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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  Baby Jag Thrill to Drive - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By eburford - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This JAG 3.0L is a thrill to drive. AWD provides safety, and the 3.0L automatic provides more than enough power. While driving at VERY high speed, everyone in the car feels very SAFE. Id recommend the 3.0L, not the 2.5L. Stick with the auto transmission and enjoy the J-gate automatic to control the gears, particularly when slowing down for freeway offramps. I love this car.

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  AWD is just not for winter - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By WinterDriver - March 17 - 8:36 pm

  Great vehicle for both winter and summer. There are several small nuisance problems, but no major issues. The dashboard defrost vents, cracking leatherette (handbrake and 5- speed shifter cover) are a few issues that have been rectified under warranty. The interior is tight, consistent with Jaguar lineage. The sports seats are the best of their kind, and will hold you in better than glue. To that effect, they are not for the obese or overweight. Well balanced handling, a bit of a long clutch for the 5-speed manual, but a very fun car to drive, and a definite improvement over my last Mercedes. Great price, too.

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  Driving Xcellence - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By Sammit - March 14 - 3:13 pm

  This Jag is the perfect blend of luxury, sport, and family practicality. It is art on wheels and you dont see one around every corner like a BMW or MB. Dont listen to the reviews that complain about its relationship to Ford. This car is pure Jaguar. It looks and feels like a $50,000 car, but lay off the options and it wont cost you any more than the SUVs and minivans your friends are buying!

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  Beautiful Cat - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By Jagged edge - March 8 - 2:06 pm

  Ive owned my Jag a little over a year now, its power and handling is impressive. This Jag is as beautiful inside as it is on the outside. The 3.0 handles my heavy foot. At first I did not like the AWD till driving through a heavy snow and I was then glad to have it. People who see it look then look again, and I cant help but smile and say "yes its a Jag".

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  Great car-as long as its under warranty - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By cleveJag - February 22 - 12:40 am

  Purchased my 03 X-Type 3.0 as a Select Edition certified car. It is truly a wonderful vehicle despite its poor reputation. The drive is very smooth, the engine quiet and refined. The leather and wood wraps you in luxury that feels much more expensive than what the car actually costs. Prepare to get to know your service advisor if you purchase one of these cars, however. In the 5 months that Ive had mine, its been in the shop for about a month. No major problems have been encountered, just replacing parts that had rattles, whines, vibrations, etc. As long as its under warranty, I want as smooth a ride as I can get

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  Overall Great Car - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By Brad - February 12 - 7:20 am

  I bought my X-Type used a little over two years ago. I have loved every minute of it. I have not had any reliability issues with the car at all. I have only had it in to the dealer for routine service. Also, the 2.5L V6 has more than enough power for daily driving. Before I bought the car, I had read several reviews stating that the car was underpowered. Unless youre buying this car to do drag racing, this is not the case. I find it has as much, or even more power than my last car - a Infiniti I35 with a 3.5L V6. The X-Types AWD system also has a leg up on the BMW 325xi. This is a great car for the price!

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  X Type Sucks - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By Keith/Jag - February 5 - 2:00 am

  Although I like the cars handeling and looks,,,, I have had a lot of problems from day 1 of my purchase. At the 50,000 mile make a leak in the drive train sent oil everyware under the car and on to the exast system. The repair was $1000 and the cost of the rental car $250.00. Jag corperate said "tough break" "Deal with it" Needless to say... I am NOT very happy

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  Awesome car...Awesome looks - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By pimpedoutsaab - February 5 - 2:00 am

  We just got a Jaguar 3.0 Sport. The car is awesome! The way it preforms is just as good as my sisters BMW 325ci, if not better. I really think that AWD was a great feature, very helpful in bad weather. The car is gorgeous on the inside. I disagree about it not being welcoming, in fact its very welcoming, and just all around a wonderful interior design. All of the features are well thought out, and plenty easy to use. I would recomend this car to anyone that wants a smaller can thats fun to drive and that gets lots of stares when driving down the road.

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  Great car -still going strong - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By yklktk - January 28 - 3:30 pm

  Wonderfully smooth on the highway, with paw like handling on country roads. The manual shift 2.5 gives back performance lost in the automatics I tested - the car will really move with revs kept above 2500.

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  Great Car for the price - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By Mike Erickson - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Great Car for the price