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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  vdp is just wonderful - 2004 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By vdp04-owner - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I love this and it is wonderful. Love the new extra room and the craftmanship of the interior. Just enough gadgets. look at the BMW but it was too complicated. Jaguar did an excellent job on this car.

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  Love the car / fun to drive - 2005 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By Bob Cass - December 12 - 4:06 pm

  The XJR is wonderfully responsive to throttle movement. If you need quick passing power 394 horses do provide a thrill. With its 6 gear automatic transmission the supercharged engine does get very good gas millage (19 MPG in town) When to drivers seat heater is engaged the steering wheel also warms up quickly. We have had no meckanical difficultise, but have one critique - the outside air temp readout is poorly positioned and hard to read and we miss the rear cabin vanity lighted mirrors that were in the Mercedes S 420 we traded in. We enjoy this car so much that our next vehicle will be a Jaguar.

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  One of the Best Cars I Have Owned - 2005 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By Tom, Boca Raton FL - December 9 - 10:03 am

  After owning a Lexus and BMW, I decided to buy a Jaguar - VDP. Excellent car in styling, comfort, reliablility, handling and dealer service. In a Class of Its Own, The German & Japanese cars cannot compare.

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  Love My Jag! - 2006 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By Sea Breeze - December 2 - 10:16 am

  My husband surprised me w/my 05 XJ Vanden Plas N.Y.s Eve. This has been my dream car all of my life. It drives like a dream. It looks gorgeous and still turns my head.

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  2001 XJR - 2001 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By 2001 XJR - December 2 - 5:30 am

  Excellent car!! Fun to drive, great power and handling! Sexy, stylish and elegant! British Racing Green at its best!!

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  2001 Jag XJR - 2001 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By Panzzax - November 9 - 8:20 pm

  Some electrical probs also with engine mgmt system.

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  I traded a 911 Cab for this - 2005 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By Bonitabum - November 6 - 6:16 am

  After struggling with a 911 Carerra 6 speed in S. Florida traffic for 3 months, I called it quits and traded the Porsche for the XJR. At first I was leary, of Jaguar and sedans. After 1 hr in the XJR I knew I had found the perfect blend of performance, comfort, and the prettiest vehicle on the road. I Love It!

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  Breathtaking Automobile - 2003 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By M. Montecelli - October 26 - 10:46 am

  It is beuatiful, fast, and sexy. When I am cruising down the freeway (once at 260km/h), just smoothly gliding along, listening to that cat purr, I feel like a billion bucks. It is fairly practical, maybe not such as an S- class, but still not bad. But the pure thought of knowing that I am in such respected, hand-built piece of art that rides on four wheels, it does not even compare to a Benz. I can drive my Jag everyday, take it on weekend vacations, and look absolutely pimp compared to everyone else on the road. FABULOUS CAR! PS Buy one, its worth it!

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  Finally, A Real Luxury Car! - 2004 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By DrJ. - October 24 - 10:00 am

  This is simply the best car I have ever owned thus far. I was to the point of debating if I would ever buy a new luxury car again. This car has the best ride, tightness, feel, music system, gadgets and workmanship of quality I have ever experienced. I was thinking about a Bentley and after test driving both cars, the 2004 Jaguar Vanden Plas won in all categories hands down accept in looks. The Bentley won on that. I am making up excuses to run errands so I can get in the car and drive. I traded a 1999 Vanden Plas and it was terrible from the day I bought it new. WELCOME BACK TO LUXURY JAGUAR!

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  Saved our lives - 2000 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By stanhash - October 23 - 6:03 am

  This car was totaled because of a dummy who has dodged a deer in front of us but chose to leave his car sideways on a curve . . . at night, without his lights on. My wife and I (driving) hit him square (T-boned) (He had already run away). Both front airbags deployed, the traction control and abs brakes kept the car from skidding and there were no injuries save for a slightly scraped nose from the air bag deployment on the right hand side. The was crumpled to the back doors. We bought another one two years newer and like it even more!!!