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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  One of the best - 2006 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By leapord06 - August 11 - 4:44 pm

  The cost of repairs after warranty is a drawback. The ride, Luxury, and beauty can not be denied. The road noise on back country roads is a bit much for this class of vehicle. On a smooth highway you could not complain, for it is as quiet as can be. My friends love the comfort of the back seat. 1 repair to a stopped up drain hose for the sun roof which allowed water into the rear rh floor board and had to go through the boot (trunk) cost $875.00 dollars. I would still buy another easily.

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  Jaguar Fever - 2003 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By Dr. Henry - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I bought my XJ Sport Jaguar new from a dealer in LA in the year 2003. I love this car. Yes, a bit expensive-yet extroardinarily satisfying. No other car in the market today beats the exterior styleing. Mine lacks the 370/now390 hp supercharged engine, however the stock 290/300hp 4.0L V8 is, to me, quick enough. My son drives my car on a pretty frequent basis and I worry about him out on the road w/ 390supercharged hp to his disposal (although i suspect that his new WRX may be a bit quicker). GREAT CAR! go buy one of the new ones!

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  I love my JAGUAR - 2004 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By sexyeileen - July 27 - 10:00 am

  This is a beautiful vehicle, fun to drive, classy and just awesome. It is a car that needs to be kept in top shape as for getting service on it every 5000 miles. Getting the oil changed every 3000 miles, etc. If you take good care of it, it will take good care of you. Remember its not the "old" pre 90s Jag. These our a "Ford" product and WELL made.

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  Power to spare - 2001 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By JP - July 13 - 9:13 am

  If you are looking for a car that personifies elegance and style with the power and performance of a sports car, then the 2001 XJR is your ride. With almost 400 horses on my supercharged Jag, its so much fun watching upstart Mustangs and Maximas recede in my rear view.

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  #1 - 2004 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By max f - July 10 - 10:00 am

  this is the number 1 car. it is very fast and it is not loud.

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  Exceptionally nice car - 2006 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By Terry - June 6 - 5:00 am

  I was very surprised at the increased room and comfort of this new body style while retaining the classic and timeless Jaguar styling.This car is gorgeous inside and out. Perfect fit and finish reflect the meticulous care that must have been used in the design and construction of this car. This car is truly excellent in every category I can think of and it is reasonably priced. It beats the competition by a mile!

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  Amazing! - 2004 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By Peter - June 2 - 3:40 am

  This car has amazing fuel economy for a 300HP V8, is deceptively light on its feet, and is light years ahead of its predecessor - all while retaining a characteristically Jaguar design. The downsides - the seat cushions are uncomfortable for my slender 62 frame, the automatic climate control seems to take too long to kick into gear, and the paint quality is sub par (worth noting is that mine is a black car that spent its first four years in Columbus). I bought a warranty with mine but question whether I really need it.

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  The Lightweight Cat is Great - 2004 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By Virage - June 2 - 2:00 am

  This is the eighth Jag for me in the past 10 years (have had V12, Convertibles, XJR and XKR) and this is by far the best yet. Superb interior, fit and finish are exceptionally good and the ride is tops.

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  KABOOCH - 2004 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By KABOOCH - May 28 - 10:00 am

  You have to drive one to understand the appeal of this automobile. Ultra beautiful interior. Braking and power superb. Great fit and finish. Quiet.

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  IAM SOLD - 2005 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By Ronnie - May 19 - 11:26 am

  Iam sold to Jaguar for now on. I first walked into the dealership telling myself that I wanted to purchase an S-Type but I took one look at the XJ and completely changed my mind. The take off is awesome. Its way faster than my Mercedes S430. I love the low sports car feeling when I sit down in the front seats. The car gives you a low feeling with high doors and a high center counsel. The wood and leather are top notch and I love the carpet feeling of the headliner and pillars instead of that cheap threaded cloth that Mercedes uses. Jaguar also updated this car with more hightech gadgets but didnt overdo it like BMW and Audi.