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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  Jaguar Never Again - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By kevin1 - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Car is a 2002 x-type. Nice looking car. At 12000 miles the entire transmission had to be repaired. Further on down the road, the steering rack had to be replaced. The power locks, trunk latch, fuel door latch all had to be replaced. The clear coat paint was defective and begin developing air bubbles, had to be repainted. At a stop light once, the clamp for the hoses broke, all fluids drained, the car had to be towed. Engine does not always seem to have full power. Recently I was made aware that the Chasis on the 2.5 x-type is a ford tempo and on the 3.0 is a ford taurus.

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  Jaguar X-Type 2003 AWD 2.5L - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By Fred VeHorn - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Excellent job in assembly and quality.Performance for a 2.5L engine is good. Handling is excellent with the AWD and suspension. Does not have a luxury ride but more fitted to sports car enthusiast who wants to "feel" the road.

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  Beatiful and fun Car - 2006 Jaguar X-Type
  By Joe - May 6 - 5:40 am

  Previosuly owned a 2002 XJR and changed to an X-type VDP since moving back North. My comments are as follows: Beautiful and sporty design, elegant yet chipper interior, nice torque and dampered suspension, excellent feel with the AWD. The only problem I have with this car is the cheap plastic used in the center instrument panel and the amount of road noise on rougher roads. This is perhaps attributed to the lower profile tires. Other than that, an excellent car that always turns heads! Evryday and everywhere. I hope they keep making this model forever, improve the interior plastics, and come out with a supercharged version. Grossly under-appreciated vehicle.

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  CANT BEAT THE JAGUAR 3.0 - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By Trevor55 - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I have owned Mercedes Benz for many years. Looked at the Mercedes C Class before I purchased my Jaguar. The Jaguar 3.0 wins hands down over the Mercedes C Class.The Jaguar grips the road under all driving conditions. The exceptional interior and exterior design are exactly what one would expect from Jaguar. This is just an exceptional automobile in every way. The dealership I purchased my car from, Thomas Cadillac - Jaguar, was extremely professional and made this purchase a very pleasurable experience.

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  I love my X-type - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By ash - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I love my Jagaur X-Type. My model has the sport package and is a 5 speed. It is great in adverse weather as it went through a Maine winter. It is a pure joy to drive - quiet, smooth, handles great, and is very comfortable. The trunk is very large for a car this size and the seats that fold down are easy to use. Overall I love this car. Worth every penny!

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  Worth the extra HP - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By Neil McFarlane - April 27 - 9:43 pm

  Tried the 2.5L SE and was surprised at the lack of pull, lots of gutsy noise but no real grunt. Then tried the 3.0L, the difference is remarkable as soon as you turn the key. Much gruntier sound, loads more wellie and some effective top end traction. Fuel consumption isnt that much more, but early days yet. If youre still deciding, go for the 3L, you wont regret it.

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  Amazing Car! - 2006 Jaguar X-Type
  By Weslowery - April 20 - 2:36 am

  We just bought this car and its amazing. The seats are stiff but they are so comfortable. It doesnt really get good gas mileage but its our luxury cruiser. We have been getting about 20.5 in the city. It rides great and drives even better.

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  Excellent Car - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By Chrisnashville - April 14 - 10:00 am

  I own the model with Navigation, premium sound and heated seats. I have yet to have a problem and it just turned 19000 mile. The free maintenance is a plus. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a fine european car.

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  Interior pieces not up to par - 2005 Jaguar X-Type
  By KKear - April 5 - 6:33 pm

  Have the car just over a year. The sales experience was great but the servicing of the car is a problem. Every 5000 miles it goes in for oil change and a a list of interior problems that take 2 days to fix. The defroster vents, J gate shifter, seat belt height adjuster, floor mats, outside temp guage and bulbs burning out all are problem areas. Good thing the car is a great driver, has stunning looks and has a long warantee. Fuel mileage is 22.2 MPG over 16000 miles, about right for AWD and high compression, high horse engine.

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  WOW!!! - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By Vagabond - March 31 - 10:00 am

  God! How much do I love this car! I had been looking and test driving cars since October of 2001. I test drove the BMW, the Acura, the Benz, the Audi, the Cadillac CTS, the Saab. But none of them as great as the X-type. I thought that the BMW was too small, the Acura was just ok, the Benz was pathetic and the Saab was too expensive. The guy at the Cadillac dealership was one with really bad attitude, while the only problem with the Audi was it was smaller. I settled on the Jag because of it offering most of the features that I wanted. Boy! It drives like a dream. I really dont know what the editorial reviewer was thinking, but this car definitely rates in the high 9s.