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:

• 

  Had to be different - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By computthis - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Looked at all of the competitors. Liked the Jag better than the BMW 328 and fell in love with the MB E320. Everyone has a Benz though and BMWs and MBs lease programs couldnt compete.

• 

  Visit Repair Shop Monthly - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By DarnJag - November 5 - 10:00 am

  I have only had my jag for 3 months, and within the 1st week, the driver door lock failed allowing me no access. Never use the emergency brake. dont even touch it, because you will have a annoying loud clunking under the car for about 2 days until it wiggles it way back into place. Dont expect your car to start either. Fuel pump replaced at 29000 miles. Many other problems, seats recline on own when away from car, air bag failure light comes on and off. Wiper hoses dissconnect, seat stablizers loosen easily, crome worn out before 30,000. Still cant figure out how to get vent feature on a/c system.Im selling at 32,000 before i cant get my money back.

• 

  Like it but to soon - 2005 Jaguar X-Type
  By Carol Derry - September 18 - 10:00 am

  Ilike the car very much but because of past models I am very cautious in making a Final judgment.

• 

  Very Affordable Jaguar for the Masses - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By Joseph L - September 9 - 10:00 am

  Re:Jaguar X type AWD 2.5 auto, sunroof, heated seats for invoice OUT THE DOOR. Because of the $2k incentive that dealers are getting from JaguarNA. Power is 3rd in class behind BMW & Audis. Goto the 3.0 if u need to race. 2.5 V6 is sufficent for mix hwy/city. Well made & put together inside. Quality seems to be improved in 2nd year of production. Weird is the free included service schedule calls for oil changes @ 10K interval Yet, the car doesnt use synthetic oil!! If u plan on keeping the car for a awhile...stick w/ 3K miles oil changes @ YOUR expense. Very good package for the price esp. now that car market is full of competitors.

• 

  Quality midsize performer. - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By Flyingweightech - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Although classed as "Midsize" its quality seating makes the interior seem small. Should the driver require all the available seat adjustment, it gives very little room for the rear passenger. As a drivers car, it has few equals. The All Wheel Drive gives great confidence in all weather conditions. The superb road handling can give the impression the car is on rails! Powered by the zesty 3.0 litre engine it can leave you with the impression that you are behind a turbo charged V8! Take your foot off the power and you are driving a luxury limo. Put your foot down and the smooth powerful engine puts you in the Ferrari class.

• 

  Best car ive had - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By MXRIDER - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Great car, inside and out. Sporty exterior, and user friendly interior. Relatively smooth ride with great handling and respoinsiveness, and the engine has plenty of "get up and go" considering the size of the engine. However, a faulty thermostat and faulty cooling fan regulator have both left me waiting for flat bed :( . In both cases, the warrantee covered all repairs and labor charges. Another drawback, the stock sound system is very weak for a Jag, I was very dissapointed. Overall, I LOVE THIS CAR!!! VERY FUN TO DRIVE! Now im just waiting for the 05 introduction of the X TYPE R :)

• 

  Jaguar X-Type 2.5 awd - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By Mikeps - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I 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.

• 

  Excellent All Around - 2005 Jaguar X-Type
  By Chindit2 - July 14 - 8:33 pm

  I 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.

• 

  Not for everyone - 2006 Jaguar X-Type
  By g. osman - July 4 - 10:06 pm

  Handles 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.

• 

  Cats, Bimmers and Subies 70K Update - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By KKear - July 1 - 6:23 am

  I bought it out of the lease only because it was the cheapest way to go. The tire wear was somewhat solved by using Fuzion HRi tires, good for about 30K miles. The headlights bulbs by going to GE silverstars, and the dash vents, superglue. Now the shocks all need replacement, and its a good thing this car is mostly Ford because most anyone can work on it. The dealer wants an arm, leg and one or two other appendages to replace them. I will be wary of buying another Jaguar.