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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  Wonderful xk8 - 2001 Jaguar XK-Series
  By lashayjag -owner - January 11 - 2:00 am

  This is my 6th Jaguar and my second Jag convertible. Jag has really improved since the xjs conv. I love the exterior styling and the AJ-V8 engine.

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  2001 XK8 - 2001 Jaguar XK-Series
  By mercedes1 - January 5 - 5:03 pm

  I considered models of four cars I have owned in the past. Namely Porsche 993, Mercedes SL500, Corvette and another 993/996. This time I bought an XK8 after due consideration. It had 14,000 miles on it. I probably would not have bought it except that because they depreciate so fast I got one for just over 30K. I am favorably impressed with the car. It combines a gorgeous sports car look with pretty good performance, very good gas mileage (26 mpg hghway), good ride and handling and a lot of creature comforts. Since my wife liked the car at test drive time it was an easy sell for me. No complaints.

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  Powerful but refined - 2002 Jaguar XK-Series
  By G Pinsky - October 25 - 11:50 pm

  My car is bright red with black leather interior and it is stunning. There is not a more beautiful vehicle on the road. I wanted a fine luxury convertible for weekend driving with room for 2 suitcases or sets of golf clubs. There are only a few vehicles in this class but the others are set up for racing and I wanted a smoother ride. The XKR has the power and performance in a league with the 500 SL Mercedes and the Porsche but the ride and features of a fine luxury car. It is perfect the perfect mix for me.

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  Naughty..but Very Nice - 2004 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Algi - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Bought it for the looks and just plain concours elegance. I did have some repairs that I thought were not in standing with the cars great looks and new reputation under Ford. However, take the top down and DRIVE IT !! It handles well enough for what it is...an elegant automobile with looks to kill. It is NOT a Hot Rod, (if you want that get a Mercedes 500 SL) Overall, a true Modern Classic that I intend to keep forever...

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  2007 XKR Coupe - 2007 Jaguar XK-Series
  By domesticdude - October 22 - 7:00 pm

  I LOVE this car, its beautiful inside and out, fast, and handles great. I have never had a problem of any kind with this car. The XKR is fast, not the fastest, but still plenty fast and yet still manages to ride extremely well. I have never driven a car with better handling, or that is more fun to drive. The only flaw with the car that i can find is that mine has one of the ridiculous antennas, but they thankfully got rid of that for 2008.

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  Best Jag Ever! - 2007 Jaguar XK-Series
  By ace - October 19 - 1:56 pm

  Recently sold 98 XK8 to acquire the 2007 New XK. Looks good, drives like a dream, great gas milage for such a car. The fit and finish on this car is flawless. With Luxury package, Premium Sound and Technolgy Package there isnt much left. The advanced features are just so perfect for this car - keyless entry, auto everything, touch screen controls that are intuitive. If you are in the market for a sophisticated sports car vehicle this is definately one you will fall head over heels in love with.

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  Jaguar XK* Convertible - 2001 Jaguar XK-Series
  By mdol722 - October 18 - 2:00 am

  This is the best handling vehicle that I have ever driven. The excelleration is supurb and the style is in its own class! A REAL EYE CATHCER AS WELL!!!

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  Perfect - 2004 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Frajkal;fd - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Perfect handles great the best car ive ever had even better than a Mclaren F1

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  good - 2004 Jaguar XK-Series
  By mean - September 5 - 2:00 am

  all togetther it is a good car to drive and it is real nice to look at. but it could be better.

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  I Love It - 2002 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Mike Fitz - September 3 - 10:00 am

  nice car