Overview & Reviews
The British have a penchant for revering (and some say clinging to) things past -- old buildings and dentistry from the 16th century, warm beer, 50-year-old double-decker Routemasters, the royal family and the Jaguar XJ Series. Introduced in 1968, the XJ's basic styling has strayed very little through three generations and several midlife redesigns. About the wildest thing to happen was the addition of square headlamps in 1990 -- and they were generally met with a smattering of jeers and "cor blimeys!"
Not since Prince Charles was in his 20s had the Jaguar XJ Series been considered the cutting edge of full-size luxury sedans, even when it introduced a lightweight aluminum frame, powerful V8 engines, active damping suspension and high-tech features like adaptive cruise control, navigation and Bluetooth. Indeed, Jaguar's insistence on maintaining "timeless" styling backfired, leading to disappointing sales at a time when it could ill afford any false starts (or whatever English rugby analogy would apply). Not only did the XJ's fortunes tank, but the entire Jaguar brand was threatened with financial ruin.
All of that changed for 2011 when Jag pulled the covers off its radical fourth-generation XJ. Gone was ye olde styling and in came sexy, modern duds inside and out unlike anything else on the road. That car, now without the "Series" nomenclature, is covered in a separate Jaguar XJ review.
Used Jaguar XJ Series Models
The previous, third-generation XJ was produced from 2004-'09. There was no 2010 XJ. This generation may have looked like the previous one, but it was in fact completely redesigned and featured an all-new aluminum chassis that was significantly stiffer and lighter than the previous steel structure.
This XJ was offered in two wheelbases and five trim levels. The XJ8 and supercharged XJR are short-wheelbase models, while the XJ8 L, Vanden Plas and supercharged Super V8 have long wheelbases. The latter two were introduced for 2005. The XJ8 and XJ8 L came with a respectable amount of equipment for a luxury sedan, while the Vanden Plas added more luxurious trappings. The XJR was equipped for enhanced performance and handling. The Super V8 was essentially a Vanden Plas with much of the XJR performance equipment, plus a few extra high-end features. Much of what is standard on the Vanden Plas and Super V8 was optional on the base XJ8 models.
The base engine was a naturally aspirated 4.2-liter V8, which originally produced 294 horsepower and then 300 hp for '06 and later. The XJR and Super V8 got a supercharged version of the same engine originally good for 390 hp, and 400 hp for '06 and later. The only transmission offered was a six-speed automatic attached to Jaguar's classic and controversial J-gate shifter.
The interior, much like the rest of the car, was a peculiar mix of current technology and heritage design. Burl walnut trim, chrome and supple leather were liberally strewn about, providing a coddling environment that would make the Fifth Duke of Wellington feel at home. Yet in reviews, we found this classic British style came at the expense of ergonomics and general usability. Controls and switchgear were laid out illogically and set low in the dashboard, while their craftsmanship was not up to par. Whether that was considered "charming" or just "irritating," we yearned for the XJ's cabin to join the 21st century even as it added such newfangled features as Bluetooth, cooled seats and satellite radio over the years.
Our road tests showed the Jaguar XJ8 to deliver an isolated ride that filtered out even the most punishing roads with little intrusion into the cabin. The soft suspension, though, tended to mask the car's stiffer body structure and good steering. On the other hand, the XJR (and to a lesser extent, the Super V8) made the most of its advanced aluminum chassis. Its quicker steering, more aggressively tuned air suspension and 400-hp supercharged V8 proved that Jaguar could produce a luxury sedan that pleased enthusiasts and luxury-minded buyers alike. In total, this Jag XJ drove like a thoroughly modern car -- it just didn't look like one.
Other than its modest power increase, few features additions and the for-2006-only Super V8 Portfolio, the only significant change you should note was for 2008, when the XJ was mildly restyled to adopt XK-style front fender vents and a more aggressive front fascia. You'd be hard-pressed to tell the differences at a glance, though.
The first Jaguar XJ debuted in 1968 and lasted through 1987, while the second generation was on the prowl from 1987 (yes, both generations were offered that year) to 2003. The second generation started out with round headlights, but for 1990 adopted ungainly rectangular units that were met with disdain by Jaguar enthusiasts. On the whole, this era of the XJ (which ran to '94) was seen as one of the darkest, as it was plagued with various problems, many of which were electrical in nature.
For 1995's midcycle makeover, the round headlights returned, along with a sleeker, lower grille. The interior was also significantly revised to bring it into the 1990s, with improved materials and more up-to-date electronics. The traditional look remained, however, with radio and HVAC controls contained in a pod under a large swath of wood.
There were a number of different engines offered during the second generation's lifespan. The square-headlamp version came with a choice of either an inline-6 (3.6 liters and later 4.0) or a 6.0-liter V12. These models were referred to as the XJ6 and XJ12, respectively. The engines carried through the 1995 overhaul, with a supercharged, 310-hp version of the six-cylinder engine first appearing in the new XJR in '95. The V12-powered XJ12 was dropped in 1997.
For '98, Jaguar replaced the inline-6 engines with all-new V8s. A 4.0-liter V8 (290 hp) was found in the XJ8 (the "8" in the name signifying V8 power), while a supercharged version (370 hp) powered the XJR. A few years into this generation, the supercharged V8 became available in other XJs as well, namely the Vanden Plas Supercharged and Super V8 models.
Performance of the 1995-2003 Jaguar XJs ranged from swift for the six-cylinder cars to thrilling for the supercharged V8 versions. Our road test of a 2000 Vanden Plas had that long-wheelbase luxury sedan sprinting to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds. Ride and handling are composed but (except on the XJR) biased toward plush comfort, as one might expect of a vehicle whose cabin resembles an Edwardian parlor.
User Reviews:
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The Rocket Ship - 2006 Jaguar XJ-Series
By The Rocket Ship - May 23 - 8:50 amThe 2006 XJ Super V8 Portfolio is my 6th Jaguar and by far the best and my previous 5 Jaguars were terrific. MB says that the S550 is a rocket ship. Not true. My wife owns an S550 and I can say from experience the 2006 Super V8 Portfolio is the true rocket ship.
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My XJ8 - 2005 Jaguar XJ-Series
By Ed Piccolino - May 6 - 3:50 amA remarkable combination of agile performance, but not at the sacrifice of a very comfortable ride -- up to now, an impossible combination.
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A fantastic car that could be even better - 2006 Jaguar XJ-Series
By John - May 1 - 3:36 pmThis is a wonderful vehicle, that has excellent luxury and comfort and great performance. It probably needs more power, as standard luxury cars are getting into the horsepower and 0-60 range of this car. I understand that Jaguar can get 550 bhp out of this engine - whats stopping them. An R version of this car should go 0-60 in 4.5 sec or less. Other than these issues (and the car is incredibly fast, it just could go faster), the car is fantastic.
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finally got one! - 2001 Jaguar XJ-Series
By New Jag Guy - April 26 - 2:00 amThe thing looks like its doing a hundred just sitting at the curb, and it definitely stands out in a sea of bubble cars. Soaks up the bumps better than even old Detroit sedans did, and yet is really a fine road car in the twists and turns. The reviewers like to say the XJ doesnt communicate with you like the German sedans. Theyre wrong. Seating position is great...you sit low, just like in an old sports car to really get that sensation of speed. Though regular XJ8s are cramped, the VDP is not. Definitely the way to go. Dont get this car if you want to go around town anonymously!
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A Great Car - 2004 Jaguar XJ-Series
By Don - April 3 - 12:13 pmOutstanding car with excellent mileage, over 30 at 70 mph. Looks great and drives even better
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I hate my car. Its now a mid size Ford - 2004 Jaguar XJ-Series
By BB1 - April 3 - 2:00 amI have had 3 Vanden Plas and loved them. Ford has turned a beautiful Jaguar into a Bobbed Cat. They took all the extras out and put in stuff you see on most every cheep car. No back seatleg room at all, small doors, bad visibility hard to read middle panel. Looks like everything else on the road. What more dont you want in an expensive car? Please take mine.
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best looking car on the road - 2002 Jaguar XJ-Series
By pknmzqs - March 27 - 10:00 amI have enjoyed driving this car, however I do travel and find, there is not enough trunk space. Otherwise a charming car.
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Nice Car - 2004 Jaguar XJ-Series
By BMWman21 - March 24 - 10:00 amThe car is very nice to drive and lots of room.
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Im a believer - 2005 Jaguar XJ-Series
By DrJRapp - March 23 - 6:33 pmAfter having two X Type Jaguars which I found to be nothing special, I took the plung and bought the big cat. Im so glad I did, this is without a doubt the best car Ive ever owned. Each day I discover new things to love about it. Most amazingly, its big and its quick and still gives me 22 MPG average (and Im not a light foot).
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Reliable and Stylish - 2000 Jaguar XJ-Series
By woofi - March 20 - 2:00 amI considered several cars before buying this car, including the Mercedes S-500 and Audi A-8. When it came down to it, I had to ask why I was buying it. Had my plans including driving 100 mph on the German Autobahns, I would have chosen from the German cars. But I wanted style and something comfortable to ride around town and short distances within Texas. The Jaguar won hands-down!
