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:

• 

  Our Toys - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By 1gator - April 10 - 2:00 am

  We have just purchased our second X- Type Jag. Now, my wife and I both drive one. she has the 2003 with the Sport Package. She has put 22,000 care free fun miles onit. I just took delivery of a 2004 for 3.0 with the Sprot Package and this time navigation. Sorry we did not get it the first time.

• 

  Kitty Corners - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By Chief - April 8 - 2:26 pm

  I found a steal on a 2004 2.5 X-type with only 21k mileage. I couldnt resist at the under 10k price despite their maintenance reputation. I was shocked at how well it handles and with the 5 speed and 200 horses it can be driven like the cat it is. Im sure the 3.0 or the 430 horse versions are nice improvements. Being in the NW I appreciate the AWD in the snow but the torquey nature of the car will set you sliding if youre not careful. Not an Outback for sure but it looks hotter!

• 

  X-Type Well Made - 2006 Jaguar X-Type
  By Ariana - April 5 - 2:00 am

  My experience has so far been good with many compliments when other drivers drive my car.

• 

  Wife Loves Her X-Type! - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By Jagman 2 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Well performance car handles excellent in the snow. Its a fun car to drive and handles great! Very impressed the first time I got behind the wheel for a test drive. A very solid car for a small vehicle handles like its a much heavier car.

• 

  Great Car - 2005 Jaguar X-Type
  By Meyer - April 1 - 1:20 pm

  This is a great car. You must get used to the small size, but it is easy to handle. Has a small gas tank so you fill up more often. Jag pays for some of the oil changes, up to 40,000 miles.

• 

  Nice!!! - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By C47 - March 24 - 10:00 am

  For about $30K this is a lot of luxury. The small V6 works fine especially with the price of gas going up. There is a bit of "over steer" with the front wheel drive but, I live in the city and cant go racing around. The car has a solid handling feel and downshifts when power is needed. The A/C works great even with the V6. This model works well for my needs.

• 

  The Class with the Flash... - 2006 Jaguar X-Type
  By Gary Brint - March 4 - 9:03 am

  Fun to drive. Will come out of the hole like a boy dog. Stand flat footed and jump a 5 strand barb wire fence. All of that and then some. Will be trading my wifes new Caddy in on one of these new breeds of X-Cat so that she will have one as well. We both loved our first two XJ-6s but these X-3s are the ultimate driving machines. There is only one way to look at it - when in doubt, take the Jag.

• 

  Finally a Jag for the Snow belt - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By sjp1 - March 3 - 10:00 am

  For years I have driven Jaguars and Have dreaded winter. Despite the low gear lock out I still had difficulties in winter. When I brought my last Jag in for routine service, my sales person, knowing where I live showed me a x type and asked me if I would like to try it out. When we came back I did not want to give back the keys.It has all the pleasures of the other models,but also has the handling for my climate in Northern New York, where snow can last in to mid may. I had some unusual things happen, a stress crack in the windscreen, and I needed a new program chip for my navigation system. All fixed and in a timely manor,Thank you Jaguar.

• 

  Very Pleased - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By Steve717 - March 3 - 4:06 am

  Will keep this short & sweet. Build quality is great, performace is more than adequate. Its a fun car to drive with just enough mix of luxury and sportiness to make it interesting. Would highly recommend.

• 

  Electrical problems like any other Ford. - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By tgapoz - February 23 - 5:23 am

  This has been a great vehicle however maintenance is costly. Expect several hundred dollars for the simplest of repairs. My particular annoyance deals with electrical. Why would someone tie in the moon roof, interior lights and blower into one module. $300 to trace the problem and $500 to replace module. I refuse to replace and let this issue remind me to never buy a Ford product again. The work around was to unplug the module but that means no interior lights or moon roof. Oddly enough the blower worked. $1300 for brakes, $700 for an oil pan leak.