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 1 through 10 of 650.00-
Excellent drive! - 2006 Jaguar X-Type
By ivonnics - December 19 - 4:26 amExcellent drive, always dreamed about the car, and now that I own it, I am not disappointed at all, on the contrary, all expectations were fulfilled!
-
Well it is early, but what a deal - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
By ukxpat - November 12 - 10:39 amOkay, I was looking for AWD for the snow conditions we live in. Subaru, Honda, 100k miles 15 grand plus. I found a 2002 Jaguar AWD with 29k miles! 10 year old car looks brand new! Amazing 1/2 the price of them japanese cars! I drove it home on the curvey mtn roads and that auto/manual tranny, I never had to use the breaks! Got about 25 mpg fwy, and 19 mountain roads. I never expected to get an older vehicle that is like new!!!
-
Jaguar X-type - 2006 Jaguar X-Type
By Frank Swit - October 12 - 10:46 amWe are very pleased with our X-type. We bought it for the styling, the all wheel drive and the over all "size" of the vehicle. We have not been disappointed.
-
2004 Jaguar X-Type AWD - Great Car - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
By Tbirdtony - October 11 - 5:36 amI bought a new 2003 Acura 3.2 TL when I decided to purchase an entry level luxury car. After 1 year I traded it for the 2004 Jaguar. Driving the Acura was like owning a Honda Accord. The Acura had paper thin sheet metal, a fair interior, and I received 2 recalls on the engine & transmission. After 2 years of owning the 2004 Jaguar I am still impressed. Great build quality, great interior, good power, great AWD, and no problems or recalls. The Jaguar dealer provides great service on the FREE scheduled maintenance. This is a great entry level luxury car.
-
shag review - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
By mitzibear - October 10 - 2:00 ami absolutely love my jag. always drove bmws and now i ask myself why? this car is miles above any bmw in every way. looks, both interior and exterior are gorgeous. the luxiorios ride and incredible speed make this the best car since the nissan 3oo zx. priced alot better as well. bravo!!!!
-
Edmunds is all wet on this Jag!! - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
By wrkout - October 9 - 10:00 amEdmunds got it all wrong on its review of the X type. This is my first Jag. After two BMWs, this car rides as well if not better than my former 5 and 3 series cars. It handles great and it clearly gets the looks and great comments that BMW never did. Most importantly, in the first 100 miles of the car, I was nearly in an accident. It responded perfectly. So far, I couldnt be happier. Its a joy to drive. The dealership in the Pittsburgh area was first rate too.
-
love the jag - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
By love the jag - September 27 - 10:00 amI researched all the usual suspects: Benz c-class, BMW 3 series, Audi A4, etc. and ended up buying the baby jag. Love it. Its bigger than the rest and truly stands out. Definitely leaps and bounds better than the rest of the pack.
-
I love it! - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
By Big Cat - September 18 - 10:00 amI have owned this car for six weeks and am more than pleased. I cannot imagine a better value for the money (luxury car with leather, wood interior, AWD, sunroof, climate control, etc.) thanks to the marketing incentive. The styling is superior and the car turns heads. Who would buy a Honda Accord for $25K when you can but a loaded Jag for a few thousand more? Qaulity is very good so far. Drive is pleasing. It seats four average sized adults but could be a little bigger. I recommend this car highly!
-
Love the Car - 2006 Jaguar X-Type
By jcwstep11 - September 16 - 9:26 amThank you Jaguar. We traded in a Mercedes Benz for the new wagon. It is soooo much fun to drive and a real sport wagon. Both my wife and I enjoy driving the car. The new design really caught our eye and had to have one. We get lots of comments on the street about it and lots and lots of looks and smiles Again Thank you Jaguar
-
Ocean to desert round robin - 2005 Jaguar X-Type
By proflovell - September 12 - 5:23 pmThe only reason I did not give the interior design a 10 rating is because, at 61", I have tended toward larger cars. That said, a recent 1200 mile journey to Death Valley & return was our maiden trip to put the "darling little car" (my wifes description) through a gentle test run. We tent-camped in Furnace Creek, hauling all we needed in the cargo area; freeway driving was a fun run for a change with the sport-feel of the road; country curves & desert "thank-you-mums" were even more pleasurable with the X-Types road- hugging & shorter wheelbase handling. Our 25 mpg average on this trip was most welcome in light of the $3+ pump prices; a fair exchange for a downsized wagon.
