Overview & Reviews

Early in the 21st century, Jaguar and then parent company Ford decided to expand the reach of this historically upper-crust British automotive marque. On the surface, the Jaguar X-Type sedan represented a revolutionary step for the brand when it debuted for the 2002 model year. Not only was it compact in size and comparatively affordable, it featured all-wheel drive -- a fact that also set it apart from most German and Japanese competitors in the entry-level luxury sedan segment.

Alas, the Jaguar X-Type's engineering underneath wasn't as newsworthy. The basic steel structure of the car and many of its drivetrain and suspension components were shared with the Ford Mondeo, a regular family sedan sold in Europe. Though car companies with regular and upscale brands frequently cross-pollinate hardware, the X-Type's plebian roots were always too apparent. Even when it was fresh on the market, the compact Jag was hard-pressed to compete with most rivals in terms of both driving dynamics and cabin furnishings. Consequently, the X-Type was relegated to bottom-feeder status in a highly competitive segment full of younger, quicker cars until it was discontinued for 2008.

If you want a Jaguar on the cheap, the X-Type is the way to get into one -- but doesn't mean you should do it. It may be a pleasant enough daily companion for those fixated on "leaping" hood ornaments, but entry-luxury car shoppers with an eye for detail will be put off by its overall lack of refinement. The bottom line is that newer, better engineered competitors offer more value for the money. We recommend that you check them out first.

Used Jaguar X-Type Models

The Jaguar X-Type was produced from 2002-'08. Available as a sedan and later Sportwagon (beginning in '05), the X-Type featured Jaguar's classic exterior styling cues, with flowing lines, hooded oval headlights, a rectangular grille and elegantly arched roof. All were meant to recall the elegant XJ-series sedans.

Originally, Jaguar offered X-Type buyers the choice of a 194-horsepower 2.5-liter V6 or a 3.0-liter V6 (first rated at 231 hp and later 227). A five-speed manual gearbox was available, but most buyers still ordered the five-speed automatic transmission. Note that Jaguar dropped the 2.5 model altogether after the 2005 model year (the smaller engine was never available on the Sportwagon). All-wheel drive, which helps to improve traction in wet or snowy conditions, was always standard.

Like most small luxury cars, the Jaguar X-Type was comfortable for up to four passengers but cramped for five. Buyers should also note that the car's dramatic roof line made for tighter headroom than in some other entry-luxury compacts. The Sportwagon at least provided a bit more rear headroom than the sedan, and up to 50 cubic feet of storage space out back when the split rear seat was folded down. On both the sedan and wagon, the rear door openings were on the small side, making ingress and egress difficult.

Our editors were generally put off by the X-Type's interior, which had an unfortunate blend of traditional Jaguar elements -- wood veneers, supple leather upholstery and a restrained use of chrome trim -- and mundane plastic parts more appropriate for a Ford rental. We also noted build quality problems on early models. Things improved somewhat following a 2004 freshening, so if you feel absolutely compelled by the X-Type, we'd at least recommend sticking with the examples produced for that model year or later. Also, features like satellite radio and Bluetooth were added in its twilight years.

On the road, the Jaguar X-Type offered a comfortable ride for the most part, but the suspension transmitted too much harshness over bumps. Handling was tepid as entry-level luxury sedans and wagons go, and the all-wheel-drive system was slow to transfer power when wheel slip occurred. Acceleration was passable, but hardly thrilling on a car with a mid-$30Ks price tag.

Overall reliability was never impressive on the Jaguar X-Type, specifically during early model years.

User Reviews:

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  Parts nightmare - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By disgusted - December 4 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car 9 months and the drive shaft has been replaced twice, and it has been in the shop 2 weeks waiting on a barrel for the ignition. They never have parts readily available.

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  Back to the Drawing Board - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By Dr JR - July 4 - 10:00 am

  This car has been a total joke (unfortunatly, on me). There isnt space or time here to elaborate on all the problems this car has had. New ones keep popping up ever day. The worst part is that the dealer AND the manufacturer dont have a clue on how to resolve them. The car now sits in my garage where it can do the least amount of harm to my peace of mind untill I can get Jaguar to take it back.

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  OK but Reliability Issues a Concern - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By Peter C. - June 4 - 8:50 pm

  I did tons of research when I purchased this car. Bought for ridiculously cheap price. All and all drives nice, on par with other entry level luxury vehicles. Many issues have popped up including replacement of propshaft, faulty seat heater, grinding noise when braking, faulty sunroof (had to be fixed twice). For price I paid, and magnitude of repairs (small but annoying) I am not unhappy but if I had to do it again, I would probably have purchased the Volvo S-60 instead.

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  I am not happy - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By taxmom2000 - February 13 - 2:00 am

  My x-type has 4000 miles and is going into the shop for the 3rd time. I have an annoying whistle, so they replaced the drive shaft, but the whistle came back. Now I am waiting for a new transmission, they think that is where the noise is coming from. The other problem is with the gas tank design. If the gas pump hits the door spring the wrong way, it knocks the spring off and you cant open the door, unfortunately Jaguar didnt design the car with a release in the trunk, so I had to go back to Jaguar to get the tank door opened before I could get gas. For the money, I expected a much smoother ride and it isnt there.

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  The Swayzee Review. - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By scott swayzee - September 27 - 10:00 am

  my wife and I have so far enjoyed the vehicle. There are some things we would like to bring up. Tires are not up to the jaguar standard (in my book) the continetal tires should be replaced with pirellis. Seems to have a lot more road noise than it should, tires might help. We also have had serveral rattles within the interior. It seems to be a little pricey for an entry level car. I have also drove the entry level acura. It seems to offer a little more for the money. It also is a lot more quite on the road than the jag. We do enjoy the level of service once the vehicle goes to the dealer for any type of service. Please look into these metioned items.

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  Less than a month - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By G Pharzd - September 27 - 10:00 am

  In less than a month (900 miles) the rear end and tranmission have developed leaks so bad the car is no longer drivable. Also the braking system isnt right. When at a light the pedal will go down by itself. The battery box cannot be openned without hitting a vaccum line clip. The cars design is poor at best, but the way it is assembled is worse. I have been buying new cars for over 35 years and this is probably the worst car I have bought. The dealer gives you roses, but after that it is a downhill experience. Ford bought Jaguar and that should say it all.

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  SKIP this Model! - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By sammyg - June 14 - 8:33 pm

  This is not a real Jaguar- Never had a Jag before, and after having all sorts of problems with my Audi A6 (no dealerships on Long Island could figure out what was wrong with the car), I swapped it for the X-type. What a mistake! The instrument gauges work intermittently (YES, sometimes they are just still, reading 0 MPH when on the freeway, etc.), the car SQUEAKS over every bump and dip in the road, the automatic headlights only work when they want to, and the dashboard vents curl up (had these replaced under warranty twice, still curls up! Ive given up on these). The rear park sensors dont always work. NOT acceptable for a $36k car. Look elsewhere when shopping in this category.

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  Not Impressed thus far - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By Smenard - October 27 - 10:00 am

  I just picked up my new X-type a week ago, and already I am having problems with the steering wheel shaking between 50-65 MPH. Drives great above 70 though, unfortunately I cant drive it at 70 all the time. Also I think the fuel ecomomy is below average. You would think for a car this size economy would be better. It looks nice on the outside and nice on the inside, but I dont feel like it is built the way it should be for the price. Kinda feels like a rental. I owned the 3 series BMW and LOVED it, it felt much more solid, the Jag doesnt compare.

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  Fords version of a Jaguar - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By nypsych - September 25 - 2:00 am

  Took delivery of my new X-type in December. The motor runs well, the car is quiet. Handling, however, is not good. The car and steering wheel bounce and rumble - perhaps the AWD gears arent smooth. As a result, the car has very poor feel of the road, since the steering wheel bounces on its own, along with the car freame - worse as the car speeds up. Ride is adequate at low speeds, however. The seat was loose and the tires underinflated and way out of balance as delivered. Handling improved a little when I had the tires balanced, but still not right (see above). Still a Ford, and a great disappointment.

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  2002 2.5 x-type - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By jim b - September 11 - 3:40 am

  Purchased this vehicle from a Jaguar dealer as a certified car. The car was fun to drive and is a great looking car. Reliability stinks. I was in and out of the dealer ever other month with little problems. Until the big one happen. 2 1/2 years later after I purchased my car I brought it in because of rust that I found along the rocker panel on both sides of the car. 1 month later the dealer came back to me saying that the car was not repairable. Jaguar purchased back the car from me. The dealer told me that this was a design problem and it was fixed in later year models. 2004 or newer. I purchased a 2005 3.0 x-type bacause of the after market accessories that I had on my 02.