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 Vehicle - Time will tell - 2003 Jaguar S-Type
  By abnpao - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Really like this vehicle. It has a lot of "wow" factor, since it is not a common vehicle in my area. Lots of people walk up and look at it when its parked in public areas. Rides great and has plenty of get up and go for a V-6. My other car is a Cobra and the Jag doesnt lag too far behind. Time will tell if this car is worth the money. So far - So good!

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  2004 Jaguar S-type 3.0L - 2004 Jaguar S-Type
  By JDA - August 4 - 4:30 am

  Superb car. Bought it in Nov 08 with 83K miles. It still had 1 yr/17K miles left on original factory extended warranty and I only paid $8,500 for the car at the dealer. Fantastic ride and quality. Ive had $4,000+ of warranty work already to fix all problems (trans/motor/radiator leaks, and rear door lock, and transmission computer software reload). Highly recommend getting at least 6 months of warranty coverage to initially fix problems. Antifreeze is $17 per liter (Jag fluid only). New front brake pads and rotors will cost $700, so this car is not for the timid budget. Overall reliability has been very good though and a GREAT car overall. No regrets!

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  Saloon that means business - 2004 Jaguar S-Type
  By Classic_Engineer - July 29 - 10:50 pm

  I found it with only 16k miles for ~$25k < than the BMW or MB. With a billion of those cars in L.A. this one stands out. The styling is beautiful, understated, and more masculine than the base S-Type, with performance to back up the R badge. No issues at 21k miles. BRILLIANT ENGINE! The flat torque band means very linear response, yet the car remains composed. 0-60 in 5.3s, 1/4mi in 13.5s, faster than youll ever need. Very smooth in the city, but the CATS system really shines when you toss it into an off-camber turn. Its hard to upset this car. Push the SPORT button, punch it, downshift, come in very hot w/traction off, turn in, break it loose, and grin. Then roll up to the valet.

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  Pleasantly Surprised - 2002 Jaguar S-Type
  By Michael Reis - July 28 - 9:10 am

  This is my first Jag replacing my 5th Mercedes, the last being a very reliable 91 300E. So far the build quality of this 2002 S-Type Jag and the V8 gas mileage is surprisingly good. Hope the reliability/durability hold up per current JD Power ratings. BTW, I just changed the rear mufflers and now the V8 snarls nicely.

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  Beautiful 390 HP Jag - 2003 Jaguar S-Type
  By Brian - July 25 - 10:00 am

  Beautiful car with tremendous speed. I bought this car with 51 mi on it from a private owner. I now have 60 mi on it and have the following to report. The supercharger in the car works great, and I love the fact that I can beat almost anybody that pulls up next to me with such a classy vehicle. I also get many compliments on it. Now for the bad stuff. The dual heating system in mine is already having problems and heat seems to blow from some vents when the AC is on. Im told its a $1500 problem to solve. Also the plastic bevel and cup holders in the back are cheaply made and will break. Visor mirror covers are made of the same junk plastic and have also broken. Still like it so far!

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  Jaguar 2000 S Type - 2000 Jaguar S-Type
  By eugene - July 18 - 2:50 pm

  Total reliability for 5 years. Poor gas mileage (13 mpg) in town, driving up and down hilly streets, but 28 mpg on the highway.

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  2000 S-Type Jaguar 3.0 - 2000 Jaguar S-Type
  By Gerry Jackson - July 17 - 1:10 am

  This is my third used Jaguar since 2000. Each one was 6 years old when I purchased them. They have each been better as the years went on. Build quality in the 2000 is much better than my 1994 SJ6. It is a very comfortable car (my wife reminds me of this regularly) and has lots of bells and whistles. We enjoy the heated front seats this time of year (January) and the moon roof in the summer. The car is plenty fast enought for me and as long as I stay around 75 miles an hour, fuel economy is good. So far the car has cost me $0 in maintenance (dealer looks after all fluids for first 2 years). They replaced two burned out lower beam lights no charge. Lights are on all the time.

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  Nothing like it - 2006 Jaguar S-Type
  By skay fayad - July 11 - 8:13 pm

  Driving a Jag takes you to a completly new level of the driving experience. There is nothing like it. Youre in a category all on its on.

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  mechanical problems - 2005 Jaguar S-Type
  By Tonnia R. Hawkins - July 9 - 2:23 pm

  S-Type 2003 Jaguar- I bought this vehicle in November of 2003 and in January the vehicle started giving me problems. I was at the dealership every other week with the same problem. The problem was with the the motor. They had to put in another motor, so obviously I was not happy with buying my new car and the motor goes out. So, after battling back and forth with the dealership, they decided to find another car for me. I was very happy! The car I have now, which is the very same make and model, has done well for me. I havent had a problem. It runs well, its pretty and it has a great gas mileage. Most of all, I am very happen with my replacement car. Thanks!

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  First time Jag owner - 2003 Jaguar S-Type
  By Carlos C. Cardenas - July 8 - 9:13 pm

  The car style and curves sold me for a high quality 4 door sports car. I quickly experienced sluggish transmission issues. Then I started having interior electrical issues that started with the heated seats then cig. lighter now the moonroof is malfunctioning. I have kept an optimistic view that these were just minor issues. I still have a jerky and slow responding transmission after several visits to the dealership over a years time. I have to say that I like the responsiveness on the highway and the ride is comfortable.