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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  Shoulda gone for the R - 2002 Jaguar XK-Series
  By yogistein - February 2 - 10:00 am

  I love driving this car, and I wish it had more amenities, like the BMW 7 series. If you can, go for the XKR: while the XK8 is great, the extra--wheels and the nav system--make it all the more worthwhile.

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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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  Fantastic handling - 2007 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Chris - January 1 - 8:13 am

  I was seriously looking at the Aston Martin V8, because of its better looks, but after a test drive it was clear: the XKR is by far a better car. It handles great and shifting gear is much prettier.

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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.

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  Oh my GOSH!! - 2008 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Leos A.C. - October 25 - 1:06 am

  I drive many cars before I make a buying decision. Not this time. 5 minutes into my test drive I went back to the delaership and signed the paperwork. The only thing better than the drive and the beautifully updated interior is the exterior which is clearly the nicest looking car on the road. Have only had it for a few weeks but each day gets better and better.

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  SUPER - 2002 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Thomas2 - October 14 - 10:00 am

  This car is perfect. The best car I have ever driven. My dream car.

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  Awesome British motoring - 2003 Jaguar XK-Series
  By WL - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Owning one of these Jags is like owning a piece of history. Most people dont realize that the XJ and XK series are still hand assembled over in Conventry. All the leather and woodwork is still done by hand! Only the British can produce something so beautiful. I cant tell you how many people have come up to me on the street to comment on its beauty (can you blame them?) I am very impressed with Jaguars realiability improvements. I dont have to pay for anything for 4 years, not even oil changes! I absolutely love this car and seeing them made in England has made me a fanatic. I would highly recommend a tour in Coventry for all of you Jag lovers.

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  Pax Britannia - 2003 Jaguar XK-Series
  By winston - August 20 - 2:00 am

  British cool and class all rolled into this beautiful aluminium jewel of the crown. Mercedes SL is a good alternative but its interior is too cheap in appearance. Besides, its cheaper SLK version steals the thunder while the Jag XK series exclusivity is assured. There is no mistaking the XK8 as a cheap Jaguar. If anything, the XK8 represents everything that Jaguar stands for. Long live its designer, Sir Ian Callum!

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  Sexy, Sleek and Brutal Acceleration - 2003 Jaguar XK-Series
  By NkMut - August 20 - 2:00 am

  Fabulous engine, as much power as most of us could ever handle. Refined and supremely stylish.