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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Oh my GOSH!! - 2008 Jaguar XK-Series
By Leos A.C. - October 25 - 1:06 amI 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 amThis 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 amOwning 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 amBritish 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 amFabulous engine, as much power as most of us could ever handle. Refined and supremely stylish.
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Stunning - 2007 Jaguar XK-Series
By Paul OMara - July 25 - 1:50 amIve only had this car for a week, but I just dont want to get out of it. Gorgeous, gorgeous styling - a real head turner. Amazing performance (Im used to driving R Jags - but you just dont need to R in this model) and responsiveness. Really smooth acceleration - and that growl when you floor it! Wow! I love this car.
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jagluver - 2007 Jaguar XK-Series
By jagluver - July 20 - 10:40 amI bought this car when it first arrived in the US. I have had more than 10 service visits in 3 months. The gas door would not open and had to be modified. The check engine light has come on 4 times with no real reason. The power seat failed, the windows do not move down a little everytime when you open the door and then up to seal when the door is closed, therefore, door will not shut normally. The radio antenna causes a wind noise at high speeds. There was a funny noise like a creak in the brakes when the car tilted and came to a stop. Overall, I love the looks of the car but am frustrated with the little problems that keep recurring.
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XK8 - 2004 Jaguar XK-Series
By abbefaria - June 22 - 10:00 amI never thought I would want a performance vehicle, but I am in Love! Its like riging on my own private high-powered cloud. Plenty of power, very reliable, and the perfect body design bar none.
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The Bomb - 2004 Jaguar XK-Series
By Rap - March 16 - 2:00 amThis car had one word to explain it awesome
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XKR - 2004 Jaguar XK-Series
By Jeff Siebels - March 11 - 10:00 amExcellent, car is solid powerfull and sinfully goodlooking
