3 Star Reviews for Jaguar XK-Series

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.71/5 Average
205 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 1 through 10 of 205.00
  • Hope you like to visit the service dept - 2004 Jaguar XK-Series
    By -

    Looks great, drives great and is worth the $80,000.00 However, myself and everyone else that has ever owned this car has had nothing but problems with it. Problems that are too numerous to list. Usually every 3,000 miles when it is brought in for service, there is a list of 8-10 things wrong with the car. Convertible top is great but to put the cover on it for a finished look is a real pain and comes off when driving.

  • Very Poor resale value - 2001 Jaguar XK-Series
    By -

    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.

  • $85,000 piece of crap - 2007 Jaguar XK-Series
    By -

    * Serviced Mar 2012 - electrical 36,558 miles * Serviced Jan 2012 - shift lever replacement 36,456 miles * Serviced Dec 2011 - battery 36,263 miles * Serviced Jun 2011 - battery 34176 miles In addition to the above service dates, within this mileage period the vehicle was serviced 3 other times for electrical and once for "top vacuum". While the dealer has been great for handling service issues under warranty up to this point, I am out of warranty now 1 month. With 37969 miles the top wont open or close. We will see how they will handle. Bottom line, within a 4K mile period the vehicle had to be serviced no less then 8 times. What more can be said!

  • First and Last Jaguar - 2007 Jaguar XK-Series
    By -

    The car is beautiful on the exterior, the interior is not very functional with misplaced buttons all around. Reliability is horrible, I think I spend more time in my rental car than my Jaguar. My sons popsicle stick birdhouse is built better than this car. I have decided I am ending the lease early and buying a BMW 6-Series.

  • nothing but PROBLEMS - 2002 Jaguar XK-Series
    By -

    I have put less than 40000 miles on this car and have nothing but problems. The rubber used in the tires is very soft - I have put on 13 tires due to flats (they are not cheap either). The coolant systems had to be replaced, the engine uses 2 quarts of oil a month (and the dealership argues that nothing is wrong with the car). The leather is splitting in the front seats. It costs over $150 for an oil change.

  • Big Mistake - 2007 Jaguar XK-Series
    By -

    Great looking exterior, but too bad the rest of the car does not measure up. The transmission and stereo are phenomenal. The back seat is useless, and the driving experience is ho-hum. This is a nice car, but at this price-point, I expect much more. The seats are average, the ride is simply okay - not exhilarating. The car handles okay, but is a tad rough, which is surprising given its size. The size is one of the main problems - this car is simply too big for a 2 seater.

  • Dont get a Lemon! - 2000 Jaguar XK-Series
    By -

    Car in the shop for a total of 2.5 months in the first three years (every third month the car is in the shop). Poor electrical system and poor support. WOULD NOT BUY AGAIN...!!!

Jaguar XK-Series Reviews By Year:
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