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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  Could Not Be More Pleased! - 2007 Jaguar XK-Series
  By ndb - April 1 - 1:00 pm

  Recently acquired to replace my 98XK8 that served me well. This car is so much more in many ways - performance is outstanding, looks are just the best, ride excellent, seating very comfortable. My car fully loaded and greatly enjoying the many luxury features including adaptive cruise control, GPS and high end Alpine stereo. Bravo Jaguar you made a good thing better!

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  Bad news when problems happen - 2003 Jaguar XK-Series
  By PerryR - March 27 - 10:00 am

  I just had my 2003XKR break down while I on a trip. My steering went out. Jahuar does not keep replacement parts! They kept telling me "next day" stories on when it would be fixed. After almost three weeks I got the car back. Now I am getting the roal run around on what they promised to reimbusement for travel to get back home. Beware...this company wants to sell you a car, but does not live up to any of the after the sale promises. Its always a story as to why someone else gave you wron information.

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  A "Gorgeous" Value - 2007 Jaguar XK-Series
  By D. Stumpf - March 23 - 11:40 pm

  I have had my eye on the re-designed XK for some time and finally had the opportunity to aquire one this fall. Almost everything about the car is exceptional, foremost the styling. Call it what you will, a "poor mans Aston" perhaps, but it is one of the most beautiful automobiles on the road. Handling and performance are great (a bit underpowered perhaps - although given the aluminium monocoque construction the power/weight is commendable), interior design is outstanding (pitch the back seat!), overall fit and finish are excellent. Time will tell regarding reliability, but Jaguar has risen steadily in overall quality and reliabily in recent years. A real head-turner to say the least.

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  Very Impressed! - 2004 Jaguar XK-Series
  By bwanna - March 8 - 2:00 am

  It was a present for my wife. The criterior was elegant,classy and a convertible. She fell in love with immediatly and after the test drive was convinced. The same day we had driven a Mercedes 500, a Boxer,a Vet and a Saab. But in the end as much as I may have settled for another car she felt the XK8 was the one! The dealership was terrific and we took delivery the next day.

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  Refined class with blow em away power - 2002 Jaguar XK-Series
  By ed orgon - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Beautiful, unbelievably fast and pwerful

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  An unexpected pleasure - 2005 Jaguar XK-Series
  By NewJagLover - January 13 - 5:50 am

  While shopping for sports cars, I happened to rent an XK convertible on a trip to California. Unbelievable, great trunk space (considering the size of Mercedes and BMW trunks) and "elegant performance". Whatever it was, I was sold. Other cars might be able to post higher g-ratings in the skidpad or faster 0-60, but youll find passion in a Jag. Found a great dealer in my home state that got me the color combination I wanted. I have never smiled so much driving in my life! Even better with the top down -- that way the climate control system gets exercised.

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  XKR Coupe 03 - 2003 Jaguar XK-Series
  By XKR=SWEET - January 7 - 2:00 am

  The 03 XKR coupe coupled with the 20" wheels and the Brembro brake kit makes this car one the most appealing car on the road. In the past I had a 01 XKR coupe and Ive noticed hardly any differeces on the 03 car except cosmetics. The 400Hp gives the exact same result of the 01.

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  Whoopee! - 2005 Jaguar XK-Series
  By George Stepan - November 8 - 7:46 pm

  A real head turner no matter how old the exterior design may be. Some modest detractions are the ergonomics sometimes requiring you to look away from the road, could be improved, but once learned, no problem. Full leather interior with shiny wood trim spells luxury. This design too is old, but why change a good thing? Exterior metal fit is average. Not impressed with quality of the Alpine sound system given the price of this car. Performance is outstanding, a smooth 6 speed transmission, plenty of get up and go. Unless you set the speed control, youll be going 90 and not know it. Anyone paying 70k probably doesnt care, but I get 27+ mpg on the road. A great touring car!

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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.