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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  Will Always Have One If Possible - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By My Jag - July 15 - 2:00 am

  I love this car! It handles great. The car saved me 2 times from accidents on the interstate with its quick handeling. Also, I can count on the Jag to get me work in the ice and snow, I never had 1 problem getting around the past 2 winters. Customer service from Jaguar is also excellant. Two things I would change about the car is the sliding armrest and the pop out head lamp washers, Jaguar should get rid of both.

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  excellent Jag - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By AJ daoud - July 15 - 2:00 am

  great car fun toi drive, priced right, good looker, can use bit more interior room

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  dwrm jaguar 06 - 2006 Jaguar X-Type
  By dw221a - July 14 - 8:16 pm

  excellent. no problems to report classic looks fun to drive missing almost nothing in terms of options or feature that you might want

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  ITS IMPROVED - 2005 Jaguar X-Type
  By Brooks - July 14 - 4:26 am

  I had been leasing a 2002 X Type. I find the 2005 a much improved car. The transmission is more responsive. The car handles better, has memory seats and mirrors. A great sound system is even better. Before leasing this car I test drove an Acura RL and a BMW 330i. I found the ride and performance of the Jag to be more satisfying In 2 months of driving there have been no defects.

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  Good value but has drawbacks - 2005 Jaguar X-Type
  By S. Chapman - July 8 - 9:46 am

  Bought this car as it had excellent value for resale and was AWD - others tested were the Audi A4 & Volvo S60 - the Jag just seemed like a better value for $$$ - the 3L V6 engine delivers smooth cruising power but has enough pickup punch to pass slower trucks/traffic on the highway. The AWD is great in poor weather and snow (make sure you check to see if its equipped with Traction control - mine was not and feels somewhat like a RWD car in heavy snow - light tail end). Also the name brand: Jaguar - it has a lengthy pedigree and the car is not very common on the road - unlike other executive BMWs & Audis - which seem to be everywhere.

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  2004 XType - Very Disappointing - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By Bob - July 2 - 4:53 pm

  I have the 2004 X Type for a year and a half now and cant wait for the lease to be up. Both key remotes have broken at different times. Both headlights have gone out at different times. The wipers stopped working and had to be serviced with a new motor. The car now started emmitting a whining noise from the rear and now has to go back. The seats are very small and uncomfortable. The heated seats and rear defroster shut off at 15 minte intervals which is annoying. Horrible sounding stereo. Cup holders are made it appears for cups of British tea rather than water bottles. Rear seat is cramped. Great AWD in snow. Ample HP with 3.0 engine but nothing exciting. Hood ornament is best feature!

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  Great car - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By Ntwing007 - July 2 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a 2.5 automatic X-Type. I live in the Philly area and we have been getting some snow this winter. This car handles the snow like it is not even there. The AWD is great! The car also stands out and gets a lot of looks from others. I have been very happy with this car and would highly recommend it.

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  Disappointing glitches in new luxury car - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By ps2 - July 2 - 2:00 am

  The X-Type is an excellent all-weather car with tons of Jaguar options. On the negative, the build quality is disappointing - coolant leak, driver seat repairs, interior trim rattles & squeaks, and the car is less than 3 months old. Jaguar is good about fixing the issues & service is what you expect from a high-end car company. Even with those issues, I still rate it very high -- the rattles dont impact the all-round performance of the car. It beats the SUVs in poor weather performance & fuel economy, not to mention the status of being a Jaguar. Oh yes, the price was less than most SUVs too.

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  2.5 X-type - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By curtiskp - June 26 - 10:00 am

  fit and finish is excellent, handles like a dream, more tire noise than i would like, could use a few more hp.

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  Our Fifth Jaguar - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By Kenneth Roehl - June 15 - 10:00 am

  this is the base model 2.5 standard shift with a $6.500 factory rebate, a great buy at $23,650. BRG non metalic with sand leather interior. A one CD changer in the dash ( which I like better than the trunk mounted unit)We have owned two BMW328S and like this car as well, but for diffrent reasons. Comfort,ride and looks are on top The BMW is still the preformance king.