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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  2005 Jag wagon - 2005 Jaguar X-Type
  By Chstine - March 14 - 7:06 pm

  I am one of the first lucky people to own this awesome car. Its fun, fast and luxurious. Also, its great in the snow with all wheel drive.The only negative is not enough leg room in the backseat. Other than that after owning 2 BMW wagons this is a very nice change.

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  No regrets - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By Tommy D - February 25 - 10:00 am

  Picked up my BRG 2.5L car just 2 wks ago, put 1K mi on already... I never test-drove the 3.0L... why be tempted by $5,000 option when base engine gives more performance than one can truly appreciate in normal situations? A fantastic car in all respects... if you are looking at this car, spring for premium and sport packages... AWD and sport mode are incredible combination... Took a trip on back roads through coast range in NW Oregon... like riding on rails through "25 mph" curves at 50+... Quiet, quick, good gas mileage even when pushing it hard... will post a new note after Ive hit a few thousand miles.

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  X TYPE JAGUAR - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By JOHN PITRA - February 20 - 10:00 am

  GREAT LOOKING CAR THAT IS FUN TO DRIVE. LOTS OF ROOM IN THE FRONT SEAT,BUT THE BACK SEAT IS A LITTLE TIGHT.

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  Better than reported by the "experts" - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By love my X - February 20 - 9:56 am

  Everyone and their cousin has either a 3 series or C class - for good reason, both are excellent cars, Ive had both - but it was time for a change. On that note this little Jag delivers. People dont confuse it for a Corolla or Honda. The body style is very reminiscent of the 84 which was one of my favorite cars as a kid. Regarding power, it accelerates just fine, I dont need a racecar to go back and forth to work or run errands. As for issues regarding the small rear seat, this is a small car, not a Chevrolet Impala. Its meant to be small and nimble, which is part of what makes it perfect. It drives smooth and the sport mode makes it quicker.

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  I am not happy - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By taxmom2000 - February 13 - 2:00 am

  My x-type has 4000 miles and is going into the shop for the 3rd time. I have an annoying whistle, so they replaced the drive shaft, but the whistle came back. Now I am waiting for a new transmission, they think that is where the noise is coming from. The other problem is with the gas tank design. If the gas pump hits the door spring the wrong way, it knocks the spring off and you cant open the door, unfortunately Jaguar didnt design the car with a release in the trunk, so I had to go back to Jaguar to get the tank door opened before I could get gas. For the money, I expected a much smoother ride and it isnt there.

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  My wife is happy and so am I - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By krv460 - February 8 - 10:00 am

  My wife was ready for a new car so we looked at everything. The second she saw this car she knew this was it. I read the "whiny" reviews and tried to steer her elswhere... No Way! I made her test drive the Beamer and all of those "recommended" cars...No Luck. Well its been a short time but this car is great, definitely a chick car but she loves it and life is short so go for it, you will be happy too.

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  Much better than I expected - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By Darel Parker - February 4 - 4:13 am

  After looking at similarly priced BMWs and Mercedes, I decided to take a chance on the X-Type and I have not been disappointed. I absolutely love this car. Inside and out, the X-Type is beautiful, and driving it is a dream. With an automatic transmission, the 2.5 liter engine is a bit underpowered but the performance is more than acceptable and the handling is superb. The X-Type styling really stands out in the crowded entry-level luxury market. If you dont tell people what you paid for the car, theyll assume you paid twice as much. It is that nice.

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  Great Value - 2005 Jaguar X-Type
  By Mike - January 23 - 5:50 am

  This car has not only been fun to drive but a great value as well. The trunk is huge. However the back seat is very tight with limited legroom and headroom for passengers and somewhat difficult to enter/exit.

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  Road noise is my only complaint - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By epiphani - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Small, sporty and fun to drive with a lot of pep compared to most cars of its size.

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  No Other Car Like It - 2006 Jaguar X-Type
  By George - January 5 - 4:40 pm

  This car has no equal. Drive one for a while and youll see what I mean. Power is adequate, handling on wet roads is simply unbelievable. Ive had 3 BMWs and the X-Type easily, very easily, and Ill say effortlessly, could run off and leave them on a winding road--wet or dry. On the straight interstate above 115 mph handling is about the same as the BMWs Ive had, maybe a little better but nothing outstanding. Interior is nice with the VDP package. Interior doors handles are hard to pull to open the door and that is common to all X-Types. Bad design using a cable. Have to remove a lot of stuff to change plugs on the rear cylinder bank. BMW is a lot easier.