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 XJ Ever ! - 2006 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By Jag Man - May 28 - 5:06 pm

  The all new XJ with aluminum is without question the best improvement Jaguar ever made to this legendary car. Jaguar stands alone in looks for cars in this price range. This JAG turns heads.

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  2002 XJR after one year - 2002 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By Ailean Mor - May 22 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has been a great pleasure to own and drive. It combines the desired features of luxury, performance, reliability and safety into a package that does not come without a significant price tag, but is well-positioned when compared to similar vehicles in its class.

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  vanden plas rah rah - 2005 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By mike g - May 18 - 11:20 am

  The 2005 Vanden Plas XJ8 is the autobahn beater that should be considered by anyone looking to combine luxury with size and power. Jaguars flagship matches up with the S-Class and the 700 Series very well. Less weight (aluminum) equals speed and agility you would not expect from such a large auto. The additional costs for he German cars can only leave you wondering why would you spend more to get less? Compare the three. The car will sell itself. Tally Ho

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  lemon - 2001 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By Hipexec - May 17 - 2:00 am

  This is an overrated, overpriced lemon! My Chrysler Concorde LXi has more features, better climate control, more power, bigger trunk. They sold me the car with Pirelli tires that wore out at 20,000 miles! Little things like it has no compass built-in. It doent go in the snow, and the heat of Phoenix causes it to overheat. Where does it go well? I dont know.

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  Spectacular auto - 2006 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By J Hensing - May 4 - 11:00 am

  Finest car Ive owned. Drives with great accuracy despite its size. Power is remarkable with smooth acceleration/shifts. Rides beautifully and yet corners surefootedly. Interior is truly luxurious including the sound system and the back seat AV DVD system.

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  XJ8 is hard to beat - 2004 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By charlienmr - April 24 - 2:00 am

  Great looks, performance, style, and reliability at a price that is very attractive compared to comparable cars. Base model is very well equiped. Add a few options and the XJ8 competes with anything on the road and nothing looks better.

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  2001 XJ8 - 2001 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By jk8 - April 8 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS BY FAR THE BEST CAR I HAVE EVER PURCHASED! I HAVE 2 CLASSIC JAGUARS & LOVE THE FACT THAT THIS CAR WILL NEVER GO OUT OF STYLE. I HAVE WORKED HARD FOR MY MONEY & AFTER SHOPPING OTHE LUXURY CARS, THIS CAR WON HANDS DOWN!

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  2 years and still Smiling - 2003 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By Mike J. - March 28 - 12:56 am

  I traded in a 2003 XJ8 Sovereign for this 2003 SuperV8. I needed the extended wheelbase and extra rear seat leg room. The Super has a few more bells and whistles including a plusher seat package. The main difference is the supercharger. It really brings the V8 to life. The standard engine has plenty of power, this just puts it over the top. Very comfortable, the SuperV8 has a bit stiffer suspension than the standard models but it is still very smooth. The Alpine sound system is superb.

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  Class of the road - 2004 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By Nornk - March 18 - 10:00 am

  The 2004 Jag XJ8 looks great,and drives great.It has incredible pick up and speed and handles superbly.You feel like royalty behind the wheel.

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  I Love It! - 2001 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By kewt - February 14 - 12:33 am

  I bought this car used with 30,000 miles on it. It has been wonderful. We havent had a moments trouble with it. We took a six-week cross-country trip in it and it couldnt have been more comfortable. We average about 27 MPG on the highway and anywhere from 12 to 16 in town. Its also a real head-turner. Lots of fun! I would recommend this car in a heartbeat.