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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  Awesome Car Awesome Service - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By jjmccain - October 15 - 2:00 am

  As a previous Audi A4 and BMW 323i owner, I know great entry level luxury sedans. Service is the differentiating factor here. BMW service is the most awful, painful experience ever! Audi is great, but the old A4 was too tight inside. The X-type gives you performance and a service/dealership experience far superior to BMW or Audi. To the car - great car inside and out for an unbelievable price. We got the factory lease deal and had a no haggle price. Wood dash, great leather, and all-wheel drive makes this car hard to beat.

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  Really Happy - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By gatorbait - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car for my wife. She and I both love and I am now looking into buying a second X-Type for myself.

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  Excellent - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By Par - October 5 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding car. Bought two cars at the same time - BMW-xi and Jaguar X-type and like Jaguar more. Design - excellent, fuel economy - 30 ml/gl at 65 ml/h, comfort - excellent. Price - got 6000 discount from MSRP. Reliability - do not know yet.

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  Value for the Money - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By Roy Fazio - October 3 - 2:20 am

  When shopping, compared my X-Type to Audi, MC C Class and BMI and after options were piled (leather, CD,etc.,) the other vehicles were $5K more. This car comes loaded. Car handles great and is fun to drive. Solidly built. Had a few minor trim problems when i first bought the car (vents loose and visor mirrors), but dealership swiftly too care of problems. Car is great in snow too.

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  X-Type Unreliable - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By Kelley - September 25 - 4:26 pm

  From the time that I purchased this vehicle, it spent more time in the shop then I spent driving the vehicle. Unfortunately, I decided to purchase this vehicle instead of lease. The car has very little residual value now at 55,000 miles and I have had to put over $3000 into the vehicle in the last two months because of the poor quality of this vehicle. The vehicle is pretty to look at and yes it will turn heads, however, it has been a complete waste of money for me. I am a professional and do not have time to waste getting a vehicle repaired constantly.

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  jaguar x type - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By william w. kelly - September 22 - 2:00 am

  having previously owned a xj we wanted a smaller car for my wife for in town driving in charleton, s.c. we are thrilled with this jaguar with a great lease. we knew it would not be large like the xj, it is just the right size for our in town use. the cars performance and quality is unsurpassed! it is a wonderful small jaguar. we would not own any other car this size. completely satisfied.

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  Best buy, best car - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By vg - September 20 - 2:00 am

  No words to describe just feeling as you drive.....

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  Sleek Cat - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By hallin - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I am coming off a very positive 10 year experience with my C-class Benz. I purchased a red (Radiance) Xtype 3.0 in the spring of 2004. With the Premium package, the Jag looked and felt better than the Benz. Gas mileage was not as bad as some have reported. Local overall gas mileage is around 22 mpg. With a hefty price increase on the Benz, the cost was favorable. The four year bumper to bumper warranty was an asset also. The new Benz no longer offers the bumper to bumper warranty. I have had friends thank me for allowing them to sit in this vehicle.

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  NICE AWD, DO YOURSELF A FAVOR, GET IT - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By RJD - September 10 - 10:00 am

  FOR THE MONEY YOU CAN DO NO BETTER. PEOPLE THINK ITS A 60,000 DOLLAR CAR. ITS NICE AND REASONABLE. INSURANCE WITH 100 DOLLAR DEDUCTIBLES IS RIDICULOUSLY CHEAP AT 400/6MONTHS. ITS RATED AS A COMPACT BECAUSE IT GETS SUCH GOOD MILEAGE. YOU WONT REGRET IT. IM A HAPPY CAMPER WITH MINE. ;)

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  Great Car To Drive - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By Fizzle - September 6 - 8:40 pm

  Bought this from dealer as a demo with only 1600 miles. Car handles great and has never needed any major repairs. I am upgrading to the new XJ as a result of my wonderful experience with this model. X-type is an entry level Jag but if you want a car different from every other model on the road this is it.