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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Top Quality, Tons-o-Fun! - 2007 Jaguar XK-Series
By Timio-san - February 6 - 6:06 pmA 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.
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XK Coupe for Carrera and no regrets. - 2008 Jaguar XK-Series
By JCmd - February 2 - 6:03 pmTraded in a 2 year old Carrera with many, many problems for a more beautiful car. Although not the handling of the Porsche, this is a true GT with plenty of room, comfortable ride, and admirable get-up-and-go.
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firstjaginfatuation - 2007 Jaguar XK-Series
By firstjag - December 20 - 2:20 amPicked up my 07 XK Coupe 2 weeks ago - a black with tan model with several upgrades. Replaced Mercedes CLS 500. The looks, the ride, the handling, the sound, seats, paddle shifters, styling, performance and the right technology with push button start and blue tooth all sold me. Plenty of power and best shifting trans experienced - best paddle shifters on the market. Very respectable gas mileage and no guzzler tax. Could do without the old world antenna. Overall a great package of styling, performance and sizzle. Interior is well done with great seats and clean yet very functional dash design.
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Eye candy - 2004 Jaguar XK-Series
By docdave - December 17 - 10:00 amTop notch car,,,great handling
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2007 Jaguar XK - 2007 Jaguar XK-Series
By David Akers - September 14 - 12:20 amThis is the third XK I have owned. If you have not driven a Jag you have not driven. The XK is hands down the best car I have ever driven. The styling and comfort of the new all aluminum Jag is show stopping. It is stiffer and more substantial than the previous XKs I have owned. If you want a true sports car, I believe this will be the car to own.
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On Top of the World - 2005 Jaguar XK-Series
By GOKITTY - September 11 - 10:10 amI have wanted a Jag for over 30 years. Well, it was finally time. Just to make sure, I drove every conceiveable competitor. Corvette, BMW, Mercedes, Volvo, Aston Martin, Lexus - you name it. The XKR is the best overall choice. It is stunning. Strangers drool. It is THE gentlemans sportscar. And the service from Hennessy was unbelieveable. Top notch.
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XKR 100 Coupe First Impressions - 2002 Jaguar XK-Series
By J. S. Henry - August 14 - 10:00 amHigh performance, incredible luxury! Tackles any road at crazy speeds. Braking is outstanding, throttle response especially quick, gas pedal feedback too light. Engine is smooth, quiet, very torquey. Automatic trans is excellent; 6-speed would be more fun! Steering is tight and predictable, too insulated from "road feel". Recaro seats are spectacular. Buttons are "Fordish", but intuitive. Gas door/trunk release are too easily bumped. Sound system is great, needs in-dash CD player. Nav system accuracy and capabilities are better than most. Overall: Far classier than anything in its class. Interior luxury to match exterior sexiness. A spectacular car!
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XKR 100 Coupe First Impressions - 2002 Jaguar XK-Series
By Jeff Henry - August 14 - 10:00 amHigh performance, incredible luxury! Tackles any road at crazy speeds. Braking is outstanding, throttle response especially quick, gas pedal feedback too light. Engine is smooth, quiet, very torquey. Automatic trans is excellent; 6-speed would be more fun! Steering is tight and predictable, too insulated from "road feel". Recaro seats are spectacular. Buttons are "Fordish", but intuitive. Gas door/trunk release are too easily bumped. Sound system is great, needs in-dash CD player. Nav system accuracy and capabilities are better than most. Overall: Far classier than anything in its class. Interior luxury to match exterior sexiness. A spectacular car!
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jaguar - 2002 Jaguar XK-Series
By anderson - July 23 - 2:43 ambest all around car on the road
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cool car - 2004 Jaguar XK-Series
By killio - June 27 - 2:00 amthis car is awesome Ilove my car I got it a year ago and Its great
