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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  my review - 2002 Jaguar XK-Series
  By GOD - August 16 - 11:36 pm

  the best

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  Wasnt even looking for a Jaguar - 2007 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Italian Forza - August 13 - 3:40 pm

  I stumbled across this car while shopping for a Range Rover for my wife. I bought it on the spot. Strikingly beautiful. This car has such a gorgeous design that I just stare at it outside my office window until I give in to the call of the wild and take it out for a spin. I just came off a 4 year relationship with a Maserati Coupe. This XK provides "most" of the performance of the Maserati with the added level of luxury and comfort. Maybe Im getting old, but when I want to be "sporty" I start to bang off shifts with the paddles. When I want to take it easy, full automatic does the trick. This is my first Jaguar and I am absolutely in love. I just hope it is reliable.Wish me luck

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  awesome - 2004 Jaguar XK-Series
  By gary Findlay - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I have had 25 cars in the past 25 years and this is the best all around I have ever driven.

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  I took a chance and won! - 2001 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Jag Believer - July 17 - 12:16 am

  I never considered the XK8 until my first up close look. Even with the top up, four can fit comfortably, yet snuggly, if you simply adjust the front seats to accommodate the legroom in the back. I got caught in a snowstorm and romped on it to see how it handled and I was quite impressed. You can’t get the wheels to spin unless you deselect traction control. I highly recommend forgetting the rest for anyone wanting a true world class rag top, particularly if a two seater just won’t do.

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  Gotta Have it - 2005 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Dave - June 30 - 7:53 pm

  Have the Jaq Green. I have had numerous people come up to me and say what a beautiful car. Some are not aware of the reliablity yet and only recall the problems of the Jags of the 60s. This is a whole new machine. Our second one in 3 years. Very comfortable, drove straight through to Florida.

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  Wife Loves It (so do I)! - 2003 Jaguar XK-Series
  By 2ndowner;2ndJag - May 10 - 12:03 am

  Wifes Xmas present 12/05. She said she always wanted one, and she couldnt believe it when it "appeared" in the driveway 2005 Xmas a.m! She drives it everyday. This is "our" 2nd Jaguar; had an 89 XJS coupe (V12) previously - what an improvement since Ford took over. The 03 is wonderful: 4.2 engine is buttery smooth, and not as fragile as former 4.0 of earlier years V8s. I put the XK-R wheels on it with all-season Michelins, and these work much better in winter than the 19s with Pirrelli summer/snows -- we have a lot of rough roads in Michigan. KNOW your mechanic, even if just warranty stuff. Not all dealers have "Jaguar certified" ones do work (some go out on own).

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  Big Jag - 2004 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Boltman - April 24 - 2:00 am

  Repair cost, when needed, is very expensive. The parts drive the cost of repair up, the labor is usually competitive.

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  Great choice for free - 2001 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Drunkchef - April 14 - 6:06 am

  I had had all real makes, and this one rocks, bought it for $13,000 with 55k on it, replaced the tensioners straight away with metal ones as this is the only issue with this car. Bought an amazing sports car for free basically, cant even get a Kia for this price, highly recommended !!!!

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  used is ok too - 2001 Jaguar XK-Series
  By mesamark - March 29 - 7:23 am

  This car has been an excellent vehicle as the second owner. Fuel economy for a V-8 has been very good. The only caution is it is very gas sensitive, meaning lower quality premium fuel will impact performance significantly. Id recommend the car to anyone

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  XKR Coupe - 2005 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Young Mach - March 23 - 4:53 pm

  This has to be the hottest car in the street. This car gives you great confidence every time you drive this fantastic automobile. Put some TVs in the headrest and set of 20-inch chrome giovannis with some yokohama low pro z- rated tires and youre good to go.