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 King of Cars - 2002 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By tlh77 - June 25 - 1:26 pm

  This car feels like youre driving a cloud. Extremely smooth ride, an amazing drive with superior power.

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  How Great It Is!! - 2004 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By nelson olf - June 25 - 10:00 am

  This is my third XJ6/XJ8 since 1993 and although I loved the first two dearly, this is by far the best. It is far more comfortable and commodious then the others. The power is awesome, the drive superb, and the gas mileage unbelieveable for a car this size. Since I am one of the last Americans around who smokes, I truly appreciated the large and easy to reach ash tray. The basic sound system is as good as anyone could ever want and the heating and ventilating stytem is easy to use and starts producing cold or heat immediately. I truly expect this to be my last ever Jaguar, since I cant forsee how they could improve on this one.

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  The Best of the Lot - 2004 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By Paul - May 19 - 10:23 pm

  I am a CPA from Tampa and have used the XJR for business and pleasure. I have owned Caddy STS, MB CLK/AMG, a host of Vettes thru C5, and currently a 911/997 Porsche Carrera S. Aside from the 911, a very different car, the 2004 XJR is, overall, the best car I have driven. In 3.5 years, I have had no problems aside from one visit for front brake scuffing and two recalls. I did have the heat element disconnected from the steering wheel - it was too hot to hold! The supercharged performance is top notch and the exterior style is fitting of its market as is its interior. I cannot understand the problems/ratings that several other posts have made. It is certainly not my experience.

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  A Gem - 2004 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By orjohn - May 6 - 9:35 am

  I have owned my XJ8 2004 for 3 years and I still love every time I drive this car. It is truley a wonderful design and very well built and for me has been one light bulb reliable. I may get another one for my family, its that good. Price is almost too good to comprehend. The aluminum chassis and body makes it great on gas with 28-30 on the highway. For a V8 - really? - yes it is true. A gem of a car, now almost 10 years new...

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  Breakdown city - 2000 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By rivercreek - May 1 - 2:00 am

  Purchased a low mileage car off a three- year lease with Jag certified warranty. The past year has been frustrating with broken automatic seat setting device (3 times), broken wiper motor, broken electronic antenana motor, broken thermostat, and countless other nit-picking problems. The car left us stranded twice. Love the car, just wish it was reliable.

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  XJ8 - 2006 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By BMW enthusiast - April 11 - 5:13 pm

  As a long time multiple purchaser of 7 series BMWs, I stumbled onto this beautiful auto. It is still to new to evalute for the long term, but what a wonderful highway drive and a reasonable performer. Not a 7 series for performance, but more elegant looking and interior comfort unmatched by BMW or MB, and $20k less.

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  Its the experience - 2006 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By jshrrh - April 1 - 2:22 pm

  Found my low-miles little old man owned black-on-black beauty. Drives like a dream, powerful, luxurious interior and a classic shape that makes a subtle statement that doesnt have to compete with the new swoosh shaped mobiles. The luxury for value of this slightly older car is amazing. Better still is the technology and appointments found in this car. Folks are astounded when I tell them that my 300 ponies in this extravagant car gain me 28+mpg on the highway... No need for an Optima. Jag can, and do it like no other. I compared Mercedes S500 (2005) when shopping and while I admire that car, its low fuel economy, complexity and lack of comparable character swing towards the Jag.

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  Maintenance - 2008 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By Al - March 29 - 9:16 pm

  I have owned the car for a little over a year and the air-conditioning went out. We I took it in the said the brake pads had to be replaced. We only have 15,000 miles on the car. The dealer mechanic said we would have to change them every 20,000 miles or less. This does not seem right. Is this a design flaw in the car?

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  Big Cars mean Big Bills - 2004 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By Phil - March 27 - 4:46 am

  Had it for one year (18,000 - 32,000 miles), solid & responsive car to drive, firm seats stand up to wear from 4th & 5th graders. Unexpected maintenance & problems as follows: 1. Complete failure of battery & remote entry system ($1,800); 2. Worn front tires, replaced all (28,000 miles, $600); 3. Complete brake job (28,000 miles, $800); 4. Car alarm goes off unprovoked at least twice weekly, still uncorrected; 5. Radio jumps to different band on its own; 6. Had minor wrinkle in front fender over wheel, didnt break the paint, est. to repair was $3,000 (aluminum unibody, I think), I had dent guy fix it for $200, looks ok.

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  The best Ive ever had. - 2004 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By Terry Ruscoe - March 26 - 2:00 am

  The design features make a truly better mousetrap. One word can sum it up: awsome!