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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  Amazing!!! - 2006 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Jeramy - December 20 - 12:03 am

  Its a great car to drive, nice easy- going stability, acceleration is very fast. Its a semi-auto car. You can choose the power from 2 to 5 or for automatic put it in D or Drive. It says that itll go top speed: 170. The thing that I didnt like was it doesent have automatic and manual its only semi-auto its not where you can put it in M and shift like in a Ferrari.

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  PURRRRFECTION!!!! - 2007 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Brooklyn Lion - December 10 - 7:53 am

  Having owned previous XK8 and having at least one compliment per month from strangers, I wondered how that styling could have been improved on. Well, Ian Callum and co. showed me how. This car surpasses previous models in practically every category. It is a stunning car to look at and to drive! Styling-wise, it vaporizes every other car out there (except, perhaps, Aston Martin). Seats are supremely comfortable. The acceleration growl is music to the ears! The interior is all driver-oriented, without converting the car to space-shuttle complexity and clutter. Everyone should experience driving this car at least once! But be warned: youll be a center of attention everywhere you go.

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  The most fun you can get in a car - 2007 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Claudia - November 18 - 3:26 pm

  I absolutely love my XK convertible! I truly underestimated the fun factor of having a convertible that the top goes up or down in 18 seconds... so fast you can put it down at a light. In Alabama where I live, I get 10 mos of top down weather. It is also a head turner... looking like nothing else on the street (except now its new sister the XF sedan). It is great for a road trip... its very adjustable seating lends itself to comfortable driving. Ive leased this vehicle, but will most likely buy it at the end of the term. Drive it, youll fall in love!

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  Magnificent Jag - 2007 Jaguar XK-Series
  By MrJaguar - November 17 - 7:30 am

  Most stunning, attention-getting car on the road. Clean, sleek and simple exteior. Looks and drives fast. All around handling is incredible. Really holds the road on turns, great suspension, silky smooth transmission and awesome brakes. Comfortable, luxurious interior, great quality throughout and easy- to-use, uncluttered instrument panel. Makes some of its competitors look like little old lady cars. In fact, a friend who recently saw my Jag (an indigo blue coupe) was almost ashamed to admit he owned the BMW 650i.

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  Janets XK8 Kitty - 2004 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Janet S. Leon - October 4 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned this type vehicle for the past 14 years, buying annually to semi- annually. I have that much faith & love for these machines. Not much maintenance, just menial things like oil changes, filters & maybe a computer glitch this year on the transmission (first time!) Overall, because I dont have a dealership in Corpus, it still doesnt concern me much about repairs. They are all small enough to extremely enjoy this great car that sounds like it purrs when youre driving into your big garage! I love the feel, elegance, drive, reliability & social status you receive when buying this vehicle. You cant afford to miss out on this car!

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  Elegance & beauty - 2003 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Sonni - September 26 - 12:36 pm

  Beautiful sleek profile--I love the look and style. Gorgeous wood dash. Fabulous power--gotta watch the speed. Strangers stop and stare and comment that they love my car--me too. Even the 25-26 mpg was a pleasant surprise.

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  Dream Car - 2007 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Professor Don - July 31 - 4:00 am

  I saved for a 911 but after driving the XK convertible, bought it. We live in the Texas hill country and throughly enjoy letting the top down and driving...phantastically comfortable, does everything well, and a real head turner.

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  Super Jag - 2007 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Ed - July 19 - 6:06 pm

  Mileage on a long trip. Fantastic. Exceeded 29 mpg at high speed. Yes over 80 mph for most of trip. In town low speed exceeded 19.5 mpg. Much better than ratings. At end of 16 hours on road, still comfortable!! Boot small, but that comes with territory. Back seat used to hold a small brief or camera bag. Touch screen much easier than BMW 750i I had previously. Nav system much more user friendly. Love it!

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  XKR The Only Way to go! - 2006 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Dan Geib - July 12 - 3:46 am

  I purchased this vehicle used from a private individual with low miles. I have enjoyed driving the car every time I get behind the wheel. This car is fast and tight and holds the road at any speed!

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  Awesome - 2003 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Klooser - July 2 - 2:00 am

  Has sweet acceleration and every thing you can think of.