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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  xjr - 2004 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By jacobmicheal - December 2 - 10:00 am

  this car is very stylish.. very fast for a big sedan.. all aluminum gives it better performance.. turns heads.. supercharged engine sounds nice at high rpms.. great overall vehicle..

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  I Luv my Vanden Plas - 2005 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By gomccall - November 21 - 10:00 am

  This sedan is without a doubt the best vehicle I have owned to date.As a former Jaguar XJ8 owner in the late nineties,and then a BMW 700 series owner, I can tell you the new Jaguar Vanden Plas is a joy to drive. I have 10k miles on it and have not had to have it serviced once.The computer assisted auto leveling air shocks perform flawlessly giving you that cushy ride without that swaying or bouncing feel.It has an extremely quite ride, in fact, it is much quieter than its brother,the XJ8 model.I could go on and on about all the excellent features this car offers but in closing I will simply say that Jaguar finally got it right this time.

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  2004 Jaguar Vanden Plas - 2004 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By R Horkey - October 19 - 3:00 am

  For the money the best car I have ever owned. Perfect ride for my wife, a little soft, but the kick in the engine is for me.

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  Jag Addiction - 2001 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By lyleseven - October 19 - 2:00 am

  this has been a fabulous car. Absolutely no problems other than a front end alignment which the dealer covered under warranty and replaced front tires at no charge. The Pirelli P6000s wear out within 20k miles but they handle and ride beautifully. if you can afford this car why complain about a $125 tire? Gas mileage has been consistently 16+ around town. Everything works. Compared to my 87 XJ this is heaven....

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  New Jag XJ8 - 2004 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By Louwalt - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Car handles beautifully, acceleration great and holds the road well. Interior room finally works for those of us over 6. Fun to drive and much more class than a Mercedes or BMW.

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  Victoria and Albert - 2004 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By newjaguar - September 30 - 12:20 pm

  This car is so good we bought an identical certified used one. We call these fine cars Victoria and Albert. My initial 2004 review remains true. "I cannot quite believe that I am getting a Jaguar. My last 3 cars were BMWs. I do not like the design of the new BMW. The quality of the new Mercedes was inferior. The new XJ8 design, quality, performance, and value are clearly superior to BMW and Mercedes. My new XJ8 is extraordinarily comfortable. The performance is terrific. This is not your fathers Jaguar. The new aluminum body is a leap ahead of the competition."

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  Beautiful luxury - 2004 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By robert ehrlich - September 2 - 4:23 pm

  I always wanted a Jaguar but had been afraid of poor reliability. I bought the new aluminum 2004 and love it. It is the best ride of any car I have owned. Looks distinctive and rides so smoothly and quietly it is hard to keep it within the speed limit. It has had no significant problems except for some false positives on the engine coolant warning light and remote keys that went dead in a few months. Minor compared to other cars I have bought new. Would definitely buy a Jag again but will probably keep this car for years. Jag has done a great job.

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  Thrilled - 2001 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By Exton - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Purchased used with 21,000 miles. Meeting all my expectations. Mainly highway driven. Quiet, comfortable, smooth and fast.

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  Classic Weapon - 2004 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By LarryChen - August 13 - 10:00 am

  This new generation XJ8 is too good to be true. Its so nimble and precise. More responsive while offering a even better ride than before. I like the sporty driving experience on this car. This one is a totally different car from its predecessor. Thats why a BMW enthusiast like me go for Jaguar this time.

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  ME AND MY JAG - 2004 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By RACER X - August 6 - 10:00 am

  ACTUALLY THE 2004 XJ-8 IS MY WIFES DAILY DRIVER BUT IT IS A THRILL TO DRIVE (WHEN SHE LETS ME). ROCKET LIKE ACCELERATION AND BRAKES THAT BRING IT TO A HALT WITHOUT BRAKING A SWEAT, FAST. THE ACCELERATION IS SO FLUID AND THE TRANSMISSION IS SO SMOOTH, IF YOU ARE NOT PAYING ATTENTION, YOURE EASILY DOING 90. WE HAD CONSIDERED THE 745 BUT HAD HEARD A LOT OF NEGATIVES REGARDING THE "I" DRIVE, ITS LOOKS AND ELECTRONIC "GREMLINS". THE JAG HAS IT ALL OVER THE 745 IN LOOKS, PERFORMANCE AND LUXURY. THE INTERIOR IS LUSH AND COMFORTABLE. THE EXTERIOR IS UNMISTAKABLY JAGUAR AND ENGLISH. WE ARE THRILLED TO OWN THE XJ8.