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:

• 

  Jag X-Type good value used - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By jldecker - November 10 - 12:26 pm

  Car has lived up to expectations. It is not a performance monster, but has good pick up and decent gas mileage (hwy has hit 28 mpg, averages 26-27, around 22 in town). Build quality is acceptable and the interior is simple but well done. Awd and braking are the best features on the X-type, especially for winter weather driving.

• 

  Satisfied, but... - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By Papucho - November 10 - 11:20 am

  The only complaint is that the data on the trip computer window is very difficult to read, specially when the sunlight changes. This defect should be corrected with a recall. Recently I drove a 2005 Ford Taurus with a similar trip computer for two weeks in Florida.The readings on its green window were very sharp all the time. I am willing to pay for the correction, if need be.

• 

  Update On 17K miles Jag XT 3.0With High Speed Vibration Problem - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By tggary - October 31 - 1:42 pm

  Fortunately, the Dealer I bought this car from went the extra mile needed to rectify the problem. Besides new wheels and a few other replaced parts, they provided a second new set of tires, again alligned and balanced of course, and I took the car up to 90 on the highway with zero vibration evident, and a whole new ride overrall. Then when I went through my glove compartment to review the Registration paperwork, I found another envelope with my name on it -- inside was cash equal to my first months paymment. The Dealer carries all highline and next to highline vehicles at bottom line pricing and obviously backs up the customer in regard to the New York State Warranty rules. Contact me at TGGaryVerizon.net if you are interested in knowing more - Good News! The dreaded high speed vibration in the X Type does have a fix. TGGary

• 

  A WONDER CAT - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By ronald_gomez2004 - October 27 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Jaguar always waneted one but never could afford it. I love the styling and the good looks and the AWD is a pleasure. Jaguar has improved their quality and reliability. The comfort and convience is top of the line for a entry level car. I love Jaguar.

• 

  surprisingly smooth drive - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By DriveAJag - October 18 - 2:00 am

  I got this X2.5 only a week ago, but I am quite impressed by its handling and the smooth ride. Before this car I leased a BMW 328i(99 model), it was a fine car with nice handling. But the gas mileage sucked and the ride was quite bumpy. The X-type feels much stabler and smoother on the highway. And I like the handling of X-type better. One complain is the space (head room and leg room) should be bigger.

• 

  My Sweet Jag... - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By scooterluv1 - October 6 - 6:48 pm

  Great car! I purchased it used and for the most part, I loved it! I would buy another one and may do so in the near future...

• 

  A lot of car and style for the price - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By mattklu - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I looked at the C class Mercedes, the Audi A4, and the BMW 3 series and for the price the X type is by far the best value. Throw in all-wheel drive and it was a done deal. The car looks great, handles well, has excellent braking and rides very smooth while touring on the highway.

• 

  Im in love! - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By Chickenkh - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Overall I am very pleased with my X- Type. I love the feel and look of the car. Test drive one, and you will fall in love!

• 

  Be Warned - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By ccantrell - September 18 - 10:00 am

  Great Looks. If only they could make a car worth the $$. My car has been in the shop more than 45 days total. My MAIN complaint about the car is the amount of road noise and rattling (doors & dash). They have a design problem with the front heater vents; they pop-up and will not stay in place. The other problems I have had with our car is gas tank issue (service advisory), gas gauge, manual trans issues when cold, drivers interior door (re-design on clips). My recommendation is DONT buy. Better quality available for the same price. If you want the cat on the hood, look into the S-Type or higher. I feel like we paid $35,000 for a YUGO most days.

• 

  2005 X-type Sport...Love it!!! - 2005 Jaguar X-Type
  By medicinegirl - September 11 - 2:06 pm

  This is my second X type. My first was a 2003 2.5 liter, that was very reliable, and fun to drive. This one is a Sport 3.0, and is WAY better! The handling is really, really improved over the plain X types, as good a BMW 3-series, I think...well worth the difference in price. I shopped around first, looking at the Audi A4, the BMW 3s, the Infiniti G35 and M35, and even considered the S-type, but after I drove an platinum-colored X-type Sport, I ordered a black one on the spot!