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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  Very pleased owner - 2004 Jaguar XK-Series
  By jackson - October 1 - 6:33 pm

  This car is an extremely pleasant car to drive. It has the combination of power and luxury (something hard to find). The V8 twin supercharged really comes to the party!

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  The XKR is INCREDIBLE!! - 2008 Jaguar XK-Series
  By cool - September 11 - 9:06 am

  I just picked up my brand new 08 XKR convertible, and it is a blast!! In my opinion, it is the best looking car for under 100k. I am glad I got this over the 6 series. It has great performance and great sound! I get looks from everybody. My son loves to drive it as well.

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  Jaguar - 2007 Jaguar XK-Series
  By john - September 5 - 10:26 pm

  The car is excellent, it feels great and handles perfectly. Jag engineers have out done themselves this time. The performance is excellent and the driving position too, the seats are very comfortable and you dont feel that you are in a sports car.

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  Best looking car made in 2000! - 2000 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Scott - August 11 - 4:33 am

  Always wanted an XK but was afraid of Jaguar quality. The 98 and 99 had pretty good reviews so I took the chance on a low mile 2000. Great vehicle!!! Very few issues and way fun to drive.

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  Best of the best - 2007 Jaguar XK-Series
  By peter - June 30 - 2:33 am

  I have owned 5 bmw 1 mercedes 2 porsche 2 corvette 3 cadillac 1 audi and this is far superior to all. No problems and great to drive. All options are great and the interface is very easy to use. The rear seat and truck are also roomier than most other sports cars especially the convertible hard top ones.

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  Know what it is. - 2003 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Mr Dearborn - March 30 - 8:06 pm

  The XKR is a touring car, not a race car. People often get caught up in statistics when evaluating cars in this category. The XKR is heavier than other sports cars so it is slower in 0-60 times and around a track. You do get something though from the weight - leather and wood everywhere. Sitting in an XKR is a thrill in itself let alone driving it. And it is plenty fast with 400bhp. There are some quirks and design flaws on the XKR that you wouldnt find on a German car but the XKR seethes passion unlike its rivals. It is gorgeous to look at and a very rare car, the coupe especially; people will stare. In short, when I feel like getting out of town for a weekend, this car is perfect.

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  One word for the XKR Conv - AWESOME ! - 2007 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Dave - January 30 - 6:16 am

  Was considering ragtops like the BMW M6, MB 500, etc., until I stumbled upon a review for the XKR. Jaguar. If someone told me Id be buying a $100K car from Jag, I would have told them to lay off the "sauce". But after reading numerous positive reviews on this vehicle, I took the plunge and bought a 2007 XKR on eBay with 4500 miles in mint condition. This is one awesome car, in every sense - From its stunning looks (it gets parked in front automatically at just about every place I valet) to its remarkably comfortable and intuitive interior, to its great gas mileage for such a powerful car, and of course, the exceptional handling around town and on the track, this car is a winner.

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  XK8 1999 to the XK8 2005 - 2005 Jaguar XK-Series
  By ric - January 27 - 10:00 am

  We have a 2004 S type R very fast, we also had the 1999 XK8 and sold it to buy the 2005 XK8. What a step up from the 1999. The 2005 ride is a lot better and the car is better built. The 99 was a very good car but the 2005 is so much better. I use to drive the S type R but now my wife drives it and I have taken to driveing the 2005 XK8

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  My xkr and its performance - 2004 Jaguar XK-Series
  By gpkingfish - December 31 - 2:00 am

  I went from a 1997 xk8 to my 2003 xkr and I love it. It has a lot of power and it has the same design as the 1997 and I think that this is a plus. It handles well on curves and rough roads. It is small and somewhat cramped and you cannot sit in the "backseat" area.The drink holder needs to be re- designed.

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  "My Last Fling" - 2007 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Black Diamond - December 3 - 7:53 am

  This car is so exciting to drive and to look at that I call it "my last fling". When Im behind the wheel, I feel like I never need to own another car, ever. Driving it is like cruising down a ski slope on fresh powder. You glide along until you decide to exploit its power with a burst of acceleration. The sexy growl of the engine when you push the start button and the power of the engine when you shift it into gear and accelerate let you know that this is no kids toy. This car is for the enthusiast who cant wait to find a stretch of open road.