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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  Made a good choice - 2008 Jaguar XK-Series
  By fred - June 20 - 3:06 am

  My 2006 Cayman was rough, cramped and edgy. I love my new Jag; it has decent performance, good manners and is one of the most beautiful cars I have ever seen. I have discovered that it handles and drives better when being pushed. The fact that I paid about the same for the Jag as the poor mans Porsche is a bonus. The left over 2009s are a great buy if you can find one.

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  Favorite car Ive ever owned! - 2007 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Bernard Kinlein - May 19 - 4:12 pm

  I was prepping this car to sell. When I finished I took it out for a final ride. A beautiful autumn day, some twisty back roads, I just couldnt part with it. 10 years old, it looks practically new.

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  FUN CAT - 2006 Jaguar XK-Series
  By DOBOSJ - May 13 - 12:23 am

  Very quiet, fast and smooth as a cat feel and performance.

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  The classey XK8 - 2004 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Sandy - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Just cant say how wonderful the XK8 is to drive and own. How people stop to say "what a beautiful car". To drive it is even better.........just a dream. A true classic!

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  nice - 2004 Jaguar XK-Series
  By derekc214 - April 29 - 10:00 am

  it handles great it looks great i just put some good stuff into ot like some nice rims new seats and tires i top out at 170mph.

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  Still Runs Like a Dream - 2007 Jaguar XK-Series
  By KLefty - April 4 - 5:16 am

  In my third year of driving the restyled XK. I am amazed that I have yet to have ANY even minor issue with this car. I hesitated to buy a Jaguar because of the old reputation as unreliable. The performance and styling wowed me and I just had to have one. Bravo, Jaguar on the maintenance reliability!

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  Fantastic jewelry to drive - 2007 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Al Kelley - March 22 - 5:43 pm

  Have had the car for 1 month. Flawless fit, finish and materials. Really like the extra luxury option with leather covering just about everything. Upgraded stereo with satellite radio is great also. All switches and controls are high quality. It is fun to drive but comfortable to drive all day. Incredibly quiet with top up at highway speeds. With tax and extended warranty it is just over $100K but it is a bargain compared to new Bentley or Aston Martin convertibles. It totally outclasses Mercedes and BMW.

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  2003 XK CONVERTABLE - 2004 Jaguar XK-Series
  By MEL - January 27 - 10:00 am

  GREAT CONVERTABLE SPORTS CAR HUGS THE ROAD AT HIGHER SPEEDS THIS IS OUR SECOND XK CONVERTABLE WE FOUND THE CAR TO BE RELIABLE AND FUN TO DRIVE

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  XKR - Simply The Best! - 2001 Jaguar XK-Series
  By BriteRedJagXKR - November 17 - 2:26 pm

  I previously owned a 1998 XK8 and after totaling it I felt like I lost one of my children! I do love this car. Now I own a 2001 XKR and its just tweaked enough to make the XK8 even better. Sorry they discontinued this body style. Its sleek without being overdone. Its macho yet feminine. The curves are a woman, the power and the hood design are a man. What better combo in styling? I can get 21 mph easily. NOT BAD!!! My only criticism is the steering. It is so fine that if you look to the left you can easily be there without meaning to. That being said...no one drives my car but me and Hubby! Driving is pure pleasure even on travel trips of 10 hours. Go Buy One!

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  Almost no gripes - 2002 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Jagman - November 14 - 1:33 am

  The only thing I could find wrong with this car is that the interior is not up to Jaguar standards, even though it is more sport-oriented than the others. Jaguar is known for their Connolly leather and acres of trees chopped down for wood paneling, and this doesnt have enough of it, but other than that, it is a great car.