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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  xjr 2004 - 2004 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By graeme - June 12 - 10:00 am

  Perfection, need say nothing else

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  Ex-Mercedes CL600 driver - 2005 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By flighttest - May 19 - 4:16 pm

  I have had Mercedes CLs for the past 10 years. My last one, a 2002 CL600, was in the shop more than in my garage. I decided to try the JAG. Being a retired pilot I wanted performance over comfort so I opted for the Super V8. WOW!!! What a car. Great performance along with an amazing ride. No mechanicals up to this point. Highly recommend.

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  Theres None Better - 2002 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By The Panz - May 10 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Jag and if it is anything like the first Ill be estactic. I had a XJ8 before, now I went for the Vanden Plas...wow, what a difference in ride and confort. The last one was excellent, this one is subperb. Its a darn shame theyre going to change the vehicle next year, as this is one classic style vehicle that doesnt get old.

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  My other Jag - 2000 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By Daniel - May 6 - 10:33 am

  This is my everyday car. Fun to drive and very comfortable around town. Its big yet so nimble and easy to park. Interior is quite nice although the cup holder is placed awkwardly in the way of the gear shift.

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  New XJ is great - 2005 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By ken - April 25 - 11:36 am

  This is the best XJ yet. I have been a fan of Jaguars for many years. I have driven older ones from the 80s and 90s but they do not compare to the room, handling and power of the new XJ. They really have a great car especially with the new technology in the automatic suspension and the aluminum body and frame. The car is light and fast.

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  Stunning Big Cat! - 2007 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By Brian Mac - April 7 - 5:26 am

  Incredibly smooth and quiet ride. Surprisingly quick and nimble for a car of this size. Far more class and comfort for far less money than comparable German cars when purchased preowned. Reliability has been flawless for the 10,000 miles I have owned it. Took a road trip and drove 23 hours with fuel stops only and found this car does not wear you out even after hours behind the wheel. LOVE THIS CAR!!! 08/31/2017-Owned 1-1/2 years & 20,000 miles now. I get bored with cars quickly, trade every year or two for something different. However, not this one. I still get excited to jump in for a weekend cruise thru the mountains or down the coast of New England. I own an auto repair shop so I know cars pretty well and this one is proving to be much more reliable than the German counterparts owned by my customers. It rides infinitely smoother and quieter. During spirited driving it may not corner quite as well as well as a BMW however, for a car this large it comes close. I would take the ride quality over the cornering agility any day. Reliability has been very good with a thermostat replacement being the only repair in the 20,000 miles I have owned it. What a pleasure to drive...and even at 10 years old it still turns heads everywhere I go!

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  Good car, Horrible buying experience - 2004 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By L.A. Buyer - April 5 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Jaguar. I like them because they are the most beautiful cars on the road. This model seems to be very good. Handles well and a lot of thought has gone into the interior design. The good things with this new car has been overshadowed by the HORRIBLE buying and delivery experience with GALPIN Jaguar, including but not limited to being treated poorly, car sold and delivered by someone who didnt know how to operate the car, the navigational system or program the radio, car not detailed properly, calls not returned in a timely fashion. Ruined the experience of enjoying a brand new car.

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  Sweetie3 - 2006 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By Sweetie3 - March 24 - 11:26 pm

  Great car, smooth ride, excellent handling

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  More than pleased! - 2004 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By car nut - March 20 - 7:56 am

  It has exceeded my high expectations and I must say, is the automotive bargain. Nothing surpasses it distinctive appearance and style and luxury. The performance is amazing - we find ourselves just looking for "errands to run" just so we can drive it. I have never felt that way about a car and we have enjoyed some high end autos over the years. I am wishing I would have bought it sooner, but must add that purchasing it CPO with 19,000 miles has saved a bundle and it really is under priced for the value received.

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  Not just another pretty face - 2008 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By Frisko4me - March 15 - 5:03 am

  The nicest car I have ever owned, and I have owned many. Very comfortable new seats for 2008. I previously owned a 2004 XJR and this car is much more comfortable. Recently drove 3000 freeway miles, and love this car. Lots of leg room front and rear. Amazing 400 horsepower, this car can be a rocket. Yet, very good on gas, averaged over 23 MPG.