Overview & Reviews

Jaguar coupes and convertibles have a long history, starting with the iconic E-Type or XKE. It has been lusted after since its introduction in 1961, appearing on teenage boys' bedroom walls, grown men's garages and in movies like the Austin Powers series, where it served as the international man of mystery's Shaguar.

After 22 years of the unloved XJS coupe, Jaguar revived the XK name and spirit in the late 1990s with the stunning XK8 coupe and convertible. Powered by an all-new 290-horsepower V8, it was quick and capable of keeping up with the best of the sub-$100,000 luxury coupe rivals of the time.

Note that this review only covers the period of time (1997-2006) when Jaguar officially referred to its first-generation XK as the "XK-Series." For full coverage of its successor, please see our Jaguar XK review..

Used Jaguar XK-Series Models
They say cats have nine lives and quite appropriately, it takes a long time for Jaguar coupes and convertibles to die. The XKE survived from 1961-'74 before being replaced by the very different XJS, which languished in mediocrity for 22 years before being mercifully put out of its misery.

The Jaguar XK-Series didn't live quite as long, but 10 years is still a long time for an automobile. The 1997 Jaguar XK8 debuted in coupe and convertible body styles, with the XKR arriving in 2000. The standard 290-hp 4.0-liter engine was Jaguar's first-ever V8 and only the fourth all-new engine in its history. We were impressed with its low-end torque and found that it accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds. We also thought it was "a hoot to drive" with effortless acceleration, precise steering and a supple suspension.

Inside, the XK8 featured a classic Jaguar look with lots of Connolly leather and walnut trim. Although it began to look antiquated later in life with unintuitive controls and subpar materials, in the retro-crazed late '90s, it was certifiably chic. The car's cramped interior dimensions and small trunk were never in style, however.

In 2003, the Jaguar XK-Series engine was upgraded to 294 hp and 303 pound-feet of torque (from 284 lb-ft), sending the coupe from zero to 60 in 6.1 seconds. That year also saw a new six-speed automatic and more than 900 other mostly minor changes, none of which touched the still-attractive sheet metal. After that, the XK8 prowled about through 2006 without any significant updates.

The high-performance XKR featured a supercharged version of the 4.0-liter V8, making 370 hp and 387 lb-ft of torque. Zero to 60 mph in the coupe was accomplished in 5.1 seconds. The 2003 revisions also applied to the XKR, including a power boost to 390 hp and 399 lb-ft of torque.

Prior to the XK8, Jaguar offered the XJS coupe and convertible. The latter appeared in 1989, replacing the odd "Cabriolet" model, which featured a Jeep Wrangler-esque retractable roof that maintained the window frames. By 1990, a 262-hp 5.3-liter V12 was the standard engine. It was briefly replaced in 1993 by a 4.0-liter inline-6 making only 219 hp, but a new 278-hp 6.0-liter V12 emerged in 1994 to complement the standard six-cylinder. A four-speed automatic replaced the ancient GM TH400 three-speed auto in 1993. In 1992, a new head- and taillight design debuted.

User Reviews:

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  Used again?? - 2001 Jaguar XK-Series
  By jag4jj - November 23 - 7:53 am

  This is my first Jag. I was a Vette person for years. Ive had problems with the driverside rear alignment due to the fact the car was hit and repaired prior to my purchase, which I did not know about. Once this is corrected, I do believe it will be excellent. I look forward to trading in a year or so for a 2007. Like the retractable top, not keen on the lact of trunk space. Not much room for golf clubs. :)

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  Nothing beats a Jag - 2005 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Gebhardt - November 7 - 10:00 am

  When I went looking for a car for my wife, I never anticipated buying a Jag. When I walked in, I knew the XK8 was the best looking car I had ever seen, and it handled just like I thought it would. A fantastic buy, and I have never been more happy with a car in my life, and my wife is thrilled by her georgeous convertible. My only problem is I drive too fast in it.

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  Finally Found The Perfect Car (for me anyway...) - 2002 Jaguar XK-Series
  By mplstim - October 31 - 11:53 am

  I bought my 2002 XK8 in December 2011 with just 47,000 miles on it. Ive never owned a Jaguar but after an exhaustive search for a luxurious coupe and being open to just about anything, I could not find anything out there in a reasonable price range until I started researching the 1997-2006 Jaguar XK series. It took a while to find the right one, but I finally found a black on black coupe for sale in Philadelphia. I drove it 1500 miles over a weekend back to Minnesota and absolutely love everything about it. Power, handling, comfort, luxury and the most unique and beautiful styling Ive ever seen. Get one!! You wont be disappointed

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  E-Type Redux - 2003 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Chat Noir - October 25 - 10:00 am

  For 30 years, Ive always owned a sports car as my primary transport -- because I just really love to drive. The XK8 is really my first sports car (if you can call it that) for grownups. Actually, its really a GT or a GGT (Greatest Grand Tourer) with the emphasis on the "Gee!" Its kinda like the girl you marry, after youve had a lot of flings. Nothing else comes close to the coupe for poise and polish. Its design is timeless -- like its lineal ancester, the XKE. You dont own this car for the numbers -- you own it for its style. Its incredibly sleek and sexy and just whispers elegance. Its a lady.

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  first time buyer - 2004 Jaguar XK-Series
  By jaglovr - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Bought a 99 a year ago. Its certainly beautiful, get lots of compliments on it! When a teenager (35 yrs. ago), wanted and loved the XKE. Told friends one day that Id have a Jag, now have two, Vandenplas and this one! When I get tired of the rougher ride, I go to the big one. Have had no problems so far. Love the looks and the looks we get!

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  Great Car - 2003 Jaguar XK-Series
  By BabyCakes**Kimi** - September 18 - 2:00 am

  This car is a great car. It rides very smoothly and you cant feel the ground when you are riding/driving this car. Once I drove this car I never liked another car again.

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  Favorite Car - 2000 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Chadwick - September 7 - 11:06 pm

  I decided to take a chance on a Jaguar and it is by far the best car I have ever owned. Not only is it beautiful to look at, it is responsive and a joy to drive. Select the sport function and this baby is a rocket. As fun to drive as my 911, but in a different way. A real head turner!

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  SEXY BEAST - 2002 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Jungle Jim - August 5 - 2:00 am

  Beautiful, powerful auto. Turns heads everywhere. Great leather & walnut inside, but cheap plastic controls just below that gorgeous wood. Sound system should be better. Rocket-like acceleration. Superb handling. 20 mpg on highway.

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  GREAT - 2002 Jaguar XK-Series
  By katherine )& - June 18 - 2:00 am

  This is one of the most cofortable cars i have ever drove

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  Jag XK8 Great Drive! - 2001 Jaguar XK-Series
  By sporter - May 30 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE this car. Its even better thanI thought it would be! I bought the car because Ive always admired the Jaguar look. I expected that driving the car wouldnt be as great an experience as looking at it. But I was wrong - driving is just as enjoyable! For my money, the Jaguar XK is far and away the best looking (late model) convertible available. For it to be as great to drive (short or long distances) is a bonus that makes the car impossible to beat.