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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Jaguar X-Type - 2008 Jaguar X-Type
By coyzan - July 29 - 9:48 amI bought the Jaguar X-Type 3 months ago and quite frankly, I had my reservations about it initially. It was love at first sight, but having never driven owned or driven a Jaguar, I was trepidatious to say the least. How misplaced those reservations were. This is a beautiful car to drive. Its power is exceptional, luxury finishing is good and the AWD is truly brilliant. On the day I bought it, I had to travel a distance of more than 1400km. I had a tyre burst doing 160kph trying to get my destination (I know its speeding, but the road was long and empty and therefore irresistable.) The Jaguar did not deviate an inch. I slowed down, assessed the damage, put on the spare and was away.
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2004 3.0 Jag X-type - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
By Jagdriver - July 23 - 10:00 amThis is an incredible car in the snow. Also fun to drive in the turns. I love the quick pull-out from a dead stop that the 227 horse allows.
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X-Type is pure class and a solid value - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
By JagOwner - July 21 - 10:00 amPurchased my 2003 X-Type 2.5 5spd and it is an incredible car. Very solid build quality, no defects found yet (and Im very picky), and wonderful design features. It really stands out in a crowded market segment, and is not a "Me too" kind of car. I compared this car to many others, but none could compare in terms of functionality (AWD), style, standard equipment (connolly leather, maple wood trim), and price. Dealer treatment has been absolutely 1st rate. You would think I had paid $100K for the vehicle. Concerned about what youve heard about past Jaguars? Dont be. This new X is a force to be reckoned with. A lot of bang for the buck.
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X-Type Sport - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
By KristenMarie - July 17 - 10:00 amI love this car and would surely recommend it to others. It drives well, looks beautiful and is a lot of fun to be inside of. It is great that their exterior styling hasnt been influenced by all the Japanese lines that other Euro car makers are currently wrapped up in. Jaguar should take a look at the interior of Audi A4s to get some hints on how to make the interior feel more like a luxury vehicle though. It is very nice but some aspects like the seat track and some other materials just really dont belong in a Jag.
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very impressed - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
By clipper - July 9 - 2:00 amI bought the 2.5 x type in september 2001. Probably should of bought the 3.0 liter, oh well. Power is sufficient, alpine upgrade a must for music lovers. Great car, so far no problems 19,564 miles, great service at any dealership. I drove the A4, 325, c class mercedes and the decision was easy
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Its far better than I suspected - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
By Rich - July 2 - 11:50 pmI just passed the 60,000 mile mark on my 02 X-Type 3.0 with five-speed manual. The car has about all the options, including GPS NAV and the CD changer. I recently had one maintenance problem with the car and that was the coolant thermostat intermittably stuck at about 58,000 miles. It fully convered on Jags Special Edition warranty. No charge to me. Other than that, the cars been trouble free.
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big bucks,small car - 2006 Jaguar X-Type
By a goldenberg - June 17 - 7:16 pmgood looking, but a hard ride..problems with air bag sensor, squeaky windows and squeaky emergency brake cable. took 4 trips to service, and finally fixed all issues.
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Great Choice - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
By kevsjag - June 14 - 10:00 amjust traded in my 1999 saab 9-3 convertible for my X-type great choice love it. If your thinking of a car in this class Drive the x-type then you will be a happy owner like me
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MY FIRST JAG - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
By TERRY SPRINGER - June 11 - 10:00 amTHE STYLE, THE THRILL OF DRIVING A JAG PEOPLE ASKING QUESTIONS ABOUT YOU CAR. PEOPLE NOTICE YOU IN JAG WHICH IS A NICE FEELING
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What A Car - 2006 Jaguar X-Type
By Paul Worthington - June 8 - 3:50 amWhen I pulled out of showroom and got this car on the expressway, I never realized a driving experience quite like this. Wow. Now I know why I always wanted to own one. This is no Caddy or Lincoln.
