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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  XJ8L - 2005 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By Timothy - December 3 - 7:36 pm

  This is my second XJ8L and the body design is a blend of the lower height 2003 and front grill of the X-Type. Im a fan of the performance. The car is very quiet and on two extended trips of 2,000+ miles I averaged 29 and 28.5 mpg respectively. Portions of the trip exceeded 30 mpg at 65 mph. The driver seats are amazingly comfortable with excellent lumbar support. As a musician, the Alpine stereo system delivers a very rich and neutral sound across the EQ spectrum, with the base being very natural, not boomy.

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  aluminum road going spitfire - 2004 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By georgek - November 15 - 10:00 am

  The "I Love to Walk Up to It, Get In, Drive it Everywhere All the Time And No Longer Rent To Cut Mileage On Frequent Cross-State Trips" factor is overwhelming! It is the Worlds Best Car, for me. It has dramatically ameliorated if not erased my life long "Bently Thing" (the dash especially is that fine --and fun). I took a leap of faith they have, in this ground-up new vehicle, erased the incontrovertable Jag demons; with 12,800 HARD miles in 7 months and nothing of consequence wrong, I believe they have. Its brilliant, tough, fun, luxurious, complex yet intuitive; and blisteringly fast! An Aston Martin with a baby seat next to the rear door!

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  BEST VALUE in the WORLD !!! - 2005 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By Anthony - November 15 - 3:20 am

  SEXY + GORGEOUS + FAST + RELIBLE !!! NOTHING BETTER as far as VALUE and I have owned and driven EVERYTHING else !!! Anthony, Temecula, SoCal

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  Very Satisfied - 2004 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By XJ8 - October 25 - 1:00 am

  I went from a Carrera Cabrio to this large flagship sedan. I have had no issues and have been very impressed with handling and gas mileage. My 04 XJ8 is high mileage at 64k miles. It is like new, makes an entrance, not just another ordinary Lexus pulling into the office or valet. You do feel like royalty when driving. Style, quality, reliablity, handling, and gas mileage makes a strong package. Would buy again.

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  Beautiful Car - 2007 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By Paul F. - October 22 - 12:36 pm

  It may not appeal to the more contemporary types, but the Jaguar XJ8 is the most satisfying luxury sedan money can buy. It has style, it has ultra-luxury and comfort, it has unshakable ride quality, a silky-smooth 300hp V8 mated to a fantastic six-speed automatic, and all the features anyone would ever want or need. All in all, if you dont want your average BMW or Mercedes, this is the car to get.

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  2008 XJR - 2008 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By Dave - October 22 - 3:40 am

  Got on order list in July for this 2008. Liquid silver with charcoal interior, climate package and sirius. This redesigned car is awesome. Looks like something from a custom shop. The 20 inch 5 spoke cremona wheels and ground effects give a real aggressive stance. Test drove mercedes, audi and BMW. These sedans dont even approach the interior class or the road performance of this rare machine. And I do mean rare, few are being built, is a plus. As prior owners of a M5 series BMW, this jag is leaps and bounds above the rest. And the supercharged V8, is faster than audi, mercedes and BMW, but 26 miles per gallon on the highway, no gas gusler tax on this cat, unlike the other three tested.

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  Awesome, look no further - 2006 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By shr100t - September 20 - 8:46 pm

  I have driven Jags all my life and every time I buy a new one it only gets better, I now own a Super V8 and wow the power, the luxury - absolutely awesome. I would love to see in the next generation XJ a backup camera, to me this is all that is missing. The car is fun to drive, plenty of power and just so British, fit for a king. If you are thinking of owning one, go test drive one, before you waste your money on other luxury models, you wont be sorry. Happy motoring and enjoy.

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  Dream Comes True - 2005 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By happy girl - September 18 - 11:33 pm

  The XJ was always a car I dreamed of owning, fell in love with the wooden dash and steering wheel back in the day. I love that I have this car but it scares me. I read lots of reviews before purchasing and felt confident in purchasing the 05 XJ8L. We started hearing a creaking noise overhead; it is now in the shop having the alumunium panels reglued, how scary is that. I have been reassured that this is minor but it sounds serious. Still in love and missing my car!

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  sliding - 2001 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By qbnrico - September 2 - 2:00 am

  the car is a dream unless there is some snow on the ground. when i say some snow im being kind,its actually any snow. aside from the traction, you could not have a HOTTER car. you feel like james bond when your in it.

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  Luxury Defined - 2004 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By Jim from NC - August 28 - 1:40 pm

  Luxury, luxury, and more luxury. having owned MBZ S Class, BMW 745i, and other Luxury cars, you cannot beat this car for the money. Very comfortable and luxurious, fast, great handling, and surprising gas mileage along with stand alone looks, make this car the leader in flagship sedans in my opinon. select Edition used is best program in the industry and Jaguar tied Lexus in recent reliability polls.