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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  Best in Class! - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By Scubaguy5 - October 20 - 9:16 am

  I took delivery 3 months ago, have put on 4500 miles since with NO problems whatsoever. My Jag handles great in the dry, and will outhandle anything in the rain! 2.5 Litre motor needs to be in the right gear for max power, but has a very wide powerband, and IMO is equal to the BMW 6 for smoothness and refinement.Frankly, I dont understand what people are talking about with the interior and quality issues. My car is rock solid, and the interior (and exterior) is better finished than Mercedes and/or BMW. I got my car delivered with flawless paint, leather seats, birds-eye maple dash, all wheel drive, 5 speed manual trans, and a 6 disk CD changer for exactly $31,000. Eat your heart out.

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  Great Sport !!!!!!!!!! - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By frw - October 15 - 10:00 am

  Solid car. Cant beat the smell and feel of Conolly Leather. This car always draws rave reviews from passengers and bystanders.Paint job is unsurpassed-flawless.Always looks fantastic.Ride is quiet and smooth. Accelerates like a rocket and handles like glued to the road. Winter snow and ice were a pleasant experience for the AWD.Traction is quite sure footed

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  Fun and classy - 2006 Jaguar X-Type
  By Sue Abbarno - October 8 - 1:53 pm

  This is my 2nd X-Type. Suspension is improved from 2002 model, and the additional front cup holder is convenient; the memory seat is handy. This car is loaded with features. I love the leather interior and wood trim. Fun to drive.

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  Great Car - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By Steven - September 15 - 1:50 am

  Its a Jag and it is one of the most reliable cars cars I have ever owned (and I have had many) in 4 years it has only been back to the dealer 1 time for a loose front seat. The free maintenance to 40K has been nice. Overall it has been a good experience. Mileage has been good for an AWD car @ 22.5 mpg. I am very happy, thanks to Ford, Jaguar builds a nice car and you dont need to get a tow truck contract to go with it. I am happy happy happy.

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  Street glider, scene styler - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By mg200 - August 28 - 10:00 am

  White leather, AWD, moon roof with split rear seats, navigation (with gas stations!!), garage control, electronic seats - what same-class vehicle has these options? Critics mention the sluggish 2.5 acceleration - this matters if youre downgrading from an XJ/S. For the same price, you can drive a Mercedes shell, and "turn the dial" for seat control and use paper maps. The X type - take it skiing, take it touring, take it home...

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  2004 X Type 3.0 - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By Koze - August 15 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car! I love it.

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  The Gage Report - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By Chrissyeye - August 4 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a pre-owned 2003 - 3.0 in June of 2004. Owning a Jaguar has always been my dream. Now that the "kiddies" are gone, I have one and I love it. I have all the options except navigation. I am waiting to see what the AWD does in the Chicago snow. I would definately buy another. Just one thing, for the price I think the car should have a bit more of a super- charged engine, a little more get up and go or possibly a better transition when vehicle is shifting gears and a better suspension or tires even, could feel a little more softer over bumps, and God knows Chicago has plenty of those. Other than that, this 50s plus female is "In Love with her car".

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  First Jaguar - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By Mike V - July 17 - 10:13 pm

  This is our first Jaguar, Purchased it with only 14580 miles on it, Select edition certified. Have already put 2500 miles on the car and it is awesome! Fast, responsive, and good looking. The J shifter is fun, wood inside is looks great, Im a big guy and the seats are great, I spent many years driving a land rover and supportin OPEC, I get almost twice the MPG, I average 27 MPG on the highway and about 22 in the city. Jaguar is great! Im hooked!

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  LOVE THE CAR!! - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By kip smith - July 10 - 10:00 am

  AN EXCELLENT ENTRY-LEVEL JAGUAR.....EVERYTHING I WOULD WANT IN A CAR.

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  This is not a car, its a Jaguar! - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By Minetta Robinson - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. It rides beautifully and I love the "get up and go" of it. The trunk space is great as well. I never thought I would own a Jaguar, but now that I do, I am hooked.