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:
Showing 21 through 30 of 650.00-
Great performance & dependability - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
By brenda9417 - August 9 - 11:20 amSadly, I totaled my Jag last week. It had over 105,000 miles and still drove like it was new off the lot! Whether in sport mode or regular this Jag hugs the road like a dream, stops on a dime, and accelerates on demand. Of course, I did service my car regularly- -which helps with whatever car you own. I had no doubt in my mind that the car would have rolled over 300,000 miles. Ive owned Mercedes, Lexus and BMW and would (hands down) place this car above all of those on reliability and performance. I am currently looking for another X-type to replace it!
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Do NOT buy this car! - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
By WendyLouise - August 6 - 10:00 amThis is far and away the WORST car I have ever owned. Absolutely ZERO pick- up, lengthy mechanical issues incl electrical, and about as much energy as if it were two hamsters running the wheel instead of an engine. I cant WAIT for the lease to end. Loathe this vehicle.
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Jaguar X-Type 2.5 awd - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
By Mikeps - August 6 - 10:00 amI bought this 2003 X-type (manual transmission) with 5,400 miles. I love it so far. Have had it for four months and have had no problems yet. The awd is excellent. Near impossible to spin a tire or lose control of car. Acceleration is good and handling is great. Exterior styling turns heads wherever I go.
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Awesome! - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
By JagsRock - August 3 - 2:00 amEasily the best, and I do mean the best, sport sedan available to today. No other car in this price range can match its performance, luxury and appeal. None.
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Very Pleased - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
By Devin S. - July 29 - 10:00 amOther reviewers here claim the Jaguar X- Type looks like a Mercury Sable or other cars. Are they blind! The exterior looks nothing like a Sable. Nor does the interior look like a Sable in fact its beautiful and as good or better than that of any car in any class today under $100,000. The interior layout was so well done that Jaguar has now adopted the identical design for the new versions of their more expensive and larger S and XJ types. Its also a great use of space with a surprisingly large trunk and a light airy cabin. When I see another X- type on the road I canÂ’t believe it appears so small on the outside. The whole package is great.
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Show stopper - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
By Blackxjag - July 29 - 10:00 amThis is one great car. Living in Pittsburgh where the roads can be slick and rough, the AWD is a great feature. Maybe the 2.5L is a little short on HP, but the auto transmission makes the most of what you have. Let the engine rev!
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Excellent All Around - 2005 Jaguar X-Type
By Chindit2 - July 14 - 8:33 pmI recently drove my X Type home in a snow storm. The only cars on the road that were not having trouble were the SUVs and me. The X-Type is under rated!! Ford has done an excellent job of working out the problems without taking the British styling out. It is an excellent value, excellent performance, extremely comfortable, head turning styling. My only complaint is that the in-city fuel economy is awful, 17/18 mpg on premium. The car does however love to run down the turnpike at 80 mph with 25 mpg. If you are wondering if you should get one for yourself, stop wondering and go for it.
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Autobahn driving - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
By dncncwboy56 - July 9 - 12:31 pmWe have had our 2004 Jaguar X-type 3.0 for four years now and we love it. Have not had one single problem with it. We regularly drive it on the autobahn in Germany where we live. It is electronically stopped out at 126 MPH but anywhere from zero to 126 MPH, the car handles like it is on a city street doing 35 MPH. I would recommend this car to anyone. It is AWD and handles great in snow or in rain. We have videos of us driving 90 MPH on snow covered roads. Extremely comfortable on long trips. Heated seat for the winter. Love it!!
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Not for everyone - 2006 Jaguar X-Type
By g. osman - July 4 - 10:06 pmHandles well and is very stylish. Received a lot of compliments from consumers on tha appearance of the car overall. Do not like the 17" low profile tires. Prone to flats if running over obstacles in road. Jags overall ride is hard and you feel and hear every crack and bump in the road. This may be due to the low profile tires but maybe its the car suspension. Gas mileage leaves a lot to be desired. Open road I havent gotten over 25 mph.
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Back to the Drawing Board - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
By Dr JR - July 4 - 10:00 amThis car has been a total joke (unfortunatly, on me). There isnt space or time here to elaborate on all the problems this car has had. New ones keep popping up ever day. The worst part is that the dealer AND the manufacturer dont have a clue on how to resolve them. The car now sits in my garage where it can do the least amount of harm to my peace of mind untill I can get Jaguar to take it back.
