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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  Beautiful, Reliable and Still Great - 2001 Jaguar XK-Series
  By ed orgon - December 31 - 4:36 am

  Have had this vehicle for more than 7 years, and still outperforms others. Has been SUPER reliable, no mechanical, build or cosmetic issues AT ALL. Only my usual Mobil 1 oil changes.

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  Jaguar XK8 - exciting sports car - 2004 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Bob Rassa - December 24 - 2:00 am

  This car is extremely good-looking, sleek and handsome, handles like a dream, outstanding performanc

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  Best Sports Car Ive Owned - 2006 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Charles Roller - December 22 - 6:10 pm

  This Jaguar Racing Green XKR is absolutely the finest and most enjoyable automobile Ive ever owned. The exterior styling is gorgeous, the interior stately and rich, and the power truly breath-taking. I cannot imagine any impovement that makes sense for this vehicle. Even the achieved city gas mileage figure is 16.9 mpg - quite a happy surprise. I havent taken the XKR on an extended highway trip yet, but fully expect to see 25+ mpg. Other than the high cost of entry, and reasonable but steep insurance premiums, this is an exceptional automobile that makes me smile every time I open the drivers door.

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  My XKR - 2003 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Timothy A Reed - October 17 - 10:00 am

  I Live in Alaska and this car runs very good in snow and on ice and the CATS is great!

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  exellent - 2004 Jaguar XK-Series
  By alias?mike - September 24 - 2:00 am

  its the best car I ever drove

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  Get What You Pay For! - 2006 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Lana DeSimone - September 20 - 9:43 pm

  Solid, Hearty and luxurious! I love this Jaguar. Convertible gives plenty of space, loads of leg room with plenty of trunk space and POWER behind the wheel!

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  great car - 2002 Jaguar XK-Series
  By jag lover - August 11 - 10:00 am

  Have just put 1000 miles and love everything about the vehicle. Comfort, performance, looks. I have had more people come up to me and talk about the car. A sheer beauty. I glad I sold my SC430, cant compare.

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  Great car - 2007 Jaguar XK-Series
  By meivogelmelo - June 25 - 1:23 pm

  When putting the top down it is the best convertible when comparing the cadillac XKR, Mercedes SL 550 and BMW. There is hardly any wind inside of the car which definately can not be said to the above mentioned cars. The car has enough power and the sound of the car is great. It is a real looker and many people think it is an aston martin. The best on the current market.

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  beats Mercedes in quality - 2004 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Samos - June 19 - 10:00 am

  The experience is incredibly positive. Performance, feel and quality are better than ever at Jaguars. I drove Audis and Mercedes before but they are no match to the XKR at all. Nice to let Porsche look strange too.

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  Love my Jag - 2006 Jaguar XK-Series
  By john webb - June 6 - 12:46 pm

  I looked at other mfgs like Benz and BMW. They just started looking alike. The Interior of the jag makes a statement and the body style stands out. Very large trunk space major plus over others and the backseat is very useful. It makes it easy to store items quickly. Back seat is a quick place to put items. The backseat was one of the feature that sold me.