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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what a car!! - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
By ilsa - January 5 - 10:00 amThe jaguar x type is a fantastic auto!! Deserves a look if you are looking for a luxury mid sized car. Best deals seem to be buying one after it has been leased for a year or less, with 10000 or less miles. Handles the wisconsin snow like no car I have ever driven. We are x type owners for life!! Handles extremely well in any conditions and has power to spare. The sport seats really hug your rear end and not that its too uncomfortable but you do have to get used to it.
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An amazing car particularly at the price - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
By Jurgen - January 5 - 10:00 amI drove nearly every car under $40,000 that had AWD before getting a 2.5L w/ manual. (Merc C class, BMW 325 / 330 xis, Mitsu Evo VIII, Volvo S40-FWD, then AWD, and Infiniti G35x). X-type had the most exciting and classic exterior and interior styling, the most standard equipment, and IMO the best compromise of comfort/handling (handles Boston potholes admirably) among these choices, while offering in the manual xmissions the most fun driving experimence. Only exceeded by Volvo in
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Entry level jag - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
By 167wood - January 5 - 10:00 amGreat car. surprisingly good in snow and rain. i did slide off the road once in ice, but that was probably because i was a bit overconfident.
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who has a lemon - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
By oh well - December 31 - 3:06 pmI was looking for schematics of the front diff. (pumpkin) and came to Edmunds and found this review of a lady totally dissatisfied with her x- type. I am sorry but I purchased a 04 with 40,000 miles for my wife and the car has been exceptional. Nothing but normal stuff...rear brakes. this lady who says it has been nothing but trouble must have received a Monday/Friday car and am truly sorry she cannot enjoy the luxury of a Jaguar. This is what Ford intended...to have a luxury car be affordable to the middle class. I am a GM fan, oh well cant win them all.
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Kudos to X-Type - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
By b. dandar - December 22 - 8:53 pmBefore buying the X-Type I used to drive an XJ8. Although I love the style and ride of the XJ8, I always felt that the XJ8 was too much car for me (I am 5 tall and petite). The X-Type is a glove fit for me and I am so pleased that I made the change. My husband who has an XR series, was firmly against the X-Type predicting a litany of problems, etc. Happily, I have had no problems. The X-Type is sporty and stylish with many of the interior features of the XJ8. The trunk space is much larger than in the XJ8 and the rear seats fold down with minimal effort if more space is needed. I feel so connected with my car and Ill be in the market again within the next two years for another X-Type!
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A Jag review - 2005 Jaguar X-Type
By Glen - December 22 - 7:36 pmI like the car over all it has a lot of power. It is small enough I like all the features in it. Coming from Volvo background, it has same comfort and gadgets as Volvo does. Very satisfied.
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2002 X-type Jaguar - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
By B.Wolfrum - December 15 - 4:03 pmWe paid around 40k for car & find it to be a very nice auto.19-20 mpg around town 27-28 0n the road Very good fit & finish.Paint(Adriatic Blue)very nice.Only problem noted so far windshield washers weep onto hood.Car handles very well Power is good 3.0 auto trans.0-60 aprox. 7.5 sec.Rear seat a bit cramped for adults.We really like this car
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Great Buy,Great Value - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
By abmargolin - December 15 - 10:00 amThis Car is the value of the century! I walked into the showroom and got $6,000 OFF Sticker Price. When I found out what the sticker price was to begin with I thought it was good value. The saleman treated me like a prince. It was the first positive experience buying a new car in years. The only issue I had with the car was that with the sport button was pushed, the car had really low fuel economy. I was later told that I should only use the sport setting on Christmas Day. Besides that, the car has classed up my act.
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Luxury Sports car! - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
By tdk - December 9 - 2:00 amExcellent combination of luxury/sports/sedan. Best if all worlds.
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Baby, its cold outside - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
By etherjag - December 8 - 10:00 amI love driving my new jag. Having come up from a taurus sho, it handles better, has better performance and is a joy. My biggest complaint however, is the low outside temperature message that comes on each and every time I turn on the car, and wont go away until I hit reset. For goodness sake, I live in Michigan, I know its cold in January.
