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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  01 XJ8L - A good buy for me - 2001 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By drobin9353 - March 12 - 10:06 am

  Has met every expectation. No customary brake problems (luck?). Smooth transmission. No oil leaks even at 72,000 miles. Occasional little nuisances crop up: auto tilt mirror failed to auto tilt, fixed by removing and reinserting all fuses in back seat kick panels (none were blown). Outstanding handling in snow w/4 very aggressive snow tires (forget all-seasons). Uses a little more oil than a car of this price range ever should (1 qt about 1,000 miles). Lack of a local dealer will influence me to trade below 100,000 miles.

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  Great Sedan and Reasonable to Operate - 2004 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By GE1024 - March 3 - 5:23 am

  CATS air suspension really provides for a wonderful ride. The car sails on the highway with better gas mileage than you might believe for this 300 HP V-8 (I routinely get greater than 28 MPH highway and and average of 24 MPH with some in-town). The interior is lush. The experior appeal is super. Navigation works extremely well (get the 2007 disc). Sound system is super. If you happen to find one with the rear control-DVD system in the headrests, you will have the complete package.

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  Best used car value ever - 2005 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By nate93460 - March 2 - 5:41 pm

  We purchased this car 2 years ago with just over 90k on the odometer, and couldnt be happier with it. now with over 100k on it it still looks and drives like it just rolled out of the showroom. The leather seats hardly show any wear at all, there arent any odd squeaks or rattles, everything works exactly as it should. The only thing that may need attention in the future is the headliner, as it is pulling away from its backing in a couple small patches around the sun visors. not really noticeable unless you look for it. Fast, smooth, nimble, outrageously comfortable, and thus far, exceedingly reliable as well.

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  Bat Out of Hell - 2003 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By sal1970 - February 20 - 10:56 pm

  Handles great. Is fast and fun to drive. Looks like no other car on the road except another Jaguar.

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  My Best Car - 2004 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By Tom Weber - February 20 - 2:00 am

  I have owned MBZ,AUDIS,Cadillacs and other Jags. I dont know how jag does it for the money. The germans just cant get it right when it comes to the luxury interior of their cars. Jag has the best interior of them all in its price range. I think for the money Jaguar gives you the best value for your money!!!!. I looked at Lexus LS430, and I would not pay that much for a japanese car. The mercedes was at least $15,000 more for less car. In my opinion the Jaguar has the best value for the money. This is by far the best Jag ever. Even my friends who have other luxury cars agree that Jag has hit a home run with this 2004 XJ.

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  And what more could you ask for? - 2002 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By Steve Mitchell - February 17 - 10:00 am

  Due to recent tax changes for company car users in the UK its now time to buy my own for the first time in 20 years.I have had the fortune to run an XJR in 1998 as a company supplied vehicle so when the decision had to be made on the first self purchased car there was only one option! Ive now bought a 1998 XJR 23000 miles on the clock and its like sittin gin my favourite chair after a gap of 4 years in Teutonic boredom chariots! No good mentioning shortcomings...too late as the new one is just around the corner..besides I dont play golf and dont sit in the back.

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  A beauty! - 2007 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By John - January 29 - 5:13 pm

  A beautiful car inside and out. A very British look makes heads turn when you drive it. Smooth powerful engine that gets excellent gas mileage - typically 28mpg highway driving. Navi system a bit difficult to use and has a great display.

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  Super Cat - 2000 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By Gabriel - January 25 - 9:53 pm

  What a wonderful car to own and drive. I upgraded the wheels to the XJRs 18" and had a cone air filter installed to take off the restrictione. It opens up about 30hp and really lets the engine scream. Huge difference. The car is at home both in city or highway use. I wish it had a more modern navi system like the newer ones, and that gas cost $1.50 other than that, this is my dream car. Everyone that has ridden it loves it. Very, very solid. Get one if can. Dont even consider a Germany car over this, they do not compare.

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  better than beamer - 2004 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By rufo - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Previous car was 740IL, and I was looking for something exciting (since BMW has ruined the 7 series from design and techno standpoints). My new Vanden Plas is all I could have wanted and more. Nimble, elegant, pretty and fast. Comfortable cabin, wizardry is functional for the most part, and truly fun to drive. Road feel a little squishier than 740, but still great!

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  2000 jaguar xj8l - 2000 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By kevin bick - December 14 - 10:00 am

  Great car, great styling very comfortable, handles better than any car Ive driven