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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  So Far, So Great! - 2006 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Robert Mattingly - September 3 - 12:00 am

  I purchased the XKR for three reasons: the engine, styling; and, because I think its a better looking car then the soon-to-be-introduced XK. Plus, the price is about as right as its going to get as dealers clear them out. The XKR is not really a "sports car" but rather a "sporty" car. It doesnt handle in the same league with my old Porsche 911 but it rides much better-perhaps the best riding car Ive ever owned. I deleted the expensive 20 inch chrome plated wheel/tire combo, and replaced with the standard 18 inch tires and wheels,saved $5000 and got a better ride. The interior is beautiful if not particularly roomy. Overall, a great package of power, luxury and character.

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  Beautiful luxury - 2004 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By robert ehrlich - September 2 - 4:23 pm

  I always wanted a Jaguar but had been afraid of poor reliability. I bought the new aluminum 2004 and love it. It is the best ride of any car I have owned. Looks distinctive and rides so smoothly and quietly it is hard to keep it within the speed limit. It has had no significant problems except for some false positives on the engine coolant warning light and remote keys that went dead in a few months. Minor compared to other cars I have bought new. Would definitely buy a Jag again but will probably keep this car for years. Jag has done a great job.

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  Thrilled - 2001 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By Exton - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Purchased used with 21,000 miles. Meeting all my expectations. Mainly highway driven. Quiet, comfortable, smooth and fast.

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  This is the best car ever - 2005 Jaguar S-Type
  By Jaguarrocks123 - September 1 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my Jaguar and im soooo thrilled with it. It goes from 0-60 in no time at all. I enjoy the wood trim and the very comfortable seats. I also love the heated seats. The speaker system is phonomenal the navigational system is so easy to use. I love everything about this car i highly recommend it it is worth every penny

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  Former Vette Owner Sold on Jag S-Type V8 - 2003 Jaguar S-Type
  By beachman - August 30 - 10:00 am

  With only 1,500 miles on the odometer, I absolutely love my 2003 S-type. Having been used to gut wrenching off the line performance from my Vette, I was really apprehensive about the major shift in ownership. The Jag is second to none on interior and exterior quality and workmanship (something that has always been my sore point with the Vettes). The 4.2 Liter has not disappointed me in the least. The seats are excellent in comfort and the high quality of leather is wonderful. Did not go with the sport option, mainly as an an eye appeal decision. I like the natural wood, and chrome trim rather than the gray wood. Just a wonderful car inside and out.

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  My 2002 X-Type - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By Darren - August 29 - 9:26 pm

  Had several frustrating "I hate this car!" growing pains initially, as it was the first model year. But after the first year and getting all the issues taken care of, no problems. Fantastic, solid, beautiful car...great value. And after 3 years it still catches peoples eye. I get several comments on it.

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  2005 VDP DREAM - 2005 Jaguar S-Type
  By TEDSTER - August 28 - 9:46 pm

  I have always had some sort of sports sedan. My wife and I decided to purchase the S-type 4.2 after a fun test drive. After pricing the car out we found it was actually cheaper to buy the VDP and add the little things like heated seats. This car is awesome. It still retains the Jaguar type handling as in the past and is very, very quiet in side. The car is fun to drive with good performance and pick up. The only thing I dont really care for is when you are pushing the car at a good click it has a very neutral feeling with a slight understeer. Other than that it is fantastic. Great detail inside and out and very comfy. You cant go wrong with this one.

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  Best Looking Car on the Road - 2003 Jaguar S-Type
  By Jackaranda - August 23 - 2:00 am

  We love it! Excellent quality, excellent comfort, excellent ride. The GPS navigation system provides a color touchscreen display that also allows you to control the radio, CD player, and climate control. In dash message display lets you know if a door is ajar, trunk open, etc. And the electronic parking brake means you never have to remember to either set or to release the parking brake.

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  Jaguar XKR - 2006 Jaguar XK-Series
  By blairm - August 16 - 6:03 pm

  AS my third XK I was delighted to see this car the new "carbon" interior is a pleasant change from the traditional wood. My only regret is that the capability of the vehicle with its massive supercharger is reduced by the silly electronic limiters.

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  A quality sedan - 2005 Jaguar S-Type
  By a danna - August 16 - 9:53 am

  a great touring sedan. Have travelled twice across the country in this vehicle and have enjoyed every moment of the drive. Driver and car become one while on the highway. The car responds like a feline. Sleek, swift, agile, responsive. The only problem i have had is controlling my urge to kick up the speed (already got one speeding ticket putting my kitty through its paces). Even at 120, the engine purrs, almost imperceptible. Classic lines (I consider thye S to be the most beautiful automobile on the road), a great touring car.