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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  Ok for a first luxury car - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By Jason - May 4 - 7:30 pm

  I was 25 when I bought my X-type, my first "luxury" car after I finished grad school. The car is not perfect as it has been in the shop several times and Ive spent about $2000 on little annoyances in just a few months, but I feel safe and its no lemon. Be sure to find a reputable repairman quick! The car is BEAUTIFUL to look at and after a year of ownership I still turn back and look at it. The interior is also nice but the seats are a little flat. Gas mileage is OK and my 3.0 in sport mode picks up pretty well. In sum if youre looking for a true luxury car you may want to look elsewhere but if youre young and looking for a eye-catching ride you cant go wrong with the X-type 3.0.

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  Great Car but not from Cherry Hill NJ - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By BoroBulldogs - May 1 - 10:00 am

  My Jaguar 2004 x-type has been a reliable vehicle as far as the powertrain is concerned. It is a great performing car that handles turns with tremendous agility. However, there is a defect with the interior design- specifically the interior peeling from around the windshield and back window. This is documented in many places on the internet. Please check the interior edges in these locations before making your purchase and be wary of what dealership you choose to deal with. When our original dealership closed in Mays Landing NJ we were forced to do business with Cherry Hill Classic Cars in NJ, which I strongly advise you to STEER CLEAR of as they turned the deaf ear on this defect!

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  I love this car - 2005 Jaguar X-Type
  By John - April 3 - 6:26 am

  This is my first Jag and I love it. It handles wonderfully, has lots of power, and has presented no mechanical problems whatsoever. The sound system is superb. Its great in the snow and cuts through large drifts without problems. Overall I would definitely lease this car again.

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  Great Car - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By dwbarry - March 30 - 3:56 am

  I bought my X-Type new in 2004 and still have it. After over 90K miles there are only two problems - the interior cloth material falling away from the front and read roof posts (like several others have mentioned) and the headlight assembly breaking due to what I guess is the front end stiffness. My dealer in New Orleans has been terrific and fixed the interior cloth issue for free. The headlight repair estimate was quit expensive so Ive opted to operate the car with less than perfectly aligned headlights. Overall the car has been one the best cars Ive owned in 41 years of driving.

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  LEMON - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By LemonJag - March 25 - 9:40 am

  Leased this vehicle hoping that Jaguar has improved the build quality with the assurance that I would be able to give the car back in 3 years if I was unsatisfied. Unfortunately... or Fortunately... mine was a lemon! Returning the Vehicle after only 6 months!!!

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  the review of new orleans boy - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By new orleansboy - March 21 - 10:00 am

  This Jag is a very built car. This was my first car. I looked at the BMW and Benz but none compared to this car. I put 50000 miles on it since march and has never given me any problems except for winy brakes. Got me from college in Illinios to Louisiana in a breeze.

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  Transmission swap - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By Zoomer - March 19 - 10:00 am

  Those of you who had a automatic transmission swap (out of warranty) had two options, buy a new tranny or a rebuilt unit. I chose the rebuilt unit ($2700 including labor). Afterward I looked into the issue and found the rebuilt have enhancements and internal fixes the brand-new ones lack. So rebuilt is BETTER than new.

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  Fun car but uncomfortable - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By Junaid - March 15 - 2:00 am

  Good for the price. Good nav.

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  Fun to Drive - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By RJB13 - March 13 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle was the second one that I ordered. The first one had the sport suspension and 17 inch wheels. I felt there was too much noise and vibration from the combination and opted to reorder. I bought the non sport version, 5 speed, it is a lot of fun to drive and significantly more comfortable. This car is awesome. The car handles great through backroads and tight turns and did great in the snow storms. A friend who has taken high speed driving and handling courses for work drove it and couldnt believe the grip the AWD had on the road at the speeds we cornered. Over all, Im very satisfied.

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  Loving the Adriatic Blue 3.0 - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By BabyJagOwner - March 13 - 2:00 am

  I recently bought the 3.0 model and have put 2000 miles on the car already. So far the car has been flawless. I havent had the whining drivetrain problem that others have experienced. This car gets looks wherever I go. I recently drove it home on an icy michigan night when other cars (about 20)were in the ditch my AWD jag just kept on going and got me home safe and sound. I absolutely recommend this car to anyone lookin for a classy and practical car.