models. This is my 2nd STypeR and I love this one even more. Jaguars STypeR is the automotive equivalent to Clark Kent--underneath the surface lies something SUPER.
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my jagur - 2004 Jaguar S-Type
By althemac - August 21 - 10:00 amthis vehicle is not only sleek looking but performs as well as it looks. the price is not to far out of line considering that you are purchasing a work of art. nothing else compares
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My first Jag - 2000 Jaguar S-Type
By Patti Tolbert - August 20 - 10:40 amI bought this car used and also took out an extended warranty after hearing some scary stories about Jags. But after fixing some initial problems, I have had nothing but great fun and reliability from this car! Everyone loves the way it looks of course. And I drive a lot so the comfort of the ride is something that I really appreciate. I have had an MG in the past so I was used to "babying" a car and expected to have to baby the Jag, but it has been babying ME!!
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Smooth Rocket - 2005 Jaguar S-Type
By WileCoyote - August 9 - 6:56 amMake no mistake, this car is a worthy adversary for the M5 and E55. The latter may be faster but the Jaguar gives you a great deal of power for less money. This car can easily get 25 mpg on the highway - not bad for a supercharged car. A great car that keeps getting better,
