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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  one of the best - 2005 Jaguar X-Type
  By stu - December 31 - 9:50 pm

  Poor handling??? This thing handles like its on railroad tracks. It tracks straight as an arrow. Slightly hard ride because of the silly 17 inch tires. Best interior materials Ive seen for that price. All in all a winner for a smaller luxury sports sedan. Could use better ergonomics on the dash panel.

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  What could enhance my Jag Appreciation - 2006 Jaguar X-Type
  By Hedy Elefritz - December 26 - 10:43 pm

  I formerly owned an S-Type but drove an X-type as a loaner. Because I needed the security of a bad-weather performer (all-wheel or front wheel drive) I "scaled down" on amenities. I miss automatic seat adjustment, interior space, softer ride but really enjoy the confidence and handling of my VDL. What keeps me from shopping other cars with amenities AND AWD or front wheel is the excellent service and performance with my particular local dealer. If the S-type had better bad weather driving capability, I would return to that vehicle. Or, if the X-type could upgrade, Id be a happy, contented driver.

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  Hard to beat the X-type - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By Alan - December 23 - 7:50 pm

  I have put 4000 trouble free miles on this new Jag and the smiles get bigger every day. This car is classy, quiet and a ball to drive. Been in snow and ice and its as sure footed as any car Ive ever driven. Plenty of power and tight as a drum. I looked at the I35 and BMW but the value and exclusivity of the Jag made it a no brainer. I have been getting 24mpg on the car and that could be better and premium gas is a bit of a pain, but overall, this is a great car at a great price and you dont see yourself coming the other way every 2 minutes. Great Car

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  Awsome car regardless of price - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By 2nd Jag - December 6 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Jag. I had an S-Type for last 4 years and was extremeley happy with it. The reliability was great and got lots of looks! I had to go to an All-Wheel drive due to all the snow in colorado. I had test driven the X-type in the snow a few times and did great. I cant wait for S-type to come up with an all-wheel drive.

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  5 years in and I still love it! - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By uab9253 - December 5 - 12:30 pm

  I bought mine new in December 2004 and I still love this car. I have had 50000 relatively trouble free miles. I have only had bulbs, battery, fluids replaced - just got a rear brake job. Like another reviewer, I switched from Continental to Fuzion tires - they seem to be holding up much better and look good too. I also have the cloth wrinkling along the supports on each side of the windshield. This car has never left me, embarrassed me or sent me to the shop. I only just now have to pay for service- Dealer prices were a shock. Ive probably gone there for the last time - minor stuff Ill have done at a local garage. Glorified oil change at 50K "Service" miles was $500.

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  take the good with the bad - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By kmac - November 21 - 11:26 pm

  I purchased my X-type a couple years used and I believe I got a great value for the money, thanks to the high rate of depreciation on Jags. The car has been fairly reliable for me; it looks like it cost 3 times more than I paid for it; and the AWD is great in snow. The the downside of owning a used Jag is that once the warranty runs out (along with the included maintenance), upkeep is costly, especially at the dealership where $500 to $1,000 for scheduled maintenance is normal. I would say that if you value the "cool factor" more than such practical considerations as reliability, resale value, maintenance costs, etc., then this is great car for the money - if you bought used that is.

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  Dont get stuck with one - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By Blown306 - November 20 - 10:03 pm

  Weve had our X-Type 3.0 Sport for about three years and it has been one of the sorriest cars we ever bought. In 60k miles, the car is on its fourth set of tires, fifth set of defrost vents, second set of visors and 3 three rims have been replaced, one because it had to be chiseled off (stuck $14/ea lug nuts caused it). It leaks oil, makes tons of various noises and gets horrible mileage. It can take off and turn good in the snow, but forget about stopping. 30 days after a $200 alignment from Jag and new tires on the front, the wear indicators on the inner edges are gone! Look at something out of Germany instead... trading this in on a Jetta diesel.

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  With jags like this we all should get 1! - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By xjag4me - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Buying the jag was the easiest buying experience ever for a car: no stress, no sales pushes, no trouble. Dealer bent backward for me. Others claim the 2.5 doesnt have enough power - it has plenty of power for most people. I love seeing the jaguar statue riding atop the hood in front. Fittings and finish are clean and flush. Gives an appearance of a more expensive jaguar. Although this is a 2003 it has a bunch of stuff not shown on 2003s. Even have cup holders front and rear. Drive is smooth and the seats so comfortable it could be an easy chair. Acceleration is smooth.

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  X-type grip it and rip it - 2006 Jaguar X-Type
  By Steve L - October 16 - 8:46 pm

  This car is fun to drive, holds the pavement well. Acceleration is sufficient. Fit, finish and feel are better than expected.

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  Great Deal - 2005 Jaguar X-Type
  By Michael in Iowa - October 9 - 12:23 pm

  Im 65. This is my 17th car and the first thats more than basic transportation. I have the basic X- type with no options: manual transmission and the small engine. To me, given a same-price choice between the X-type and a mid-level Accord or Camry is a no-brainer. The Accord and Camry are larger, but the X-type just lovely. Its beautifully equipped and a pleasure to drive. It seems powerful and sporty. Gas mileage, 19/28, is good for an all wheel drive car with 192 HP, and the shifter is the smoothest Ive ever worked. Id buy another.