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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  * * X-cellent Jag to drive * * - 2005 Jaguar X-Type
  By otis - January 27 - 10:00 am

  i absolutely love my x-type. it has quick response from handling to throttle. i love the fact that all windows go completely down. get the premium alpine sound system w/cd changer...its awesome!

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  I love this car - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By Mrs. TJS - January 27 - 10:00 am

  This car is fun, fast and has great handling. My husband has a 2002 Vanden Plas Turbo Charged, and even he loves driving this car. My previous cars were a Mercedes SLK and a Mercedes C280. I like every aspect of this Jaguar better.

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  New X-Type - 2007 Jaguar X-Type
  By cm1 - January 21 - 5:00 pm

  I really enjoy this car. Its sporty and fast. The interior comforts are beautiful although a little small (but Im coming from a Sedan Deville.) There is a lot of power and the trans is smooth. The size is perfect and Im impressed with the safety, including side curtain airbags. Its a got a beautiful paint job and nice leather- great radio with CD. Corners perfectly and really holds the road and its good in the snow. So far Im very happy with my new car.

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  X-type Owner - 2006 Jaguar X-Type
  By Larry - January 14 - 9:46 pm

  It a good looking car with class.The only problem I have had is the paint job. It seems to chip right down to the primer with the littliest bump. I am having this looked into too, as it is obvious a bad paint job, otherwise the car itself is well built and gives the driver the feeling of being in control. I am a previous owner of two Lexuses and have decided to make a change, I am looking for good customer service as well as dependability in a vehicle. I find that to be most important overall.

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  more than i expected - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By eguck - January 6 - 2:00 am

  i did alot of comparing before settling on the jaguar. i finally reached my decision based on looks and overall performance. the 227 horsepower is very responsive and the engine sounds beautiful when called upon. there are safety features galore, 6 very smart airbags. my daughter can sit in the front seat in a pinch and it shuts off automatically because of her weight. the car is much more than i expected.plus it looks great in my driveway!!

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  Jaguar X-Type - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By ajl24paws - January 6 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Loads of fun to drive. Sporty looks inside and out. However it does have a weak sound system and a faulty thermostat has left me waiting for a towtruck once.

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  x - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By Don K - December 31 - 2:00 am

  Its the dealer that has made this car a great buy.

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  Head Turner - 2006 Jaguar X-Type
  By brucelee - December 30 - 8:46 pm

  I love this car. Im 64" 330 lbs guy who is comfortable when driving this car. I have recently went to look at the Jaguar XJ8 and now I will buy it soon. May I warn any potential buyers, people will talk about the jag but would love to be in your seat driving the jag. It is fast and dependable. The gas is great. It cost 27 dollars to fill up tank with 93 octane. That is great. This car is an attention getter. It cost to be the boss. I went to local dealership for oil change and was amazed that you only need an oil change every 1 year or first 10,000 miles. So you save money. At this moment no problems with vehicle. I wish I had a navigation system and this would make this a total package

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  Jagau X-Type 3.0 - WARNING !!! - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By Dean358 - December 21 - 10:00 am

  I bought a new 2002 X-type 3.0. Although I really enjoy driving this car it has been a maintenance nightmare. The car was delivered with three Continental and one Pirelli tires (should have tipped me off). Selected problems over the course of 30,000 miles: transmission seal has been replaced four times, transmission has been replaced, master computer has been replaced, cooling system main valve has been replaced (car had to be towed), brake pads replaced, trunk latch is intermittent. Spoke with jaguar repeatedly about this car – no help. STRONGLY RECOMMEND AGAINST BUYING THIS CAR!!!

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  X-Type - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By nikestud785 - December 21 - 10:00 am

  This car drives and handles well, and it has exceeded my expectations. The car is adequately equipped, and it looks more classy than any of the cars in its peer group.