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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  Great car for the money - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By tarrid - November 16 - 8:54 am

  Well !!!!! as with every car we review, we will find owners that hate and owners that love ther rides. My Jag is by no means perfect ( NO CAR IS ) but for a car under $5000 Look at what you get. Luxury!!!!!. Do your own oil changes. Your own break job. And if you cant. DONT take it to a dealership. Find a good indi shop. Buy your parts on e-bay. It will cost you just as much to repair as a Ford. (preventative maintanance) is what it is about. You will have a very reliable car with the Jaguar.

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  Overall, I love my Jag - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By epc - November 1 - 10:00 am

  After trading in my big SUV I am having fun driving again. Its a pretty car, maneuvers well, has good pick up, and feels secure in all types of weather (really tested due to our tough New England winter this year). However, interior space feels a bit tight, and pricing with options is a bit high, which in particular, causes me to be disappointed when I the similar styling and paint colors on Fords out on the road (Jag should be more distinctive). Overall, though Ive had no complaints and I love my Jag.

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  Stylish and Performance for 30k$ !!! - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By Doolie1 - November 1 - 10:00 am

  I own the 3.0 and it has power to spare..great pickup and on the road will run with more than enough power to land you in jail! The car also has very tight cornering and nice breaking while still having a smooth ride. You do hear a bit of road noise inside the car though. The interior is nicely done(for a car in this price range especially) although I do agree with others that the seat belt "snaps" are cheap and plastic(directly out of a ford). Otherwise the leather is great, nice shifter and dash. Bottom Line, this car is not a 50,000$ car but offers styling on that level. It performs excellent for the price and seems to be nice quaility.

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  Jag Be Nimble Jag Be Quick - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By geecheewheels - November 1 - 10:00 am

  I went to buy a G35 but bought the X. More features and comfort for the money.I was somewhat surprised to catch Edmunds comparisions incorrect. Several of the features were listed as N/A or not all, (now corrected). Because of what the auto reviews were saying, I thought that I would be getting "less performance" out of the 2.5 . Ive had my X for 9 months now and no complaints as I rip off the white line!

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  Not Impressed thus far - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By Smenard - October 27 - 10:00 am

  I just picked up my new X-type a week ago, and already I am having problems with the steering wheel shaking between 50-65 MPH. Drives great above 70 though, unfortunately I cant drive it at 70 all the time. Also I think the fuel ecomomy is below average. You would think for a car this size economy would be better. It looks nice on the outside and nice on the inside, but I dont feel like it is built the way it should be for the price. Kinda feels like a rental. I owned the 3 series BMW and LOVED it, it felt much more solid, the Jag doesnt compare.

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  Fun Jag - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By BJ - October 18 - 2:00 am

  Looked at a number of vehicles but kept coming back to the X-Type. Fun to drive. Road holding is exceptional. Very comfortable and well finished. Dealer was great ... Didnt push.

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  My X-type - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By Celtic - October 12 - 6:13 pm

  The more I drive The x-type, the more I love it. I wanted a sports/luxury car. Very nicely appointed, handles excellent full of safty features and 4 wheel drive. I was disappointed to see the the reviews. The noise in the cabin is not overwhelming I think its ads to the sportiness of the ride the interior is absolutely perfect. Jaguar sales and service have been great so far.

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  Great surprise! - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By Dave S - October 7 - 10:00 am

  I finally realized how fun this car can be with a 5 speed! I love the navigation system. The car looks incredible as well. It is black with black tint all the way around with the sport package. Very sharp. The car is quiet and well behaved. I wish the tires were Z rated like the S-Type.

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  Robert - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By robert - October 3 - 12:43 am

  Number one when I tell people I bought my wife a jaguar x they think I spent a lot of money but not really. The car is a lot of fun to drive, holds the road great, fast when I need it, stops great also. I feel safe. The warranty is very good and the company contacts you on every thing. But two things I dont like are brake dust on the wheels and it looks like the Ford Taurus sometimes.

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  Fords version of a Jaguar - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By nypsych - September 25 - 2:00 am

  Took delivery of my new X-type in December. The motor runs well, the car is quiet. Handling, however, is not good. The car and steering wheel bounce and rumble - perhaps the AWD gears arent smooth. As a result, the car has very poor feel of the road, since the steering wheel bounces on its own, along with the car freame - worse as the car speeds up. Ride is adequate at low speeds, however. The seat was loose and the tires underinflated and way out of balance as delivered. Handling improved a little when I had the tires balanced, but still not right (see above). Still a Ford, and a great disappointment.