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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  like my new cat - 2003 Jaguar S-Type
  By 4545 - May 30 - 2:00 am

  comparing to similiar autos.(I had an acura legend before this) JAG is a bit skimpy with std features. Automatic trans is an option. Pocket for gaage door opener n/a. Regular sound system plays am/fm/cd, but for a cassettte, you have to spend a $1000 to get a premium sound pkg. Having said all that, its a beautiful, tight machine, that looks great. safety features like airbags all over the place a plus

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  Fun to Drive - 2005 Jaguar X-Type
  By Keith - May 23 - 8:20 am

  I had never considered buying a Jag until I happened to test drive one while my wife was looking for a new car. It took me by surprise how much fun I had driving the 2.5 5 speed manual. Yes the car is not perfect but I think it holds its own against the BMW 3 and Merz C. I havent had this much fun driving a car since I was a 16 year old with a Camaro. New X-types are a little pricey but a good value can be found with a Certified Pre-owned Jaguar. I ended up buying a 3.0 auto with the sport package. I miss shifting gears but still have more fun than I thought was possible driving a sedan. After 3 months Im still happy I bought the car

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  The Best of the Lot - 2004 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By Paul - May 19 - 10:23 pm

  I am a CPA from Tampa and have used the XJR for business and pleasure. I have owned Caddy STS, MB CLK/AMG, a host of Vettes thru C5, and currently a 911/997 Porsche Carrera S. Aside from the 911, a very different car, the 2004 XJR is, overall, the best car I have driven. In 3.5 years, I have had no problems aside from one visit for front brake scuffing and two recalls. I did have the heat element disconnected from the steering wheel - it was too hot to hold! The supercharged performance is top notch and the exterior style is fitting of its market as is its interior. I cannot understand the problems/ratings that several other posts have made. It is certainly not my experience.

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  review of jag S - 2003 Jaguar S-Type
  By lois randall - May 13 - 10:00 am

  I recently purchased the Jaguar S. Previously I drove the Porsche Boxter. In terms of comfort, feeling of luxury, and dependability the Jag is the greatest. I feel the drive could be a little tighter, and the breaks have a tendency to squeek...perhaps minor adjustments. However, I am loving the car.

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  nice car - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By striman - May 7 - 2:00 am

  comfortable good ride a change from the bmw fanatics

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  Tabs Jag is all PRRR and no GRRRR - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By Tabs Jag - May 7 - 1:36 am

  I purchased my 2003 Jaguar X-Type 2.5 in January 0f 2008 and I love it. It was a blessing that fell in my lap and once I saw what a great deal it was I couldnt pass it up. Well, 4 months later I am deftly happy with it. I have had no issues whatsoever and it gets many head nods. I just tell all the people who think I must be cavorting a lot more money than they thought to be driving it, that a blessing came my way and it keeps blessing me over and over again. It is grey with woodgrade integrated with the black leather interior. Also, yes it has a pretty sleek look and everyone loves it. I appreciate and love it!!

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  A Gem - 2004 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By orjohn - May 6 - 9:35 am

  I have owned my XJ8 2004 for 3 years and I still love every time I drive this car. It is truley a wonderful design and very well built and for me has been one light bulb reliable. I may get another one for my family, its that good. Price is almost too good to comprehend. The aluminum chassis and body makes it great on gas with 28-30 on the highway. For a V8 - really? - yes it is true. A gem of a car, now almost 10 years new...

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  Luxury and Performance Excellence - 2005 Jaguar S-Type
  By G. Campbell - May 4 - 2:36 am

  My Jaguar S was bought last summer and was assembled in the U.K. Every detail was perfect and solid. It has terrific acceleration and is extremely comfortable for both short and longtrips! I was concerned about Illinois snowy winter, and purchased snow tires. I was driving in the worst snow storms,and had wonderful and very safe trip seach time. I was always in complete control and felt very safe. My S-8 is an extrodinary car and would buy another in a heartbeat. My service department has been extremely responsive and helpful. I am still discovering wonderful details about this car, and am enjoying driving this fast, responsive, and safe car each day. What a wonderful piece of machinery!

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  Breakdown city - 2000 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By rivercreek - May 1 - 2:00 am

  Purchased a low mileage car off a three- year lease with Jag certified warranty. The past year has been frustrating with broken automatic seat setting device (3 times), broken wiper motor, broken electronic antenana motor, broken thermostat, and countless other nit-picking problems. The car left us stranded twice. Love the car, just wish it was reliable.

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  Fun to drive, the envy of the block - 2004 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Dan S. - April 29 - 11:16 pm

  Cant believe the envious looks and comments we have had. Handles very well, great styling, reasonable gas mileage. Great acceleration. Surprisingly quiet ride with the top up. Problem getting routine parts such as oil filters, etc.