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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  A great GT - luxury and performance - 2008 Jaguar XK-Series
  By owner1 - May 26 - 9:53 pm

  I have owned 3 porsches and several bmws as well. Had every intention of purchasing m6 until completed test drives. Test drove 911s, m6, and maserati GT in addition to xkr. An absolutely beautiful car inside and out. I thought performed better (felt over engineered) and far better looking vehicle than m6, had much better luxury appointments (like gorgeous suede cabin top interior and superior nav) and much better curb appeal than 911s. While 911s is better handling car, I found the xkr to be quicker. While the maserati gt is an equally if not more elegant car, it didnt come close to xkr on drive performance

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  This car is the car to have - 2005 Jaguar XK-Series
  By charlie718 - May 15 - 10:00 am

  I just traded in a DRM 400 corvette to get the Jag going from a lifelong super car owner with a manuel trans into a six speed auto gave me some pause well the jag auto in combo with the supercharger leaves no doubt in my mind this is the way to go the car gets looks from every body and when you step on the gas it just takes off like a space shuttle it stays glued onto the road and feels like driving a rolex that goes 180 mph it is so solid quiet and smooth I love this car and will now always have one I will just trade it in every few years

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  Driving a dream - 2005 Jaguar XK-Series
  By midaem - May 15 - 10:00 am

  This is like driving all the spactacular car dreams youve had all your life. It handles like I dont even need to be there. When you are driving the XKR you KNOW there is NO BETTER car on the road. It is the best, and you are in it. Strangers talk to me at red lights and in parking lots, and I know its not because of my red hair on my 50 year old body. Its all about the car. I am the princess I never got to be when I was a girl, I am the Homecoming Queen, but mostly I am the plastic surgeons wife who EARNED this little piece of ultimate luxury.

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  I LOVE MY JAGUAR!!!! - 2004 Jaguar XK-Series
  By paulsobe - April 9 - 10:00 am

  This is my last car. I want to keep this carr orevver. It is a classic witthh mmodern technology. It never fails to attract people. I keep is spotlessly clean.

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  best in show! - 2004 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Michelle A. Calo - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I love my car its a little hard to get in and out of because of the low roof

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  Fun car, build quality weak - 2003 Jaguar XK-Series
  By bobsmith - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Performance and styling are outstanding. The factory quality has declined over the previous jaguar I had. The interior headline is impossibile to keep clean and the boot for the top is antiquated.

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  Gorgeous car - seats not comfortable - 2007 Jaguar XK-Series
  By socalh2oskier - February 29 - 2:23 pm

  Sexy ext., and interior is best ever on a car - perfect combination of wood and leather. Super handling and ride - although car is rather large - 188 in. long and 75 in. wide - it drives smaller - turn radius shorter than BMW 3-series. Wind buffeting virtually non-existent. Excellent stereo and super quiet ride with top up. Seats are better than prior years, but still uncomfortable - headrest is rock hard, lumbar too high - Corvette, BMW, and Porsche all have better seats. Complicated integration of radio, A/C etc thru NAV screen - cannot see it with sunglasses - and too many screen required to make changes. Should have HUD like Corvette so eyes can stay on road.

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  5 Years Old and Still Purrs Like a Kitten - 2000 Jaguar XK-Series
  By jagboi - February 15 - 2:33 pm

  All you can say is the design is now 8 years old, and its still one of the best looking cars on the road today. Ive only had the car for a year and a half, but have been very pleased with it. The performance, handling, build quality, and reliability are all exceptional. I dont typically keep cars for more than a year, but Im making an exception with this one. Just cant seem to find another one that I think has better styling.

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  New Owner. - 2004 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Gap - January 18 - 2:00 am

  The wife lets me drive it. Its fun. Goes like hell. Just have to get use to the gear range. Wife likes the sound system & the color.

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  FSTCAT - 2002 Jaguar XK-Series
  By eaorgon - December 5 - 10:00 am

  Beauty and the Beast. You cant find a better looking vehicle on the road, and its power rivals the hottest little rattle boxes out there, yet delivers with a grace and style no Teuton can match. Editors complain about a fussy GPS, which is ridiculous...its acuracy will amaze. The interior is divine, all high quality with an outstanding 9 speaker sound system.