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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  Best car Ive owned - 2005 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By Jim - October 16 - 4:23 pm

  The XJ8L is probably the best automobile I have owned. Just drove it from Chicago to upstate NY and achieved almost 30 MPG! The ride was great and engine performance excellent. The interior is luxurious and spacious for road trips. After owning two Mercedes Benz E series, I think Ive found a winner!

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  Exellent Used Car Value - 2004 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By Gilbert35031 - October 1 - 2:30 pm

  Its tough to beat buying a luxury car that sold for $65,000 for less than $30,000 with only 27,000 miles on it. Ive owned 12 cars in my driving life and this is by far the nicest. Its quick and super comfortable. The ride is on the softer side however for every day driving and some fun on the weekends you cant beat it. The reliability has been great so far. Compared to the 745 from 2004 there are some definite differences in size and ride however they cost at least $10,000 more for a comparable car. Not worth it in my mind. All cars are worthless in the end.

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  Last of the very best 2001 XJR!!! - 2001 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By Cat-walk - September 11 - 6:56 pm

  I absolutely LOVE my car. It has style, elegance, and a rocket for an engine! For the money, you cant cant get a better car. With under 50K on her, shes pretty much a garage queen. However, she does comes out to play and beat-up on those (vettes, mustangs, merc, etc.) who dont know about her racing spirit often enough to keep in good running condition. Diff went out at around 48k, and cracked motor mounts, fuel pumps, and valve cover gaskets have been replaced under after market warranty. DONT BUY THIS CAR, without warranty coverage or if you dont have deep pockets, as repairs can be expensive. Other than that, its still one of the BEST XJs EVER BUILT!!

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  Best car ever - 2004 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By calhistory - September 9 - 10:00 am

  I bought a 2004 Jaguar XJ8 in 2009. After one year of pleasure driving, I am as excited about this car after 10,000 miles as the first day I took ownership. The ride, the quality, the looks, and the performance are unmatchable in this price range. I could not afford a new Jag, and I was hesitant, but couldnt help myself, and my decision to buy this 5-year old was one of the best decisions ever. This car has worked flawlessly in the city (San Francisco) and on long drives. I have the car regularly maintained by a Jag dealer and couldnt be happier. As they say, this car sold for nearly $70,000 new. Theres a reason it cost that much. Take care of it, it will take care of you.

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  XJ VDP V-8 - 2005 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By Donmoore - September 3 - 9:03 pm

  Yeah, you have to be definitive when placing it in drive or it will stop in neutral. Actually, that may be a safety feature!! But, I love it and it just changes the value you equate to yourself to permit youself to drive such an automobile! Man, what a drive.

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  Black XJR - 2004 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By Johnny T - July 30 - 10:00 am

  The performance of this car is incredible. It feels like a Porsche on steroids! It rides very smoothly and handles like a dream, withouth being harsh or jumpy. I dont like the ignition key, I keep blowing the horn when putting it away. The interior is finally the right size and I like the fact that they did not go overboard with the electronic gadgets.

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  2002 Jag XJ Sport - 2002 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By jp3558 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  2 years ago I bought this car for my wife for her birthday because she has always wanted a Jag. This is just a beautiful vehicle. It does have its quirks but they are far overridden by the cars elegance and luxury. All her local driving is done in her Maxima and long journeys are taken in the Jag. This is a touring car and is designed to be driven on the highway for long distances at cruising speeds(within the law, of course). Jags have had a horrible history with quality control that I believe Ford ironed out when they took over. Neither of us has ever quite driven a vehicle quality and luxury which is why it is probably the best car we ever owned.

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  Jaguar XJ-R 4.2L Supercharge - 2004 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By Peter_W - July 18 - 2:00 am

  The swift executive. Poise and handling- just as one would expect from an all aluminium rivited body and over 220lb lighter than the X308 4.0L SC.

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  Vanden Plas - 2006 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By cg - July 12 - 2:10 am

  I absolutely love this car. I have always thought it one of the most beautiful avaialable cars, but with the redesigns and the increased head room, they are there. She is quiet, quick, incredibly nimble for a big car, and flat out nice to be in.

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  2004 vanden pals: phenomenal - 2004 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By cheesehead - June 5 - 2:00 am

  This is my third xj. The 2004 is exquisite in every detail, highly recommend the multi media package. Had a 2003 bmw 745, this car is just as fun to drive but the nav system and controls are very user friendly, unlike the i control in the bmw. they are pricey, but what a great ride!