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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The Jaguar Has Arrived! - 2007 Jaguar XK-Series
By radical - April 29 - 3:16 pmJaguar has done it! The attention to detail is amazing; even the turn signal sounds like a grandfather clock ticking. I have never enjoyed driving a vehicle as much as this one.
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The jaguar for me - 2004 Jaguar XK-Series
By Alexander Whatley - April 6 - 2:00 amThis car is fantastic the engine knows no boundries it is stylish and the best of all british.
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LOVE THIS CAR - 2005 Jaguar XK-Series
By JANE - March 26 - 10:00 amTHIS IS MY FAVORITE CAR SO FAR, THAT I HAVE HAD. ITS A PERFECT SIZE. YOU DONT FEEL LIKE YOU ARE DRIVING A LITTLE CONVERTIBLE WHEN YOU ARE IN IT. I DONT THINK ITS A RACING CAR IF THATS WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR. BUT, ITS ALOT OF FUN TO DRIVE AROUND.THE BODY STYLE MAKES IT SO EASY TO KEEP CLEAN TOO.ITS ALSO GOT A GREAT SOUND SYSTEM.I INTENTED TO KEEP MINE FOREVER.
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Excellent car to pwn! - 2005 Jaguar XK-Series
By Mike925925 - March 26 - 10:00 amClean finish. Nice quality interior detail. Smooth quick acceleration. Looks like it costs twice as much. A true winner!
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An experience youll never forget! - 2005 Jaguar XK-Series
By waynemcain - March 26 - 10:00 amJust looking at this car makes you feel sleek, stylish, and dangerous. With 400hp under the hood theres nothing holding you back. The coupe has a much sportier look than the convertible that everyone has. When youre driving the coupe it feels like youre the only one on the planet that has one and everyone wants to know, how much was that, or where did you get it. Untouchably the nicest sports car Ive ever owned, itll make you feel like a million bucks. - 07/17/2004 Wayne Cain -
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trading in my corvettezo6 - 2005 Jaguar XK-Series
By harryb - March 21 - 10:00 ami traded my 2002 z06 for an xkr ragtop.this car has surprised me and pleased me at every turn except for zero to sixty which the vette has by a bit this is a great car after 26 corvettes it was time for lux and comfort.i found it and i am a happy camper
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Awesome styling and performance - 2000 Jaguar XK-Series
By Pletzman - March 12 - 10:00 amThere is only one Jaguar experience and the XK8 Convertible is it. Inpired by the XKE design, the XK8 Convertible offers quantum improvements in every mechanical and electrical area as well as superb fit and finish. Timeless British Jaguar styling and road feel give this Euorpean touring sports convertible a permanent place in the pantheon of classic automobiles. So far, I have experienced no mechanical problems. I would be remiss if I did not point out that the XK8 Convertible is also a remarkable babe magnet.
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Gorgeous Car - 2001 Jaguar XK-Series
By cjaubert - February 16 - 10:00 amWonderful looks, great ride, very plush. Only complaint is lack of real comfort. Bottom line: I love this car.
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Ultimate Luxury - 2005 Jaguar XK-Series
By bill quirk - February 11 - 10:00 amThis car is the ultimate luxury vehicle. The styling remains up-to-date even after several years on the market. People continuously expess their approval. The car is a comfortable road car with great performance. The miles just seem to melt away. As an added bonus, the boot will hold two sets of golf clubs.
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excellent xk8 - 2003 Jaguar XK-Series
By jagxk803 - January 11 - 2:00 amLove this car for the fact that my father had a e-type back in the 60s and these bring me back to those days. Jag has wonderful services and excellent reliability.
