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:

• 

  Pleasantly surprised - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By Jrgdechoudens - February 15 - 10:00 am

  I recently took delivery of this vehicle, and I am content with it. I was looking for a 4wd sedan for less than 30K and this one came on top for the type and options included. The vehicle did come with a lot of options, but with some patience and a great sales individual I managed to get a great deal for it. The ride is whats expected of a European sedan. The steering is precise and the transmission is smooth. Because it is a 2.5 the acceleration is not that strong, but sufficient enough to provide a joyful ride. The finish inside is good, and the chrome accentuates the car perfectly.

• 

  Elegant Fun! - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By Mark - January 30 - 3:53 pm

  After having my X-type a year, I still stop and gaze at its distinctive, classy, and sporty styling. The 5 speed is fun and quick. The 4WD grips the road and has gotten su through all kinds of weather. Headlights tend to burn out fast, but the dealer pops them in with no problem and the new bulbs seem to have been lasting longer. The defroster grids pop up from the panel, but its no big deal to snap them back in place. Overall we love the car.

• 

  worst car and service we ever had - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By paul mazzilli - January 22 - 7:56 pm

  The clutch failed at 13k miles then the car was off the road for a faulty linkage and the clutch failed again at 25k miles. We were told the failure was due to normal wear not covered by warranty.We canÂ’t believe a car of JaguarÂ’s prestige has an expected clutch life of 12 to 15k miles.We have driven sticks for 30 years and put between 35k and 115k miles on cars and have never had a clutch fail. This car has mainly highway mileage with little shifting.We find it nasty to be told that the damage is due to our driving habits. Two separate Jaguar dealers told us they see around 15 to 18k miles as the average life on an X-Type clutch and that they do not have experience with many manual cars.

• 

  Base is the Case - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By MK6331 - January 12 - 10:00 am

  I just had this car in for its 30k service and have not had 1 problem since I took delivery. I did not choose the sport ed. because the seats were just not comfortable. The shift between 1st and 2nd is a bit notchy but after driving it for awhile, Ive learned to rev the engine to about 4k rpm before shifting and it seems much better. Yes, it could use a little more horsepower but its still a spirited performer and absolutely stable in bad weather. At this point, once the lease is up, Im planning to buy it.

• 

  Great Car! - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By Nick - January 5 - 8:03 am

  I have done a lot of review prior to purchasing this car. I have had a few in my day and this is by far the best car I have ever had. Runs great and the handling is by far superior to anything I have driven. The only thing I needed to do was replace the windshield wiper motor which was very very easy to do. Took all of 30 min. Very stylish for the money and fun to drive in any weather! My wife loves it way more then the Volvo S70 she had. Two thumbs up for me!!

• 

  A Ford Contour w/ wood & leather - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By Tommy K - December 9 - 10:00 am

  Unfortunately, this cars mainframe is that of a Ford Mondeo (European Contour). And it drives like a Ford, save the $ 20k for the wood and leather.

• 

  Awesome car!! - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By Josh boyles - November 24 - 2:06 am

  I saw this car and fell in love with it. Love the awd and the sport button, fast. Great horsepower. My first jag and so far am very impressed, the awd is great and the pick up power is nice to have.

• 

  Scary at times, but so far, so good. - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By devargo - November 13 - 6:43 am

  Got this in June 07 with 32k miles. Now have 55k on it, and the only repair has been a worn tie-rod end. I have heard horror stories about Jaguar reliability over the years, but I took the plunge and am glad I did. One thing I never get over is the odd noises that this car makes. Squeals, whines, whistles, bumps, woomps, thumps, etc. For one thing, it appears that every road noise comes inside. For another, wind noise actually makes a whistling around the A pillars. But, overall, I cant complain. 22-24 mpg, good looks, good performance, lots of features, and the cachet of owning a Jag for under $20000. Still keeping my fingers crossed, but so far, glad I bought this car.

• 

  Finally got cool - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By Bayonne - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Fantastic looking car...gets lots of attention. Makes other cars, BMW, Audi, etc. look boring. Exciting to drive...just plain cool.

• 

  Very Pleased - Love it - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By pleased_in_NY - November 2 - 10:00 am

  I looked at many other entry-level sport sedans...but the X-type just grabbed my eye. I love its looks, its exceptional. I have many complete strangers tell me its a beautiful car. I love to drive it, the 5 speed manual is great fun. The alpine stereo is excellent. I love the interior styling and the way it handles on the road especially when revving the engine at 4000 to 6500 RPMs