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 car I ever owned - 2005 Jaguar X-Type
By Colonel D. - September 23 - 11:02 pmEvery popular magazine and website dissed the Jag wagon when it came out. Boy, were they wrong. I bought mine used, have owned it for eight years, and NEVER had a major maintenance issue with it. Performance is tops, just like the day I got it, and it now has 130k miles. Small and nimble, but with the extra room of a wagon and every extra you can imagine. Sweet ride. Car & Driver called it an "exotic" since less than about 1500 were made between 2004 and 2008. They were right about one thing: its a head-turner and a conversation starter with knowledgeable Jag owners. If Jag still made these, it would be my next car.
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Cat, Subies and Bimmers, 70K update. - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
By kkakear - September 22 - 11:46 pmOK, so said I wouldnt buy it out of the lease and I did anyway. It was the cheapest thing to do. Just put shocks, struts, tires and front brakes on it, all wear items. Havent had any other problems other than a front axle seal leak, covered under warranty. The cars style stands out in a sea of styling mediocrity and angry kitchen appliances. Gas mileage stands at 23 MPG on premium fuel over 71K miles. Never any major problems, just a bunch of annoying small ones and it has never left us sitting, unlike every Japanese car weve ever owned.
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A Hopeless Lemon - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
By boughtalemon - September 20 - 10:00 amA pretty car which is completely unreliable. Jaguar has replaced my fuel tank, my trunk lock 3 times, my navigation system twice, my integrated phone 4 times. The phone still doest work right, and they say it is not fixable. My childproof window locks are unreliable and fail nearly everyday. My headlights have failed. On the plus side, I think the blue color is pretty. A total disaster!!!!!
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Entry Level? - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
By Danjag - September 14 - 10:00 amMy oh my. They say this is an entry level vehicle? Think again. My wife and I are wondering what professional car editors have against this vehicle? We test drove the BMW 3- series and the Mercedes at comparable prices. IOHO there comparison to fit and finish. No comparison to the service. This look will remain classic for a long time.
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2002 2.5 x-type - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
By jim b - September 11 - 3:40 amPurchased this vehicle from a Jaguar dealer as a certified car. The car was fun to drive and is a great looking car. Reliability stinks. I was in and out of the dealer ever other month with little problems. Until the big one happen. 2 1/2 years later after I purchased my car I brought it in because of rust that I found along the rocker panel on both sides of the car. 1 month later the dealer came back to me saying that the car was not repairable. Jaguar purchased back the car from me. The dealer told me that this was a design problem and it was fixed in later year models. 2004 or newer. I purchased a 2005 3.0 x-type bacause of the after market accessories that I had on my 02.
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Best Car in the world - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
By nvosko - September 8 - 10:00 amGreat ride, beautiful interior
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My Jaguar-Tess - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
By Cat-SpringTX - August 31 - 10:00 amNo other car rides as well and performs as well as my Jag X-Type. Sleek and sexy that I have people staring at her in awe. With All Wheel Drive it corners like it is on rails. I have wanted a Jaguar my whole life and this one was affordable for the middle class person looking for luxury and comfort. I would like to get one thing straight, Jaguars are not FORDs. My husband and I have been to England and believe me these cars are still made there. The only differance is FORD now is the mangement and the fact that they have some English class now. The other imports in that price range better worry. She is in a class all of her own.
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2002 Jag X-Type wows young family - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
By MarkT - August 31 - 10:00 amMy wife and i really enjoy our Jag X- Type 3.0. It is very secure in cornering. Accelerration is relaxed at low speeds but spirited when you are on the highway. The leather and real wood make the interior very comforting. The seats hold up to long trips. The ride is stiff but bumps are muted effectively by the exceptional suspension. The exterior styling is the best in class by far. I would recommend it to anyone who is shopping for a luxury car with tasteful styling and solid performance. Just remember to not place high value on interior gadgets because they are few in this car but it does make up for it with AWD and excellent engineering.
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What is Edmunds Thinking - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
By Kurt-SpringTx - August 31 - 10:00 amYou guys at Edmunds need to get together and reevalute this sexy, sleek car. What were you thinking? She is at least a 8. You really dont know what you are missing until you have driven her. BMWs and Mercedes should watch out. The Cats are Roaring.
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Love from first mile - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
By Barbara Fromm - August 28 - 10:00 amThis is a wonderful car. It handles so smoothly and corners like a dream. Many compliments from friends and neighbors. Interior is very comfortable with a good sound system.
