Overview & Reviews

Jaguar cars have a long history of elegant styling and sporting performance. The brand was born in the United Kingdom, and for years its vehicles were synonymous with the old-world luxury of the British upper classes. More recently, Jaguar has been under the ownership of other automakers, but Jaguar cars will always bear the unmistakable gleam of traditional English refinement.

The company traces its roots to the Swallow Sidecar Company, founded in 1922 by Bill Lyons and William Walmsley. Based in Blackpool, England, the company produced a popular line of aluminum motorcycle sidecars. Swallow eventually switched its focus to automobile production, changing its name to SS Cars Ltd. in 1933. The first vehicle to carry the Jaguar name was the SS Jaguar 100, released in 1935.

After World War II, SS Cars switched its moniker to Jaguar so as not to be associated with the Nazi paramilitary organization that bore the same initials. Its first postwar offering was 1948's Mark V. The luxury sedan was joined that year by the XK 120, a sports car that was the fastest production automobile of its day — its name indicating its top speed. The XK 120 proved quite popular, and helped Jaguar establish a strong presence in the sports car market.

By the 1950s, Jaguar had begun exporting luxury vehicles to the United States. Created just for the American market, the Mark VII Saloon was introduced in 1951 and was a hit with stateside motorists. In 1956, the car took the prize at the Monte Carlo Rally. Later in the decade, Jaguar added the Mark VIII and Mark IX to its lineup. Meanwhile, the XK became the XK 140 as performance increased. Then came the XK 150 which was obviously even faster, though not quite as curvaceously alluring as the 120/140 models.

The 1960s saw the launch of one of Jaguar's most well-known models. The E-Type (or XK-E as it was known in the U.S.) debuted for 1961. The new sports car, available as either a coupe or convertible, provided performance and refinement wrapped up in an undeniably sexy package. The success of groups like the Beatles and the Rolling Stones and icons like Twiggy the fashion model made British culture a hot commodity during the '60s — a fact that likely had positive implications for Jaguar's popularity in the U.S.

A decade later, Jaguar introduced the XJ6C and XJ12C coupes to join the sedans. At one point, the XJ12 was the fastest production sedan of its day. By the mid-'70s the lovely E-Type was replaced by the relatively bland XJ-S. The 1980s saw Jaguar continuing to raise the bar in performance with the launch of the XJ-S HE and a true world supercar, the XJ220.
By this time, however, Jaguar's cars had also built up a reputation for questionable reliability, electrical problems being the chief source of owners' angst. Increased competition from German automakers and adverse exchange rates didn't help matters either. Without much capital to work with to improve matters, the company decided to pursue a partnership with another company. This decision ultimately led to a full buyout of Jaguar by Ford in 1990.

Ford's influence (and financial support) was evident with the 1997 launch of Jaguar's XK8 and supercharged XKR sports cars. Powering both was Jaguar's new AJ-V8, a compact yet powerful engine that was also used in certain Land Rover vehicles. A few years later, Jaguar made an effort to broaden its product line with the introduction of a lower-priced, entry-luxury compact sedan known as the X-Type. Unfortunately, this model sold poorly, as its modest European Ford sedan underpinnings proved to be a liability. Around this time, Jaguar's old-school traditional styling grew stale as competitors moved into the new millennium with cutting-edge, modern designs inside and out.

Sales plummeted, and Jaguar's financial problems caused further headaches for parent company Ford, which was also experiencing financial turmoil. Ford cut its losses and sold Jaguar (and fellow British premium brand Land Rover) to Indian manufacturer Tata in 2008. Though reliability still remains a concern, new models like the XF and redesigned icons XK and XJ seem to indicate a bright Jaguar future, as they feature modern designs sprinkled with a fair share of classic Britannic charm.

User Reviews:

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  Jaguar 2000 S Type 4.0 - 2000 Jaguar S-Type
  By jagsRfun - July 22 - 2:00 am

  Very fun to drive. 4.0 version is like a rocket. Lots of power and great handling. There is good road feel while still feeling like a luxury car. Back seat is a little small but usable. Only one small annoyance which is that the glove box vibrates when very cold. The head-turning factor is also great. People assume the car costs much more than it does. Overall, I would buy it again.

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  Jaguar XJ-R 4.2L Supercharge - 2004 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By Peter_W - July 18 - 2:00 am

  The swift executive. Poise and handling- just as one would expect from an all aluminium rivited body and over 220lb lighter than the X308 4.0L SC.

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  I took a chance and won! - 2001 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Jag Believer - July 17 - 12:16 am

  I never considered the XK8 until my first up close look. Even with the top up, four can fit comfortably, yet snuggly, if you simply adjust the front seats to accommodate the legroom in the back. I got caught in a snowstorm and romped on it to see how it handled and I was quite impressed. You can’t get the wheels to spin unless you deselect traction control. I highly recommend forgetting the rest for anyone wanting a true world class rag top, particularly if a two seater just won’t do.

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  Vanden Plas - 2006 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By cg - July 12 - 2:10 am

  I absolutely love this car. I have always thought it one of the most beautiful avaialable cars, but with the redesigns and the increased head room, they are there. She is quiet, quick, incredibly nimble for a big car, and flat out nice to be in.

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  Baby Jag - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By mary Turner - July 1 - 3:16 pm

  The car is exceptional!! What I dont understand is why only the negative responses seem to be posted. This car is not the typical Jag. It is sporty and fun. All the safety features are very comforting. It is all that and then some.

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  Gotta Have it - 2005 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Dave - June 30 - 7:53 pm

  Have the Jaq Green. I have had numerous people come up to me and say what a beautiful car. Some are not aware of the reliablity yet and only recall the problems of the Jags of the 60s. This is a whole new machine. Our second one in 3 years. Very comfortable, drove straight through to Florida.

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  Great Style & Substance - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By JaguarFan - June 18 - 10:00 am

  I spent six months researching entry level luxury vehicles. I narrowed the selection down to the Mercedes 240 and the Jaguar X-Type. On the criteria of style, features and driving, the Jaguar was my choice. I love it more each time I drive it!

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  The Awesome Cat - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By great kitty - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Jaguar did it right. In a pool full of Mercedes and BMWs, Jaguar really stands out as one of most gorgeous cars on the road today. I have driven Mercedes and BMW and nothing feels like a Jaguar. I was never able to afford a Jaguar until now, and I Love it so much. The old rumor of Jaguars always being in the shop is not true now. The car rides great, handles wonderful and is simply a delight to look at the interior. the five speed transmission is also great.

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  So far, so good! - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By jimmhs73 - June 10 - 4:30 am

  Bought my 1-owner X-Type locally, excellent cond., "Platinum" color, with 116k miles in January after reading all I could on-line & checking with another X-Type owner. Put all new Kumho tires on right away. Ive driven close to 2k miles and absolutely no complaints. Super smooth shifting, quick acceleration, very quiet ride - except for hearing the transmission (apparently common) and a little wind noise at highway speeds if I have the interior shade for sunroof pulled back. Parts are outrageously expensive - found local Carquest can get OEM parts for a lot less. Paid $6k & dealer fee. Everyone amazed-beautiful, well-built car for the money!

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  2004 vanden pals: phenomenal - 2004 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By cheesehead - June 5 - 2:00 am

  This is my third xj. The 2004 is exquisite in every detail, highly recommend the multi media package. Had a 2003 bmw 745, this car is just as fun to drive but the nav system and controls are very user friendly, unlike the i control in the bmw. they are pricey, but what a great ride!