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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  LOVETHISJAG - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By Ron x-typeowner - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Jag last month and Iam enjoying every second. I looked at the 2.5 but it lacked the power I needed. I just splurged and got the3.0. I am really satisfied and to me it burns the 3 series BMW and the C-Class Merc in style and appeal. This car is just perfect.

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  may b cheap, but still holds tru to jags - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By Jon Brewer - July 2 - 10:00 am

  VERY nice car. I sometimes find myself with my camera jsut taking photos of it. I dont know what id do without it!

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  Nice Car - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By Chambersec - June 27 - 2:00 am

  So far very good reliability (always a concern with Jaguar). Fun to drive. Get lots of approving looks. Great paint finish. Like folding rear seats.

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  My first Jaguar - 2005 Jaguar X-Type
  By mike - June 25 - 5:40 am

  This was my first Jaguar and I was thrilled to own it. It is an amazingly beautiful car. I still cant stop looking at it. The interior is very pleasing and comfortable. However, my car visits the shop on average once a month for stupid things like locking making noises, trunk leaks, gas door wont open, oh and 2 transmissions later.

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  Nice - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By oc - June 17 - 10:00 am

  I got a really good deal on this, so its hard not to like (25k). They were getting rid of them for the 2005s - right place right time kinda thing. Whats not to like when you get a car like this for a price like that. Even if I paid 30 to 32 for it, thats what this car feels like driving. I like it a lot more than the Mercedes. Something about jag that puts it apart. The car is heavy/solid feeling, but Im taking turns at more than twice the speed of the sequoa (truck) and I dont even notice it. The interior is absolutely gorgeous - a very non- cluttered open feel, but while your sitting in there sitting just off the ground, its like a race car

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  SKIP this Model! - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By sammyg - June 14 - 8:33 pm

  This is not a real Jaguar- Never had a Jag before, and after having all sorts of problems with my Audi A6 (no dealerships on Long Island could figure out what was wrong with the car), I swapped it for the X-type. What a mistake! The instrument gauges work intermittently (YES, sometimes they are just still, reading 0 MPH when on the freeway, etc.), the car SQUEAKS over every bump and dip in the road, the automatic headlights only work when they want to, and the dashboard vents curl up (had these replaced under warranty twice, still curls up! Ive given up on these). The rear park sensors dont always work. NOT acceptable for a $36k car. Look elsewhere when shopping in this category.

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  X is the way to go! - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By ED - June 13 - 9:40 pm

  Yes, its not an $80,000 luxury car but its still a Jaguar. Its fun to drive, handles well, looks great and I have no complaints.

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  Good deal for the money - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By Abdoman - May 7 - 8:00 am

  My car has the sport package. Never really liked Jaguar before, but this car has really grown on me. Very good power, but the torque curve is too peakey - the real power is in the 3-4k range which kills gas mileage. The engine is the real downfall of this car. Dont get me wrong 0-60 in 6.6s is good. Handles very well and looks very good. Clutch is a little tricky, very good brakes.

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  here kitty - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By Kevi99 - April 27 - 10:00 am

  the 2.5 x-type starts at 29,999 and it is a steal at that price. Great looks, 200hp v6, leather interior, all wheel drive, free maintance. Its a great alternative to a 325 or c class

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  Why bad reviews? - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By David - April 13 - 7:43 pm

  I do not understand why Edmunds rates this car down, I nearly did not buy it in 04 because of that and it has been a terrific car! It handles wonderful in all types of road conditions, it has great pep and I always get 26+mph, if I slow down to speed limit of 5 above it goes up to 27+. Even after 5 years people still admire it and make comments. I always trade by 4 years but I cant find anything I like better. The only criticism I have is premium gas requirement. The ride is a bit stiff but the handling more than makes up for it. Listen to the owners Edmunds, we like this car.