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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  LEMON !! - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By N. - November 26 - 5:16 pm

  My husband purchased this car for me for my 40th birthday. Not a day goes by without regret. It has been nothing short of disastrous. It has been in the shop 7 times for the same two problems: 1)grinding noise located in the right front 2) at about 35 mph the engine begins to vibrate - best description: feels like you are driving over a washboard. They actually REPLACED the engine and it still is not fixed. The interior is falling apart. The lining surrounding the front and back windows is peeling off. The visor mirrors are broken. The back seat seat belts have broken. The glove box will not close properly. Electrical side mirror adjustment switch is faulty. HORRIBLE HORRIBLE HORRIBLE!!

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  Outstanding value and gorgeous! - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By PRSchwob - November 26 - 10:00 am

  A beautiful car which is a joy to drive. I may exchange it for the 3.0 liter model though as the 2.5 is a bit shy for this rather heavy car. What is most impressive is the road handling. It hugs the asphalt like a racing car and its 4x4 drive train is outstanding in any weather.

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  X type, XJ looks at a K- Mart price - 2006 Jaguar X-Type
  By thebobs - November 17 - 11:40 am

  A great road eating machine. Why the bad reviews? The car transforms from a blvd. cruiser for my wife to a true sports sedan with a touch of the "S" button and the help of VVT for me. The AWD is great in both wet and dry conditions. I drove the car 226 miles in heavey rain, wind and fog. The AWD made the trip fell like it was a sunny day.The rear fog lights that are three time brighter then regular tail lights made me fell safer since I could be seen at a greater distance Very comfortable on long trips.I have had no problems since day one, everything was perfect.The large 4 weel dual piston disk brakes with ABS stop the car on a dime. Real wood in the cabin. Great leather seats. Love the car

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  Jaguar X-Type: The Car of the Future-Today - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By Richard Atkinson - November 16 - 9:47 am

  This car will set you back in your seat if you press the gas pedal half way down. I wouldnt dare press mine all the way down as the front end jumps up in the air-There is too much power, so be careful, it can get away from you. Beautiful paint (Mine is a champaign color). Its an Arizona car. Its got the injection system of the new corvettes, its low to the ground, sleek and stylish. Id strongly recommend this car to any serious buyer (IF you can find the X-Type Sedan). Mine was made in Germany. What a car !!!

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  The Jag - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By russell r x jag - November 15 - 2:00 am

  The jaguar X type is one of the most fun cars to drive. Vert reliable Quite comfortable very spacious. Needing no introduction to the genius of the nodel it has a high quantity

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  Just Great - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By keith - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car with 60K miles and now after just over 2 years have 144,000 miles. Only just replaced brakes, replaced radiator overflow tank and put in new plugs at 100K. Have done nothing else. Gas mileage is great. Paid $10K and get offers for $7-8K all the time. Most people think it is a 20K+ car. Great for road trips. Handles great in all areas. I expect to easily get another 100K miles out of this car.

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  Great Car - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By NenaKennedy - November 2 - 9:33 am

  I love this car!its one of the best cars Ive ever owned. not only does it do great in the snow,but you look good driving it. I always get compliments on this car as well!

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  Its fun..............now - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By stlouisjag - October 25 - 2:00 am

  As I write this review I finally have my car back from 2 weeks in the shop. This was my fourth visit lasting 2 or more days over the past 6 months. Clearly disappointing and unacceptable. Most people I know questioned my decision to buy a jag based on quality but I told them that was the "old Jaguar". This story seems to have a HAPPY ENDING.... When I drove my car home last night (after having a new transmission computer installed?) I honestly thought I was driving a completely different vehicle. It was quiet, responsive, shifting smooth as silk, in short... A BLAST TO DRIVE!

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  Pretty Lemon - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By Tom - October 23 - 2:46 pm

  We purchased our 2002 x-type after leasing it for three years. During those three years we have had an interior water leak from the vent filter on the dash, pop ups of the vent, interior wood replacement, drivers door panel replaced, coolant hose prung a leak - twice, bearing replaced in suspension, squeaks, brakes replaced, worn tires- we have practically rebuilt the car from the ground up. Every time we bring it in we swear its the last time - but the beauty of it draws us back. Great looking car - but overall, a lemon. I would buy another BMW over a Jag any day- much more reliable.

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  Cats, Bimmers, Soobies 25K mile update - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By K Kear - October 22 - 4:10 pm

  A constant maintenance nightmare!!! Every 5K I take the car for service and a list of problems to correct under warantee. 4 attempts to fix the outside temp guage, now turn signal/highbeam switch broke and not fixed right. Terrible Continental tires wore out at 20K miles even after 5K mile rotation and alignments every 10K miles. Guess I wont be buying this one out of the lease. On the positive side, it gets 24.4 MPG when using 94 octane and everyone still thinks I paid 70 grand for it.