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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  THIS IS THE ONE....! - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By NOAH KEATON JR. - September 2 - 10:00 am

  ME WIFE AND I BOTH LOVE THE LOOK OF THE CAR , IF THERE WAS ONE WORD TO SAY HOW WE FEEL ABOUT THE JAGUAR X-TYPE IT WOULD BE "COOOOOOL".THE CAR IS FUN TO DRIVE WITH THE SPORT SHIFT AND THE RIDE IS VERY NICE EVEN ON LONG TRIPS.BUT THE ONE THING THAT WE BOTH LOVE IS THE LOOKS YOU GET WHEN YOUR FRIENDS AND OTHER POEPLE SEE YOU GETTING IN OR OUT OF THE CAR,AND THE LOOKS YOU GET WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING IT.WE HAVE NOTHING BUT GOOD THINGS TO SAY ABOUT THE CAR AND THE DEALERSHIP THAT SOLD THE CAR TO US.WAY TO GO JAGUAR OF TAMPA.

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  Surprisingly good car - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By J. Gormelski - September 2 - 12:36 am

  I wanted something everyone else doesnt have that was stylish and had AWD. This car fills the bill. Despite what reviewers say, I really like the JGate shifter. Havent had any problems at all, except the re- programming of my key remote. Great in the winter...and the car always turns heads.

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  Affordable Luxury - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By scgopats - August 29 - 10:00 am

  This car is awesome, it looks great and performs like a more expensive luxury car. The interior design is the best I have ever seen on a vehicle under 35,000. Fun to drive and even better to look at.

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  Piece of junk - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By Buddy - August 26 - 12:23 pm

  I bought this car brand new in 2004. I have only 35000 miles and this started giving me problems before even it reached 20,000 miles. I have spent over $2500 on repairs. Now I hear whining noise when I drive and my dealer says it needs all new hoses $2000. I must say quality of Jaguar is far worst than any other car in the market. Its not worth $10,000 I cant believe I paid over $32,000 for this junk. I would never ever buy any Jaguar ever.

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  Disregard Professional Reviews - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By Al123 - August 20 - 2:00 am

  I do not care what the professional reviewers say. This is a FUN car to drive. Heads turn, as well. Test drove the BMW 3-Series, the stiff Audi A-4 and the baby Mercedes. The Jag wins hands-down for styling and comfort.

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  Good Entry Level Luxury Car - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By Blake - August 20 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. Drove both the 3.0 liter and the 2.5 liter and did not find much difference. The styling is fantastic. The car did need an alignment if the first week and the paint started to chip. Jaguar immediately corrected these problems. I also heard a supercharged model is coming in a few years.

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  Is you or is you aint? - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By alfa man - August 20 - 2:00 am

  This sweetheart is no baby. The x-type is a proud new standard bearer in the small European sport coupe tradition. And thank goodness because I had been worried about how to replace my Alfa 164 being loathe to purchase some hyped up classless German go-cart diminutive offspring of a tank. This is a car designed for people. This car also isnt an American or Japanese marshmallow with leather standard. If you get upset because you feel the road under your seat, this is not the car for you. But if you want a well-built, luxuriously appointed, fun to drive car that lets you feel the road, I have driven nothing better.

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  True Blue but often Yellow - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By KCnHouston - August 8 - 11:30 am

  It was the best of cars, it was the worst of cars. After almost 5 years I still love this car. But the fun of driving a X-Type Sport 2.5 quickly wore thin after returning the car for service and repairs more often than I can remember. I kept all of the records but I dont think that I will keep them in the car when I go to try to sell it because I dont want anyone to see how many times the car has needed repair.

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  Great Car for the Money! - 2005 Jaguar X-Type
  By DonS2 - August 7 - 5:40 am

  I purchased a 2004 leftover for $22.8k. It was a base car w/ a five speed manual. A lot of bang for the buck. It would be hard to find something in the same price range w/ all wheel dive, V6, leather and full power even if it wasnt a Jaguar. Power is okay, especially for a small displacement V6. Mated w/the five speed its more than adequate. Overall I think its a well thought out car w/a lot of nice touches (adjustable armrest, rear fog lights. etc.). I would strongly recommend the car.

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  Nice Car - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By Steve C - August 6 - 4:03 am

  I dont see how anyone could really complain about this little Jaguar. The engine has good power. The all wheel drive makes the car handle well. It has every feature you would reasonably use or need in a car. It has its own personality which makes it feel different from other cars. I like the wood shift knob and lack of a button you have to push down to get the shift out of park. I even like the hand break between the seats. I read a review that said the engine lacks torque. The cars goes 0 to 60 in 7 seconds and has a top speed of near 140 miles an hour. The engine cant be that weak.