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:
Showing 171 through 180 of 205.00-
A beautiful car - 2005 Jaguar XK-Series
By Ron Katz - August 19 - 10:00 amThis is my second XKR. Before that I owned XK8s. This is the best one yet. An absolutely beautiful car and "tight" No squeeks over bumps - super solid. Everything about the car says "power"and its so. The only additional feature I would wish for is an automatic tire pressure regulator. One last thought..the door handles are chrome - it would be nice if they were rubber coated. Here in Arizona after sitting in the sun they get hot, hot, hot.
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my review - 2002 Jaguar XK-Series
By GOD - August 16 - 11:36 pmthe best
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Wasnt even looking for a Jaguar - 2007 Jaguar XK-Series
By Italian Forza - August 13 - 3:40 pmI 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 amI 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 amI 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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Gorgeous, true head-turner! - 2000 Jaguar XK-Series
By Evan W. - July 16 - 12:03 amIve owned 4 cars (3 Jaguars) and this XK8 has been my best one so far. It has 70k miles currently and runs very smoothly. The driving dynamics are very luxurious and the exterior and interior are nothing short of beautiful; the coupe gets a lot of looks and head-turns. The power is ample and the torque is nice and low RPM. The real power comes in once youre at about 40mph and slam on the gas, all the while it feels smooth, linear, and effortless. Had one problem with the cooling system (was a common problem) and cost me $500; I have had no problems since then aside from a malfunctioning CD changer. Beautiful car that, if well maintained, is absolutely timeless!
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Gotta Have it - 2005 Jaguar XK-Series
By Dave - June 30 - 7:53 pmHave 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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GOOD LOOKING....NOT SO CLEVER! - 2004 Jaguar XK-Series
By LEEji - June 18 - 10:00 amWhat a beautiful car to look at,inside and out! I outfitted mine with the 19 wheels and it looks amazing.Now,driving it on the other hand is a different story,or you could say sailing it,o.k. thats unfair,my other car is an Audi S4 (on tracks!) This car creeks, shudders,and wobbles.The build quality is very questionable,which is probably something to do with Ford,only the cost of the parts are not quite in line with Ford! The V8 is good but feels dated and sounds like a taxi.I always feel like selling this car,then when i get out and look back i realise why i dont.
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Wife Loves It (so do I)! - 2003 Jaguar XK-Series
By 2ndowner;2ndJag - May 10 - 12:03 amWifes 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 amRepair cost, when needed, is very expensive. The parts drive the cost of repair up, the labor is usually competitive.
