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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  Dont Believe the "Experts" - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By EuroCar - May 14 - 10:00 am

  First off let me say that I didnt think I would buy this car when I started looking, I had read the reviews and thought it wouldnt stand up to the other cars I was looking at (Acura TL, Infiniti G35 Sdn, Saab 9-3 Aero). But after driving them all and studying the exterior and interior, options and price, it really ended up being a no brainer. This car has it all plus AWD, and nothing comes close to the beautiful interior.

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  Need re-engineering - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By Cliff - April 27 - 1:10 am

  What a disappointment this car is. A lot of cheesy engineering. Transmission died at 45000 miles, cost $7200. Need new brake job at 42000 miles, cost $1,200. Can only be done by Jag or you can expect to hear brake noise, even with genuine pads and rotors.The vent cover pops up all the time near the windshield and makes noise, the driver seat moves forward 1/4" - 1/2" went stopping, the middle console rocks side-to-side like its going to come apart.

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  Fun to drive, expect build problems - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By Geoff Miller - April 24 - 10:00 am

  I own a manual 2.5 w/Sport package and Xenon lights. Have ~2500 miles on it in first 6 weeks of driving. A fun car to drive with great handling, but it has several small gremlins in build quality: mine have been loose seat, intermittent fuel gauge, and a whistling sunroof. More frustrating, the dealer hasnt returned my voicemail requesting service in 3 weeks now. Fun car, but expect to have it serviced under warranty. The OEM ContiTour tires are cheap and noisy. I replaced mine w/Eagle F1 GS- D3ès and road noise went down significantly.

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  A victim of misjudging - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By Curtis K - April 18 - 8:13 am

  My X-Type has treated me very well; power and handling are always there when I need it. On the road, Im confidant of the ability to pass someone even if they try to accelerate to close the gap. Sitting in this car, you really feel at one with the machine as the seat wraps around your body reassuringly, connecting you with the road as the roar of the engine actually sounds like the primal growl of a wild, angry jaguar. The steering wheel allows you to feel your way without becoming disconnected from the road as you do with many luxury cars. We have to remember, to judge this car in the same class as other high-end cars would be unfair. This is an entry level car delivering above par results.

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  Not sure yet - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By Chris Parrilli - April 18 - 1:46 am

  I have had the car for two weeks and already put in &1,860.00. The dealer did a lousy job preping the car. I do love the look of the car I hope this is just a series of problems now solved. We will see

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  Great Car for the Money - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By jagmeister1 - April 10 - 3:59 am

  I bought my 2.5L automatic in June of 2010. When I first got the car there were some "gremlins" especially electrical that came and gone. In September the battery went. I was able to put a charge to it and when and got a OEM battery. Wow all the gremlins were gone. When I bought it it had 23046 miles and now June 2011 I turned 26000 miles. Except for the electrical gremlins I have no problems with the car until about a month ago. I have the optional HID self leveling headlights, no washers on the lights. The interior mechanism broke in both headlights, and they could no longer be adjusted. One pointed to space the other to the ground. Jaguar does not make replacement parts for these lights,.

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  Misconceptions - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By speedster2 - April 3 - 9:46 pm

  I bought the Jaguar X-Type 2003 used and I do not regret it one bit. When considering to buy this car, everyone doubted it, saying its only nice on the exterior. I was told the reliability was terrible, no dealerships in the area, and that it was not worth the headache because the parts are expensive. I have not had to bring the car in to the dealership ONCE, only for an oil change. Overall this car is a fantastic buy, great price, GREAT reliability, and tons of fun. I have this car at college, and it gets looks of admiration and impression. Another great feature of this car is it all wheel drive, which is unusual for an SUV. I am very grateful for buying it.

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  Jaguar X-Type - 2005 Jaguar X-Type
  By Uncledudly - April 1 - 12:06 am

  Great handling automobile. Other than wind noise, it is a pleasure to drive. Given the length of the wheel base and suspension, this automobile rides rather comfortably. I would defintley buy again.

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  Best car ever. - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By brianboughtajag - March 26 - 10:00 am

  I just bought this car. It is by far the most beautiful car I have driven recently. Awesome drive. Powerful and beautiful.

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  excellent choice & value for money. - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By Nasir U. Kahn - March 26 - 10:00 am

  excellent road grip & control makes it a driving pleasure.The advantage of having AWD , all leather. wood interior alon with reverse parking sensor in the price bracket is awesome.