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:
Showing 301 through 310 of 650.00-
2003 - XType - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
By MrZoso68 - August 25 - 10:00 amGrowing up 4 blocks from a Jaguar Dealership, I have been wanting a Jag since I was 10. Well, this year(38 years later) with the great leasing deals Jaguar offered, I finally got one. The X-Type is all I expected & more. I have to say its the most fun car I have ever driven. It handles just like a European Luxury/Sports car should. Step on the gas, and youre gone! The leather seats wrap you up. The interior appointments are what you would expect on cars costing twice as much, and the exterior styling are classic Jaguar all the way. If your looking for a Luxury car with guts, at a very reasonable price, the Jaguar X-Type is the car for you.
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Beautiful, powerful cat - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
By jsecada - August 19 - 12:06 am4000 miles without absolutely any problems. Handles beautifully on all terrain and weather (better than Imprezza); at 3000rpms+ lot of smooth power. Manual transmission works perfectly. Spacious, very comfortable interior. Huge trunk. Great audio. Complaints about being "spartan" "plastic" are ludicrous (less so than Mercedes or BMWs). Classic, beautifully designed car. Dealership service excellent, first-rate. Best experience ever buying a car.
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best ride ever - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
By apatientone - August 14 - 10:00 amunbelievably refreshing compared to run of the mill domestic and japanese autos. Many compliments on its looks, and extremely smooth ride, great in corners.
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The awesome Jaguar - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
By Jaguarantony - August 14 - 10:00 amThe new Jaguar X-type is an excellent vehicle. The car is very Jaguar. It handles and corners very well. A great deal of people dont know enough about Jaguar. The 3.0 V-6 is very quick, 0-60 in about 6.6-6.8 seconds, I have the 2.5 with a manual,and this is their base model car. Jaguars fastest car is the XJR. It is rated at 0-60 time of 5.0 seconds. As for the interior of the X-type,it has gorgeous wood maple veneer,and beautiful Rolls Royce like interior. The critics are overly too critical of the X-type.
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The Bang for your Buck! - 2008 Jaguar X-Type
By john stolck - August 10 - 6:00 pmOn sport mode (standard to all X-type models) it is amazingly fun to drive. Surprisingly it had an interior that put my friends, family, and clients ahh. The luxury package is the way to go. The chrome exterior is flashy and still maintains its profesional look. Lot of power and prestige.
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2004 X-Type - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
By Monty414 - August 2 - 2:00 am2004 X-Type. Love this car. A lot of luxury for a relatively low price. No problems or issues as described her by other buyers. Cabin interior is quiet. WI climate has been cold/snowy and the AWD is excellent. Styling is nice and interior fit/finish is excellent. The only criticism to offer relates to mileage (it could be better for a compact), but in the near luxury class who can complain? :-) Not an XJ, but at this price its a great substitute! Jenkins Jaguar here in MKE has been wonderful to deal with.
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Great Car - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
By Lois Brooks - August 2 - 2:00 amLove the car. looking forward to new models.
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A Great Car - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
By BCecill - July 31 - 10:00 amI have been completely satisfied with my new X type. The dealership in Dallas was great including the salesperson. You need to drive this car.
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has some faults - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
By peelu27 - July 29 - 10:03 amA few surprising build quality issues. center armrest console is rubbish and creaks and moans if you put any weight on it. The headliner/nterior fabric is coming off all over the place. There is no trunk button in the interior. Ive never heard of a car without a release. Requires expensive premium fuel, for this price point, a really bad idea. This is not a $60k car. The rear leg room is ridiculously small for this size of a car. Theres more room in my ford fusion. theres more room in an audi a4. The gas mileage is appalling. I drive 98% freeway miles and i get 20 mpg and i hear most people get much worse.
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this isnt a jag - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
By Ryan V. - July 14 - 10:00 amThis car is more Ford than Jaguar. The exterior design is as bland as a Taurus (except the front end). Even the engine is built by Ford. Im not saying I hate Ford, its just that Ford and Jaguar have separate segments in the market. Jaguar customers might feel belittled by Fords involvement.
