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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  Awesome Jaguar - 2005 Jaguar S-Type
  By Wendy - August 11 - 3:13 pm

  Rides smooth, I have the new color, Midnight, it looks black in the day and blue in the evening, chrome wheels and mirros, plus love all of the extras, 6 CD player, Navigation, built in phone. I bought the VDP and this one is so beautiful. Lots of chrome!

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  This Jaguar ROARS - 2001 Jaguar S-Type
  By Jim Cossack - August 9 - 11:36 am

  This is by far and away the most fun Ive ever had getting from point A to point B and back again!! There are too many great features I love about this car to mention. The only negative about my 4.0 S-Type is the transmission does lag a bit when down shifting into the passing gear. But Whoa...it makes up for lost time!! The reliability has been excellent. This car has performed above my expectations both inside and out.

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  Love it! Tons of fun!! - 2002 Jaguar S-Type
  By Jag Man - July 30 - 11:16 am

  I have the 4.0L and it is awesome. It has a beautiful black interior and a captivating silver exterior. It turns heads everywhere and people think we are rich. With the right gas it gets 28 mpg with its nearly 300 hp. The quality is incredible and it feels like an extension of your body.

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  Unbelievable! - 2003 Jaguar S-Type
  By Midwest STR - July 29 - 7:40 pm

  This car is nothing short of incredible! Be prepared for massive stares of envy wherever you go. Its nice to have a vehicle that has enough speed to leave, even those hemi powered vehicles gasping for breath. The passing power is world class. It leaves all but the worlds fastest cars on the highway. Plain and simple. This car will stop, corner and then speed with the same authority as any performance car costing over a hundred thousand dollars. I just love this car.

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  The New Jags Rock ! - 2005 Jaguar S-Type
  By PRI - July 10 - 7:33 am

  This is my second Jag. The first being a new 1974 E-Type "back in the day". My 4.2 S-Type is fantastic... everything they promised it to be. A real "head turner". Adjustable everything, great handling and style, better than advertised gas mileage (19/30). I drive more now (just to get it on the road for that Jaguar experience!).

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  Great Car To Own - 2002 Jaguar S-Type
  By VitoD13 - June 25 - 1:16 am

  I got this car, did my homework on it and it was well worth the purchase. I had to put some bucks in it because I purchased used private, but overall the car is awesome - I love it. Fun to drive and having Caddys and BMWs and Benz, I really think this car holds up to them and I feel better driving it because the look is nice, the style stands out.

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  Jaquar S - Great Car - 2004 Jaguar S-Type
  By robboulder - June 22 - 10:00 am

  This is an exquisite car. Love the handling -- and the reliability is great.

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  Love this car!! - 2003 Jaguar S-Type
  By Aaron - June 16 - 9:33 am

  Just purchased an S-type 4.2 after trading in my Mercedes E320. Wow what a difference. This car will blow anything away with its 300 hp. I noticed after having the car for just a couple of days that they brakes were squeaking. The dealership ended up replaceing the brakes in the front for FREE. Something that is not even covered in warranty, so needless to say, we are happy. I love my British Racing Green Jag!!!

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  cal - 2003 Jaguar S-Type
  By cal195 - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Great handling car, lots of fun to drive. Could use a little more power, but good for a V6.

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  Love My JAG - 2004 Jaguar S-Type
  By Slep - June 11 - 10:00 am

  This is my second S-Type. Had a 2001 and opted to end that lease early and get a new 2004. The styling of the car is the nicest on the road and the improvement of the 04 over the 01 are amazing. I loved the 01 but my wife didnt want to end the lease early to get into the 04....and then she drove it..and wow...we have trouble keeping it under 70 on the open road..handling wonderfully.....love the new dash/console over the 01 model