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:

• 

  Ultimate Cats "Meow" - WOW!!!! - 2004 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Brooklyn Lion - November 25 - 10:00 am

  This is an incredibly fun car to drive. It is an eye turner: sleek, sexy and beautiful. Driving it makes you forget the few blemishes it has.

• 

  Wow, its all Jag - 2005 Jaguar XK-Series
  By RdKing - November 21 - 10:00 am

  When trying to discribe my experience with the jag the word Wow comes to mind. Id say its the most bang for the buck, even though it takes many bucks. I have four of the older models, two XK roadsters, and its preformance is light-years away ahead of the older jags. Its a car I love to drive. I do have to learn how to handle the speed....its fast.

• 

  A terrific vehicle - 2002 Jaguar XK-Series
  By peregryne - October 14 - 8:23 pm

  This car is a blast to drive, it handles really well, and has good acceleration. Unfortunately I havent been able to verify the top speed :), but at high speeds its still very smooth and quiet. The convertible top produces little noise, and looks great from inside. Jaguar reliability is much better than it used to be, and the AJ-V8 engine and ZF tranny are a very solid combination. Research the timing chain tensioners however, esp. on pre-2000 models. Oil changes are very easy thanks to intelligently-situated filter and drain. Good amount of trunk space, but the back seat is all but useless for moving people.

• 

  So Far, So Great! - 2006 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Robert Mattingly - September 3 - 12:00 am

  I purchased the XKR for three reasons: the engine, styling; and, because I think its a better looking car then the soon-to-be-introduced XK. Plus, the price is about as right as its going to get as dealers clear them out. The XKR is not really a "sports car" but rather a "sporty" car. It doesnt handle in the same league with my old Porsche 911 but it rides much better-perhaps the best riding car Ive ever owned. I deleted the expensive 20 inch chrome plated wheel/tire combo, and replaced with the standard 18 inch tires and wheels,saved $5000 and got a better ride. The interior is beautiful if not particularly roomy. Overall, a great package of power, luxury and character.

• 

  Jaguar XKR - 2006 Jaguar XK-Series
  By blairm - August 16 - 6:03 pm

  AS my third XK I was delighted to see this car the new "carbon" interior is a pleasant change from the traditional wood. My only regret is that the capability of the vehicle with its massive supercharger is reduced by the silly electronic limiters.

• 

  The Jaguar Experience - 2004 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Alexandros - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I recently purchased a black Jaguar XKR Convertible, and have had the pleasure of driving it around, although mostly on the weekends. The overall performance of the car is overwhelming and it has proven to be both an elegant and a great sports car, both at high and low speeds. Fuel economys not so good, but you forget about it once youre cruising.

• 

  Fun to drive, the envy of the block - 2004 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Dan S. - April 29 - 11:16 pm

  Cant believe the envious looks and comments we have had. Handles very well, great styling, reasonable gas mileage. Great acceleration. Surprisingly quiet ride with the top up. Problem getting routine parts such as oil filters, etc.

• 

  Happy Mothers Day - 2007 Jaguar XK-Series
  By shermfa - April 29 - 5:16 am

  My husband took me to trade in my 96 Mustang GT convertible.The XK is truly an amazing piece of machinery in comparison...so quiet--even with the top down compared to the old car (she purrs not growls), and she wants to run fast. The feature that limits acceleration may be something folks really do want to use, you can be doing 70 and feel like its a Sunday drive at 40; top storage takes up some trunk space, though, so order Fresh Direct if its an option. The backseat is small, though bigger than the Mustang. The screen is almost unreadable in bright sun, but the cellphone docking features are amazing. HAPPY MOTHERS DAY to me!! Its that much fun!

• 

  Youre going to want one - 2008 Jaguar XK-Series
  By DeanR - April 17 - 9:46 pm

  This car is incredible. It is hands down, the sexiest, best driving, daily-driving automobile made, and it is a reasonable value. I also own a SL500, and aside from the hardtop convertible, not one item holds up to the Jag. Dont be fooled by the car magazine comparisons and ratings. While the Jag holds up pretty well anyway, the tests put too much emphasis on empirical performance, and ignore what most people really care about in a car, which are good looks, and how you feel driving it. The Jag has sufficient performance, a solid, rich feel, a growl when it needs one, and is downright beautiful. You cannot walk away from this car without looking back for a double take.

• 

  XKR2001 - 2001 Jaguar XK-Series
  By nbryden - April 15 - 10:00 am

  I have experienced zero problems with this car - it is well constructed and has a high quality feel to all parts. It has exceptional power and handles corners as if it were on rails. All instruments are easily viewed and the driver and passenger compartments are comfortable though not spacious - there is adequate headroom. I miss certain features that were included in the XJS, particularly the automatic side mirror tilt when reversing - the reverse sensors compensate but not completely. There are numerous blind spots when reversing. "Back seat" is almost useless except for bags, jackets and obviously insurance rates. Overall, this is the best performing and constructed car I have owned