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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  A dream car - 2006 Jaguar XK-Series
  By inheritablessing - December 13 - 3:13 am

  Love everything about it!!! There is nothing like the vintage looks of Jaguar. Its smooth as butter. Havent yet been called to have serviced. Absolutely a dream car.

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  THE Car to Buy - 2006 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Bob K - December 9 - 3:56 am

  2 months into this 06 XKR. Love the car. 3rd XK in 5 yrs. XKR is far superior to XK8. For Style and Performance, it is without peer. I park next to an SL600 every day and people stare at the XKR.

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  Best Jaguar - 2007 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Achberger - November 18 - 7:20 am

  The Jaguar I purchased has these additional options: luxury package, premium audio package and 20" wheels. I also had the vehicle coated so that waxing never has to be performed. The car performs very well @ 300 hp but I like the gas mileage it can achieve. I have recorded 31 mpg. With fuel costs rising and the desire to own a fantastic looking performance vehicle, is there any other way to go?

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  A Great Car without problems - 2000 Jaguar XK-Series
  By stan kase - November 16 - 10:00 am

  The appearance still turns heads even though the design has been on the road for seven years. Mechanically no problems . Even my knew Mercedes has given me more problems in 1 year of ownership.

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  Great Cat - 2007 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Goins - October 23 - 3:46 am

  This is my third XK and by far the best. It is a class act and nothing on the road distracts you from the looks.

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  Singing in the Rain with my Top down! - 2003 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Simone - September 22 - 2:00 am

  This car has changed my life,liturally! I no longer stress in traffic jams, I have the convertible top up or down with ONE touch of a button,I feel safe and it almost drives itself. Their are features to let you know how far you are behind and in front of and obstacle with a ring of a ascending bell. My trunk is HUGE, holds 2 sets of golf clubs and ALL the Holiday Shopping I can do in one day! I look forward to going to the store a quick errand. When I drive I am wrapped in Performance and Luxury.

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  It is a Jaguar Again - 2007 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Craig Harmon - June 17 - 12:26 pm

  Mine is a Slate Grey coupe. I bought my first Jag in 1980, so went through the change from exotic car to Ford-in-drag. All that has changed. The XK Coupe is a Jaguar again. If you have seen it, you know what I mean. If you drive it, you will agree. Smooth power, stiff and agile. Comfortable at cruising speed. I like to use the paddle shifters and hear the exhaust note reverberate in my parking deck at work.

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  Great vacation car - 2002 Jaguar XK-Series
  By rmk - May 11 - 2:40 pm

  Just try to fit a suitcase or two and golf clubs into the new MB, Lexus or new Jag XK. Cant do it with the new cool hard/convertible tops down. Top down, trunk space gone. I really like the clean look of the new disappearing hard convt tops but not at the expense of the trunk. I use this car to take to the coast or mountains for vacation and pleasure driving. It has a large trunk and is very powerful, comfortable. I will not be getting a new one due to the trunk space issues.

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  2002 Jaguar XKR - 2002 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Les - April 14 - 12:06 pm

  After 30 years of driving, this is by far the best driving car I have owned. Recent 3500 mile trip was a smooth satisfying experience (as opposed to other sports cars where I needed to rest kidney bruises). Bought it Select Edition pre-owned. Very satisfied with reliability and efficient warranty repair and maintenance program.

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  xk8conv - 2004 Jaguar XK-Series
  By xk8 - April 11 - 10:00 am

  great car . love the handling and the "j" gate shifter