4 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
  • Motoring Delight - 2001 Jaguar XK-Series
    By -

    The car is a fantastic machine with timeless styling. The generous use of high quality wood and leather make it a pleasure to sit in each and every time. Rear seat is absolutely unusable even by my toddlers. Should not even be there. I still look forward to driving the car which is more than I can say for most cars after the initial euphoria wears off.

  • Great GT - Pooooooor Electrical - 2007 Jaguar XK-Series
    By -

    Love the car - Drives great - great head turned. Power is good but could be better. But the most annoying thing about it is the electrical problems - especially the display screen that is totally inoperable at times. The dealer has been no help and Jaguar Engineering who inspected the car is no help either. Awaiting decision on a buy back. Probably would not purchase another.

  • LOVE MY JAG - 2004 Jaguar XK-Series
    By -

    PLEASURE TO DRIVE IT

  • Shoulda gone for the R - 2002 Jaguar XK-Series
    By -

    I love driving this car, and I wish it had more amenities, like the BMW 7 series. If you can, go for the XKR: while the XK8 is great, the extra--wheels and the nav system--make it all the more worthwhile.

  • Fantastic handling - 2007 Jaguar XK-Series
    By -

    I was seriously looking at the Aston Martin V8, because of its better looks, but after a test drive it was clear: the XKR is by far a better car. It handles great and shifting gear is much prettier.

  • Georgious to look at fun to drive - 2000 Jaguar XK-Series
    By -

    I bought my ’99 XK8 used with about 30,000 miles on it and have been happy with it. While not in the same category of vehicle, my decision came down to a BMW540 or the XK8.

  • Beautiful but costly - 2004 Jaguar XK-Series
    By -

    Beautiful car, get lots of compliments. Have had a lot of problems. Just recently had the whole engine replaced. Under warranty of course! Every couple of months its something else wrong. Power window went out on psgr side. Convertible top gets stuck often, cig. lighter goes out, engine coolant light always comes on, pwr to side mirror has gone out sveral times.

  • What a disappointment - 2007 Jaguar XK-Series
    By -

    I bought my dream Jag 2 months ago, only to discover, the dreaded electric gremlins attacked, over $2k for fuel pump and fuel pcm to be replaced, thermostat and housing over $400, over $1300 for tires, after all that that fuel system acts up yet again, would not start after a long drives, traded it for a 2013 BMW 328i. In the future maybe the BMW on. 2010-2014.

  • great looks, but disappointing performer - 2002 Jaguar XK-Series
    By -

    This car is gorgeous...it has a great ride, always garners stares and compliments...but it is so disappointing to drive even a little bit sporty...all because of seats that seem like theyre straight out of a 1970s Cadillac. The seats have no side bolster support whatsoever...take a left corner at anything above granny speed and youll likely end up in the passenger seat...plus, the seats have terrible lumbar support. Im really amazed...the less "sporty" XJR sedan and even the lowly X-Type have much better seats than this "top-of-the line" supposedly sportiest of cats.

  • SuperJag - 2004 XKR Coupe - 2004 Jaguar XK-Series
    By -

    I recently upgraded my xk8 to a 2004 xkr - what a machine! The growl of the supercharged V8 alone, is worth the ownership fee. The Jag is an almost perfect mixture of grace and pace, its truly lovely. Its nice to see people still taking such an interest in the car when you take it out - it just oozes sex appeal.

Jaguar XK-Series Reviews By Year:
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