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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Jaguar X-Type - 2007 Jaguar X-Type
By Adam - November 15 - 11:16 pmI bought it thinking I may become a Jaguar fan. I think it was the worst financial mistake I have ever made. Engine died at 2000 miles!! I am on my THIRD transmission and FOURTH set of lightbulbs in my headlights and on my THIRD set of tires. This is only after 12000 miles. I am finally going to trade it in for a BMW, a car that will acually last. I have been to the dealer so many times I know the employees on a first name basis, I think I have put more miles on my Kia Rio than I have put on my Jaguar. STAY AWAY!!! FAR AWAY
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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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LEMON !! - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
By N. - November 26 - 5:16 pmMy husband purchased this car for me for my 40th birthday. Not a day goes by without regret. It has been nothing short of disastrous. It has been in the shop 7 times for the same two problems: 1)grinding noise located in the right front 2) at about 35 mph the engine begins to vibrate - best description: feels like you are driving over a washboard. They actually REPLACED the engine and it still is not fixed. The interior is falling apart. The lining surrounding the front and back windows is peeling off. The visor mirrors are broken. The back seat seat belts have broken. The glove box will not close properly. Electrical side mirror adjustment switch is faulty. HORRIBLE HORRIBLE HORRIBLE!!
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Pretty Lemon - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
By Tom - October 23 - 2:46 pmWe purchased our 2002 x-type after leasing it for three years. During those three years we have had an interior water leak from the vent filter on the dash, pop ups of the vent, interior wood replacement, drivers door panel replaced, coolant hose prung a leak - twice, bearing replaced in suspension, squeaks, brakes replaced, worn tires- we have practically rebuilt the car from the ground up. Every time we bring it in we swear its the last time - but the beauty of it draws us back. Great looking car - but overall, a lemon. I would buy another BMW over a Jag any day- much more reliable.
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JUNK - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
By jcpil1515 - December 25 - 1:00 amThis is the biggest piece of junk i have ever bought. it started breaking down the 2nd day after i bought it. its has been in the shop 23 times. Warranty just ran out and we are getting rid of this car as quickly as possible. i have had problems with brakes, transmission, ignition, main computer, door panels. My wife and baby have been stranded 3 times because the car wouldnt start it would say security enabled and the only way to reset it is at the dealership. which is 100 miles from where we live. When i had problems with the brakes it went on for 3 months they had to get the engineers who designed the brakes and fly them into the dealership to finally fix them. Bottom line its junk
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X-Type Dissapointment - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
By Spruceforest - November 19 - 10:00 amGood Points: Engine very responsive, great sound system, good visability, excellent handling. Bad Points: Many rattles and squeeks, very loud road and wind noise, breaks are also loud. Overall quality is poor, especially for a car costing over $40k. This was an impulse purchase. I did a lot of research and I was intending on buying an Audi A4 or A6. I regret my decision every day I drive to work.
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A Hopeless Lemon - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
By boughtalemon - September 20 - 10:00 amA pretty car which is completely unreliable. Jaguar has replaced my fuel tank, my trunk lock 3 times, my navigation system twice, my integrated phone 4 times. The phone still doest work right, and they say it is not fixable. My childproof window locks are unreliable and fail nearly everyday. My headlights have failed. On the plus side, I think the blue color is pretty. A total disaster!!!!!
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2004 XType - Very Disappointing - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
By Bob - July 2 - 4:53 pmI have the 2004 X Type for a year and a half now and cant wait for the lease to be up. Both key remotes have broken at different times. Both headlights have gone out at different times. The wipers stopped working and had to be serviced with a new motor. The car now started emmitting a whining noise from the rear and now has to go back. The seats are very small and uncomfortable. The heated seats and rear defroster shut off at 15 minte intervals which is annoying. Horrible sounding stereo. Cup holders are made it appears for cups of British tea rather than water bottles. Rear seat is cramped. Great AWD in snow. Ample HP with 3.0 engine but nothing exciting. Hood ornament is best feature!
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LEMON - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
By LemonJag - March 25 - 9:40 amLeased this vehicle hoping that Jaguar has improved the build quality with the assurance that I would be able to give the car back in 3 years if I was unsatisfied. Unfortunately... or Fortunately... mine was a lemon! Returning the Vehicle after only 6 months!!!
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lemon - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
By lemon - February 18 - 2:00 amThe car was in the shop for 10 mechanical defects, trans, compressor, drive shaft, power steering rack, steering column. Vent grids came off, headlight washers came off. The dealer tells me they are swamped with this car for repairs. It was bought back by Jag. BEWARE!!!!!
