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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  Stunning - 2007 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Paul OMara - July 25 - 1:50 am

  Ive 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 am

  I 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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  Georgious to look at fun to drive - 2000 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Atlanta - July 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought my ’99 XK8 used with about 30,000 miles on it and have been happy with it. While not in the same category of vehicle, my decision came down to a BMW540 or the XK8.

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  XK8 - 2004 Jaguar XK-Series
  By abbefaria - June 22 - 10:00 am

  I 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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  Beautiful but costly - 2004 Jaguar XK-Series
  By t2000s - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Beautiful car, get lots of compliments. Have had a lot of problems. Just recently had the whole engine replaced. Under warranty of course! Every couple of months its something else wrong. Power window went out on psgr side. Convertible top gets stuck often, cig. lighter goes out, engine coolant light always comes on, pwr to side mirror has gone out sveral times.

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  What a disappointment - 2007 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Ron - June 6 - 5:53 pm

  I bought my dream Jag 2 months ago, only to discover, the dreaded electric gremlins attacked, over $2k for fuel pump and fuel pcm to be replaced, thermostat and housing over $400, over $1300 for tires, after all that that fuel system acts up yet again, would not start after a long drives, traded it for a 2013 BMW 328i. In the future maybe the BMW on. 2010-2014.

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  Hope you like to visit the service dept - 2004 Jaguar XK-Series
  By JG - May 17 - 10:00 am

  Looks great, drives great and is worth the $80,000.00 However, myself and everyone else that has ever owned this car has had nothing but problems with it. Problems that are too numerous to list. Usually every 3,000 miles when it is brought in for service, there is a list of 8-10 things wrong with the car. Convertible top is great but to put the cover on it for a finished look is a real pain and comes off when driving.

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  The Bomb - 2004 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Rap - March 16 - 2:00 am

  This car had one word to explain it awesome

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  XKR - 2004 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Jeff Siebels - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Excellent, car is solid powerfull and sinfully goodlooking

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  Top Quality, Tons-o-Fun! - 2007 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Timio-san - February 6 - 6:06 pm

  A proud owner since May 2006. I ordered the XK the very 1st day it was availabe for ordering in the US - got the 3rd convert delivered in the Wash DC area. I traded a 2003 Merc SL500 and couldnt have made a better choice. The XK is drop dead sexy and has stellar interior and exterior styling. Jags Ian Callum is a genius on this one! The quality and reliability has been better than any Porsche, BMW or Merc Ive owned. In other words, zero defects, only two trips to the dealer for minor tweaks. The performance is especially pleasing in Sport mode - plenty fast for DC driving. Ive taken four trips of 2+ hours and this thing is comfortable and joy on the highway.