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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  Love the "baby" cat - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By oldengineer - March 14 - 10:00 am

  Have put over 5000 miles on X-Type 2.5 automatic with no problems. Performance is about equal to competition. Exterior styling and interior are more elegant. Cornering is excellent with AWD. Car has great traction in wet conditions. In my book BMW325 and little Lexus dont compare.

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  Jag Envy: Gen X - Type - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By dasan7 - March 14 - 10:00 am

  My first Jaguar. Ive always wanted a Jag, but didnt want the "old man" looking style of the XJ. I was looking at Mercedes, BMW. None of the models I looked at compare to this car! The style, and feel of driving this car blows away the competition. My neighbor bought a new Nissan of some type. He was livid, absolutely beside himself with envy when I parked my Jag next to him.

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  Its the little things! - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By gar - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Over all its a good car but its the little things that bug me. After a recall service there was a rattle in the dash. Serviced it twice and it wont go away. Same thing with wheel noise. Sounds like backing plattes for brakes. The chrome door handles here in sunny Florida get too hot after a few hours in the sun. Oh, please get rid of the sliding arm rest. I also have trouble reading the odometer in bright sun behind the car. Even in normal circumstances I find it hard to read when wearing sun glasses, which is most of the time in S. Florida. Id trade it in over these annoying little things but the resale is not in favor of that move.

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  The critics arent always right. - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By Trenton Critic - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Critics are pretty tough on this car but I disagree. The car is beautifully styled. The interior looks great. The seats are extremely comfortable. The wood trim is gorgeous and the controls are generally easy and intuitive. The engine is powerful enough particularly with the manual.Brakes are powerful, handling is balanced and precise. All wheel drive is a definite plus-no slipping, skidding or torque steer. Unfortunately, there are still some quality control issues. The shifter cables had to be replaced due to very sloppy shift quality. Also the clutch is difficult to modulate and too abrupt. Overall tho, this is an excellent car at the right price.

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  Baby Jag - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By DC - March 5 - 3:03 pm

  X-Type is solid and a great performer. We looked at BMW-3, Mercedes C, and Audi. The Jag handled and rode better than all of them . Its plusher inside and the ride was very solid. Definitely drive one !!

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  Lemon - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By Mr Mike - February 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought a new X-Type in Jan 02. After just one day I had to return the car because of a faulty drive shaft. New one was faulty and so on. After 4 replacements it work. Oh, did I mention that the car had a missing Head light when I picked it up. Next problem the heating system stopped working. Sun roof needs re-cycling from time to time. Now the car is back with the Dealership to try and sort out a bad noise from the roof. Worse car Ive ever bought. I did suggest to the Dealership that they should replace the car after one week which they agreed too if I bought out the lease for $16,000! Avoid this car and Dealership.

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  A loveable car - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By t. williams - February 26 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Jaguar and it has been pleasure all the way. I recentley owned a Mercedes C230 and its no comparison. I love the leather, wood, and great looks. I sold to Jaguar for now on.

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  Excellent Choice - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By LongIslandAl - February 19 - 10:00 am

  Our first Jaguar after years of Lexus and Infiniti. So far the Jag is awesome. Great looking, great handling and an excellent overall choice. Interior appointments are first class and the ride is far better than we anticipated. Hugs the road and accelerates smoothly and easily. No hiccups in the transmission and braking is effortless. After considering Lexus and Infiniti, we are very happy with the huge savings and comparable performance.

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  Edmunds Confuses the X-type issue - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By libby - February 13 - 9:46 am

  This is a very good car, which is comparatively cheap if you stick to the base model, which Motor Trend describes as surprisingly quick. I bought it because of good initial reviews, including a very positive one on the Edmunds web site. Then I was distressed to see Edmunds reverse itself with an extremely negative review. More recently there has been a grudgingly neutral review, which still describes lower speed statistics than the ones in Motor Trend, Car and Driver,etc. How can Edmunds be useful to buyers if they keep contradicticting themselves?

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  Are The Edmunds Reviewers for Real - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By RonDC - February 10 - 2:00 am

  I completely love this car. From the styling to the leather interior, this is far better than the BMW 3 or the MB C Class. The trunk space is awesome. Drove the sport package and did not purchase it as it seemed to make a lot of noise. The non-sport package is just fine. The AWD is spectacular. Edmunds reviewers need to look at the posts to see how happy people really are with this vehicle. Did I mention the head-turns of other drivers when they see the styling?