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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  The GOOD, the BAD,and the UGLY - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By scat - August 27 - 2:00 am

  The GOOD: Looks great, all-wheel drive works well, good acceleration. The BAD: 3.0 w/auto transmission no good--do not buy it! The tranny cannot handle the torque and horsepower of this engine with all-wheel drive. Mine blew at only 9,000 miles, many others had same experience. Should have been recalled but too many cars were affected, Ford was unwilling to spend the bucks. The UGLY: Customer service at dealership was appaling right from the get-go. You are buying Jaguars cheapest car, and they treat you as such. Service dept. horrible!!

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  Looks good, reliability not there... - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By terse - August 27 - 2:00 am

  First 12 months: 3 breakdowns, three tows to dealership, car out of service 27 days. Horrible experience w/dealer on third time, wont go back. Plus side: good ride, decent power, looks sharp. Negatives: Automatic transmission terrible, poor fit and finish.

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  My mistake - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By Rick van Rijssen - August 27 - 2:00 am

  My first Jaguar will be my last. New transmission at 2600m. Problem not identified after repeat visits to dealer. Whirring sound at low speeds annoying and alarming. Back seats cramped and headroom very limited. Gas mileage awful at average 17mpg, not what Jaguar wants you to believe. Trunk space about half of that in our 99 Acura TL. Mini spare tire did not improve my opinion of Jaguar. Great snow car! All wheel drive works well, sticky tires seem to claw their way through snow up to 18 inches. On icy hills we passed sliding SUVs BMWs and Mercedeses, as they were struggling to keep their footing. Passing reserve at higher speeds is good.

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  My Jag - 2005 Jaguar X-Type
  By Sancho - August 23 - 7:23 am

  Vehicle was delivered with grossly over-inflated tires (50lbs) ... should be approx 30lbs. Have a standard transmission; am a conservative driver; have yet to get over 22 mpg combined city/highway driving. Car handles great; takes turns smoothly and requires minimur of braking on sharp turns. Excellent on snow and rain. Developed a high-pitched sound; failed to repair correctly on first try; tape recorded sound and the Dealer replaced the DRIVETRAIN... have not heard sound in approx one month since this repair.

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  X-Type - 2006 Jaguar X-Type
  By drew - August 19 - 2:26 pm

  Second X-Type in 2 years. Very happy with the interior rich look. Outside is styled well. A great car for the 35k price range.

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  Love the Car, hate the wheels - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By JRHurley - August 16 - 11:10 pm

  I puchased this car to commute back and forth from work. Work is 100 miles away from my home. That means I am driving in it for at minimum 4 hours a day. It has to be comfortable and reliable. While I had a couple of issues which were promptly resolved by the dealer I have a major complaint with Jaguar. The 17" low profile rims that cam with the car should be recalled. I had replaced three of them before deciding to get aftermarked Jag 16" rims installed. Lost some performance but I can at least hit a pothole without having to buy another $500-$600 wheel

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  Jaguar X-Type 2.5 - 2005 Jaguar X-Type
  By ARP - August 12 - 3:13 am

  What a great car. Sexy looks and luxury ride with a sporty flair. I have driven in the heavy snow and ice without snow tires and no problems. Getting 25 mpg. Love the interior and quiet ride. Takes the bumps as a quiet one-piece unit. This is a great car for those who want something different. You dont see everyone with a Jag.

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  Great Car For the Money - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By Ann Marie - July 24 - 4:46 pm

  This car is awesome. All wheel drive with luxury combined. I had a 2002 model, but the 2004 is much better. The 3.0 is the way to go, with power & response. Steering is great, and it hugs the road well, even turning at high speeds. Reliability is fine. Dash vents keep popping out, but those are just plastic parts. Overall, the car is very well built.

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  Not Impressed - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By Happy_dadhusband - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I found the engine sounds tinny, like a turbo charged Civic, high piched. The leather seats seem quite cheep as compared with the Infiniti G35, the Volvo S60 or other competing cars. The car looks like a Taurus. If you want a sporty car buy the Infiniti G35 AWD, a safer, more reliable and more fun to drive is the Volvo S60. I dont like the Jaguar

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  sorry i got it - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By melissa ciminesi - July 21 - 2:00 am

  well every other week its in the shop , from my light falling out, to my locks locking me out, i cant even name then all, but the proplem i have is it looks good