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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  jaguar - 2002 Jaguar XK-Series
  By anderson - July 23 - 2:43 am

  best all around car on the road

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  cool car - 2004 Jaguar XK-Series
  By killio - June 27 - 2:00 am

  this car is awesome Ilove my car I got it a year ago and Its great

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  Very Poor resale value - 2001 Jaguar XK-Series
  By loud - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Very Poor resale value, Im getting very little for a trade in value. Seems like you can $10k off the price of a new one. That type of discount on new ones is killing the value of mine.

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  Rakish Roadster - 2007 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Peppy - June 23 - 3:13 pm

  Incomparable, stunning exterior. Sleek, clean and simple design that is beautiful, yet looks utilitarian. Turns heads and leaves em speechless. Very quick, ultra smooth and fast transmission, awesome brakes, quiet, comfortable, great suspension and cornering, neat and clean instrument panel, incredibly easy to use touch screen and luxurious appointments. Everything fits and looks right. Exceptional quality. A joy to drive. Exceptional in every respect.

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  XK Coupe at 55,000 miles - 2007 Jaguar XK-Series
  By X150 Lover - June 22 - 2:10 pm

  A good looking, smooth running, GT car which can dice with the best out there on the back roads. Its quiet when youre cruising, but barks when you thrash it. The normally aspirated engine is adequate for public roads, and with the DSC off, all the power can be safely used for an exhilerating drive, the car cornering flatly and being able to balance under steer and over steer with the throttle. The fuel economy is very good, and the maintenance costs are low. So far, reliability is excellent.

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  Dream Car - 2004 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Maggie - June 22 - 1:03 am

  Have wanted a Jag since the first time I spotted an XKE when I was a child. Its beautiful, fun and now I cant imagine not having one.

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  The Bomb - 2003 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Ericp - June 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my fav. car! I am so glad my dad decided to get this work of art for me! if u are considering getting this car my words to you are wat r u waiting for!?? It makes me feel like i am the happiest 16 year old in the world. My words to you:Get one now!!!!!!!!!1

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  THE MOST FUN YOU CAN HAVE - 2003 Jaguar XK-Series
  By CLINE DAVIS - May 22 - 2:00 am

  THIS CAR IS THE MOST EXCITING CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED AND WILL CONTINUE TO TURN HEADS EVERY WHERE I GO! THE FUNNY THING IS MOST PEOPLE HAVE NEVER REALLY SEEN ONE AND I LOVE IT!

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  Fantastic - 2005 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Jagman - April 3 - 5:53 am

  Swapped my 2002 XKR for this 2005 XKR. Definite upgrade & improvement. Since both cars were black, most dont realize it is not the same car. However, the increased horse power and extra gear (6th) give a different driving experience and improved performance over the previous model. This car can be driven all day and averages close to 20 mpg, not that I care, but it is impressive. Best car I have ever owned.

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  Jaguar XKR R Perfornance Package - 2004 Jaguar XK-Series
  By David Foster - April 3 - 2:00 am

  This platinum exterior and charcoal interior vehicle is equiped with the R Performance package which includes 20 inch Detroit 2 piece wheels, cross drilled Brembo brakes, sits 2 inches lower and provides significant performance improvement over the standard XKR. Interior is Recaro seating with brushed chrome, wood and leather. Includes Momo leather steering wheel and shift knob.