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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  the little luxo barge - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By carlsnewjag - March 30 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased a new X-type and it is just wonderful. I love the exterior, especially the front. The interior looks like a small Bently. I would recomend this car to everyone

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  Sweetie3 - 2006 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By Sweetie3 - March 24 - 11:26 pm

  Great car, smooth ride, excellent handling

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  I love it!!! - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By mcg - March 22 - 10:00 am

  I am driving a Jag! Unbelievable! No matter what you read about the X-Type, in terms of it being a re-done Ford, it really is a Jaguar. Being that it is the first Jag that Ive owned, I cant compare its driveability to others. Yet I have been a passenger in quite a few and the comfort level is on the same par.

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  More than pleased! - 2004 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By car nut - March 20 - 7:56 am

  It has exceeded my high expectations and I must say, is the automotive bargain. Nothing surpasses it distinctive appearance and style and luxury. The performance is amazing - we find ourselves just looking for "errands to run" just so we can drive it. I have never felt that way about a car and we have enjoyed some high end autos over the years. I am wishing I would have bought it sooner, but must add that purchasing it CPO with 19,000 miles has saved a bundle and it really is under priced for the value received.

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  Love this Jag! - 2005 Jaguar S-Type
  By Dave Yeske - March 18 - 5:33 pm

  This is my first Jag and I love everything about this car. The styling, the solid feel, and the snappy performance add up to luxury and fun. From the muted growl of the engine to the neck snapping acceleration, you know youre in a Jag. Also confirming this is the full leathter interior, including leather trim on the steering wheel, dash, and doors, and the rich walnut burl trim throughout.

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  B=Very Satisfied - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By First Jag, Not Last - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Handling is very good. Fuel economy on highway 27+ MPG. Like the way it drives and looks. Trunk space allows for trip travel with 4 occupants and golf clubs for 2. First Jag and not likely the last.

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  Not just another pretty face - 2008 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By Frisko4me - March 15 - 5:03 am

  The nicest car I have ever owned, and I have owned many. Very comfortable new seats for 2008. I previously owned a 2004 XJR and this car is much more comfortable. Recently drove 3000 freeway miles, and love this car. Lots of leg room front and rear. Amazing 400 horsepower, this car can be a rocket. Yet, very good on gas, averaged over 23 MPG.

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  My Ride Jaguar S Type - 2003 Jaguar S-Type
  By Kent - March 12 - 12:30 pm

  Having done my due diligence test driving a used BMW and Benz - both fine my wife loves hers - I selected Jag 03 S Type V6 with 18K miles + factory warranty. No paintwork, no smoker, fully loaded, all keys and manuals. Out the door from used dealer at around $20K maybe the best used car I ever bought. Love the ZF 5Spd automatic - snickity snick - theres a learning curve to get the RPMs up there where its fun to drive. Mine is dark grey metallic, light grey fine leather interior. Looks right at home at the Country Club and in a pinch Ive even lowered the back seats and hauled 8 ft lumber! Great car, buy it right, find one with some warranty and enjoy!

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  the Jag finally makes the leap into 21st century - 2011 Jaguar XJ
  By nsgy - March 12 - 9:43 am

  was in the market to replace my 06 Range Rover Sport with a new supercharged one when my wife stumbled across the Jag XJ. we both loved the look and decided to test drive it. Once I sat in it I was mesmerized, once I drove it I was Sold. had it for a week. I would have never considered the a Jag before ( old people car). but this new car puts the S550, 750Li, Audi A8 to shame with looks and performance. Car&Driver tested it at 4.4 sec 0-60 and lists its competitors as S63, Maserati Quatroporte, Porsche Panamera Turbo, all of which cost 40k more than the Jag. love the stares and compliments. very poorly advertised. out since 2010, did not know it existed. the Jag for the young.

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  very happy - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By happyjag - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Love the style, reliability and service Ive received.