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:
Showing 11 through 20 of 650.00-
love the jag - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
By love the jag - September 27 - 10:00 amI researched all the usual suspects: Benz c-class, BMW 3 series, Audi A4, etc. and ended up buying the baby jag. Love it. Its bigger than the rest and truly stands out. Definitely leaps and bounds better than the rest of the pack.
-
Like it but to soon - 2005 Jaguar X-Type
By Carol Derry - September 18 - 10:00 amIlike the car very much but because of past models I am very cautious in making a Final judgment.
-
I love it! - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
By Big Cat - September 18 - 10:00 amI have owned this car for six weeks and am more than pleased. I cannot imagine a better value for the money (luxury car with leather, wood interior, AWD, sunroof, climate control, etc.) thanks to the marketing incentive. The styling is superior and the car turns heads. Who would buy a Honda Accord for $25K when you can but a loaded Jag for a few thousand more? Qaulity is very good so far. Drive is pleasing. It seats four average sized adults but could be a little bigger. I recommend this car highly!
-
Love the Car - 2006 Jaguar X-Type
By jcwstep11 - September 16 - 9:26 amThank you Jaguar. We traded in a Mercedes Benz for the new wagon. It is soooo much fun to drive and a real sport wagon. Both my wife and I enjoy driving the car. The new design really caught our eye and had to have one. We get lots of comments on the street about it and lots and lots of looks and smiles Again Thank you Jaguar
-
Ocean to desert round robin - 2005 Jaguar X-Type
By proflovell - September 12 - 5:23 pmThe only reason I did not give the interior design a 10 rating is because, at 61", I have tended toward larger cars. That said, a recent 1200 mile journey to Death Valley & return was our maiden trip to put the "darling little car" (my wifes description) through a gentle test run. We tent-camped in Furnace Creek, hauling all we needed in the cargo area; freeway driving was a fun run for a change with the sport-feel of the road; country curves & desert "thank-you-mums" were even more pleasurable with the X-Types road- hugging & shorter wheelbase handling. Our 25 mpg average on this trip was most welcome in light of the $3+ pump prices; a fair exchange for a downsized wagon.
-
Very Affordable Jaguar for the Masses - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
By Joseph L - September 9 - 10:00 amRe:Jaguar X type AWD 2.5 auto, sunroof, heated seats for invoice OUT THE DOOR. Because of the $2k incentive that dealers are getting from JaguarNA. Power is 3rd in class behind BMW & Audis. Goto the 3.0 if u need to race. 2.5 V6 is sufficent for mix hwy/city. Well made & put together inside. Quality seems to be improved in 2nd year of production. Weird is the free included service schedule calls for oil changes @ 10K interval Yet, the car doesnt use synthetic oil!! If u plan on keeping the car for a awhile...stick w/ 3K miles oil changes @ YOUR expense. Very good package for the price esp. now that car market is full of competitors.
-
great car - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
By melbourne - September 4 - 10:00 amI was in the automobile business for 25 years and this is the car I leased. The quality is there and I am very pleased with the dealership as well as the automobile.
-
Quality midsize performer. - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
By Flyingweightech - August 29 - 2:00 amAlthough classed as "Midsize" its quality seating makes the interior seem small. Should the driver require all the available seat adjustment, it gives very little room for the rear passenger. As a drivers car, it has few equals. The All Wheel Drive gives great confidence in all weather conditions. The superb road handling can give the impression the car is on rails! Powered by the zesty 3.0 litre engine it can leave you with the impression that you are behind a turbo charged V8! Take your foot off the power and you are driving a luxury limo. Put your foot down and the smooth powerful engine puts you in the Ferrari class.
-
Best car ive had - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
By MXRIDER - August 29 - 2:00 amGreat car, inside and out. Sporty exterior, and user friendly interior. Relatively smooth ride with great handling and respoinsiveness, and the engine has plenty of "get up and go" considering the size of the engine. However, a faulty thermostat and faulty cooling fan regulator have both left me waiting for flat bed :( . In both cases, the warrantee covered all repairs and labor charges. Another drawback, the stock sound system is very weak for a Jag, I was very dissapointed. Overall, I LOVE THIS CAR!!! VERY FUN TO DRIVE! Now im just waiting for the 05 introduction of the X TYPE R :)
-
The Jag - 2005 Jaguar X-Type
By Venessa - August 26 - 1:23 amThe Jaguar x-type vdp edition is my 3rd vehicle that Ive owned and by far the most fun and luxurious vehicle. I get so many compliments on it, and people think that Ive paid a fortune. Luckily, I got a great deal for an awesome product. Ive heard some negative things about Jaguar and so far I have not experienced any of them and Ive had the car for almost 6 months. I dont know how anyone can see this car doesnt compare to the BMW 3 series or Mercedes C Class. This car definitely has a lot going for it plus more. I dont regret this purchase at all.
