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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  XJ8-L - 2001 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By Richard - August 23 - 7:16 am

  This car is a great addition to my fleet. I bought it for a cruiser/weekend car, but I cant seem to keep myself out of it. I love the sound system and the power everything is outstanding. It is a well built vehicle and doesnt leak at all. The design of the interior is spacious and very welcoming. It is definitely a head turner. The car is heavy on a steel frame so tires and brakes do not last as long as they should. The brakes are a dual soft system and the rotors ware quickly. They provide superb stopping power but will need to be replaced soon and and often.

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  Bargain Luxury? - 2006 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By socalh2oskier - March 2 - 5:00 pm

  One of the quietest, smoothest rides you can find. And, if you do your research, you can find genuine bargains. I paid $33k for a 2006 with 18k miles, with an 84 month/75k mile warranty. Seats are comfortable - this is one of the best cars you could ever have for a long trip. Stereo is fantastic, nav is easy to operate, and bluetooth syncs easily with most phones. Surprisingly, gas mileage is very good. I average 18-20 in the city, and 27-29 on the highway. Handling, although far from sports-car like, is quite good. Overall, this is a fine car, much better than other cars in the same price range.

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  My Jag - 2000 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By LLH - February 24 - 10:00 am

  Overall I love my Jag. You can not beat the look and style. Performance is great. I am big on squeaks and raddles: (check these things out before you buy - Paying $70K for a car should mean perfection) The dash trim did raddle at first - foam fixed. The trim going up along the front windows is not well mounted and raddles (looks easy to fix). At a low speed I hear a very faint high pitch squeal from somewhere in the dash that comes and goes. I have no idea what this is but it can be annoying. Drive very slow (5mph) for .5 to 1 mile to make sure you do not have the same issue.

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  Same Drive as VP - 2007 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By Patty - January 1 - 5:33 am

  I have owned a Jaguar since 2002. I first purchased the Vanden Plas, which I still have. The just recently purchased the XJ8 LWB, which drives even better (maybe because it is newer), but never the less, the drive is smooth. The luxury is to die for and it is an overall showstopper, head rocker. This car is not cheap on the wallet, but classy in the street and when you need to get there, (your there). If it is luxury you want, this Jaguar is what you need, if you are worried about your wallet a (Pinch Buggy) is what you need. The question is which is more important, for me it was the drive, the look and the dependability, and Jaguar has all of these.

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  A bargain exotic sedan if youre careful - 2001 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By John Mulvihill - September 25 - 5:43 am

  This car is a bargain in the used marketplace, with excellent performance and reliability. But there are a few weak areas. Make sure the plastic timing gear has been replaced with factory metal components. And, that the plastic water pump has been replaced with the factory metal unit. Do not buy an XJ thats been through an overheat. The ZF automatic is "sealed for life" and prone to failure over 100K miles unless thoroughly cleaned out. Buy one of these cars only if you know of a non-dealer Jaguar speciality shop that can service it. (Check with your local Jaguar club.)

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  Vanden Plas - 2000 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By hipir - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Very comfortable, quiet car. Not a head turner but if you are beyond that in your life, this could be the car for you

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  Steal this car in 07 for about $15,000 - 2000 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By Jeff- Arizona - May 14 - 5:06 pm

  This car is a head turner. I love the Alpine audio system. Very fast car. lots of power The car sold new for $75,000. You can buy one in 2007 with about 70k miles out the door for 15k. Also this was the top of the line Vanden Plas edition

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  Work of ART - 2003 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By Chris - May 6 - 3:43 pm

  I purchsed the car new in 2004 with 42 miles on it. No problems to speak of, the dealer did replace brake pads and rotors under warranty at 11,902 miles. one of the most comfortable cars for driver and passager, back seats are cramped, but a small price to pay fo rthis car. Have gotten use to the navigation and really like it now. After owning a Jaguar, its hard to consider driving anything else. Such a high build quality, high grade materials that you jsut dont see in other cars.

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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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  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.