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 initial thoughts - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By DAC17 - April 1 - 8:00 am

  Had the car for about a month. No problems with it. Had at least 10 people (unasked) tell me how much they loved the looks of the car. The interior is typical Brit; gorgeous and aromatic! Great lease deals going on; interest rates about 1.6%, and good discounts. Early reviews in Edmunds probably didnt help residuals (not that Jags are very good residual-wise anyway)

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  Underrated Cat - 2005 Jaguar X-Type
  By Filmwritin - March 23 - 9:20 am

  I read lots of pros and cons on the Jags before the purchase, but proceeded after a test drive. No regrets. The car is quick and nimble. It handles like a dream and has all the creature comforts necessary to survive the speeds of L.A. commuting, along with the parking-lot nature of the rush hour. Kudos to Ford/Jag for refining this model.

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  Wagon is superior to x-type sedan - 2005 Jaguar X-Type
  By roger - March 21 - 7:43 am

  This is second x-type (first was sedan)- this is an awesome car, and we love driving it- great power, great handling, and love the style. Its roomier than the sedan (in the back) and the storage capacity is wonderful. The styling is excellent, and it sets you apart from the crowd. Dealership is great to work with, and service is excellent. Highly recommend this car as it comes with all comforts without the confusion of myriad of option packages. Get the nav system and bluetooth

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  Elegant Cat, Undeserved Poor Review! - 2007 Jaguar X-Type
  By Jaffrey - March 19 - 1:00 pm

  The typical herd mentality of reviews is on full display here. For instance: 1. Reviewer claims the X type lacks power. Yet it offers more power than both the competing BMW 328xi and Mercedes C280 4 Matic. 2. Reviewer claims interior is cheap. Yet both BMW and Mercedes ship with Leatherette seats (that is vinyl) and the C280 in particular has cheap chrome around the drink holders that flake off. The interior of the x type is real leather and plastic at least as good as the competitor 3. The x type has better 0-60 acceleration than both the BMW 328xi and C280 4 Matic. I am glad I bought one after test driving the competition. Its beautifully to look at and drive.

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  Beautiful and an excellent value - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By Minimac - March 10 - 5:10 pm

  I purchased this car used from the local Jaguar dealer with the 6 year 100,000 mile certified warranty, which made this car an incredible value. It was $2,000 - $3,000 less then most new American sedans that had no features. This is a beautiful automobile. The all wheel drive is worth every penny, including the reduction in gas mileage. The 5 speed automatic is perfectly matched for the 2.5 litre engine. More horsepower would be a plus, but mid-range acceleration is still darned impressive considering this engines displacement. Great car for the money! As good as any European sedan at a lower price, better than most others.

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  FUN to drive! - 2006 Jaguar X-Type
  By Roger Henslee - February 25 - 1:46 pm

  Before I bought this car, I had heard some negative things about Jaguar quality. After test driving the car, I fell in love with it. I opted for the 3 L upgraded engine which has something like 250hp, and is very quick in this size car. The handling is super, braking great and stylish inside. This car is very nice for the price! Negatives are the seat belt buckles which are plastic.. This car has had no problems at all ad seems a perfect mix of styling, perfomance and price. Another good thing is it is owned by Ford and made in Britian(I dont want to buy anything from the Germans since their lack of support for the USA)

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  Its a comfortable drive - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By Edward - February 21 - 6:30 pm

  Especially in the snow when the all wheel drive makes you feel like your driving a little tank. This is complemented by a very nice interior design. The low profile tires, however, are not very good because I have to avoid potholes. I wouldn’t mind the gas mileage if I didn’t have to drive 120 miles a day.

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  Car shakes and wont accelerate over 40 - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By alex sholom - February 10 - 8:10 pm

  I have a jaguar X type 2.5 and when i would accelerate the car would shake and slow down as if running out of fuel. I changed the fuel filter but that didnt solve it even though the fuel filter was almost clogged. I tried changing sensors and thought it was the transmission but the reason was when i was washing the engine water got into the spark plugs and was blocking off the spark. I blew out all the water with an air compressor then put in the spark plugs and it works like a charm ever since. hopefully this can be helpful to somebody.

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  Dont Buy an X-Type - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By lo - February 8 - 8:01 pm

  Tons of electrical problems that are not easy to figure out or fix and transmission died at 115,000 miles. Interior is average and gas mileage isnt very good. Unacceptable.

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  Baby Jag - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By Elaine - February 6 - 10:00 am

  2.5 I reallllly love the car.