Jaguar Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.58/5 Average
1,645 Total Reviews
Make Overview:

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:

Showing 1281 through 1290 of 1,645.00
  • Misconceptions - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
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    I bought the Jaguar X-Type 2003 used and I do not regret it one bit. When considering to buy this car, everyone doubted it, saying its only nice on the exterior. I was told the reliability was terrible, no dealerships in the area, and that it was not worth the headache because the parts are expensive. I have not had to bring the car in to the dealership ONCE, only for an oil change. Overall this car is a fantastic buy, great price, GREAT reliability, and tons of fun. I have this car at college, and it gets looks of admiration and impression. Another great feature of this car is it all wheel drive, which is unusual for an SUV. I am very grateful for buying it.

  • Jaguar X-Type - 2005 Jaguar X-Type
    By -

    Great handling automobile. Other than wind noise, it is a pleasure to drive. Given the length of the wheel base and suspension, this automobile rides rather comfortably. I would defintley buy again.

  • My 1st Jag - 2001 Jaguar XJ-Series
    By -

    ..always owned BMW or Mercedes. Never owned black vehicle or Jag..till now. My NEXT vehicle will be a black Jag too. L-O-V-E this car! Its nimble, aggressive when necessary and a real head turner. Next Jag will have the Navigation system too. This one is a CPO car which adds to my driving pleasure and peace of mind.

  • LOVE THIS CAR - 2005 Jaguar XK-Series
    By -

    THIS IS MY FAVORITE CAR SO FAR, THAT I HAVE HAD. ITS A PERFECT SIZE. YOU DONT FEEL LIKE YOU ARE DRIVING A LITTLE CONVERTIBLE WHEN YOU ARE IN IT. I DONT THINK ITS A RACING CAR IF THATS WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR. BUT, ITS ALOT OF FUN TO DRIVE AROUND.THE BODY STYLE MAKES IT SO EASY TO KEEP CLEAN TOO.ITS ALSO GOT A GREAT SOUND SYSTEM.I INTENTED TO KEEP MINE FOREVER.

  • Excellent car to pwn! - 2005 Jaguar XK-Series
    By -

    Clean finish. Nice quality interior detail. Smooth quick acceleration. Looks like it costs twice as much. A true winner!

  • An experience you’ll never forget! - 2005 Jaguar XK-Series
    By -

    Just looking at this car makes you feel sleek, stylish, and dangerous. With 400hp under the hood there’s nothing holding you back. The coupe has a much sportier look than the “convertible” that everyone has. When you’re driving the coupe it feels like you’re the only one on the planet that has one and everyone wants to know, “how much was that”, or “where did you get it”. Untouchably the nicest sports car I’ve ever owned, it’ll make you feel like a million bucks. - 07/17/2004 Wayne Cain -

  • Best car ever. - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
    By -

    I just bought this car. It is by far the most beautiful car I have driven recently. Awesome drive. Powerful and beautiful.

  • excellent choice & value for money. - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
    By -

    excellent road grip & control makes it a driving pleasure.The advantage of having AWD , all leather. wood interior alon with reverse parking sensor in the price bracket is awesome.

  • trading in my corvettezo6 - 2005 Jaguar XK-Series
    By -

    i traded my 2002 z06 for an xkr ragtop.this car has surprised me and pleased me at every turn except for zero to sixty which the vette has by a bit this is a great car after 26 corvettes it was time for lux and comfort.i found it and i am a happy camper

  • super V8 - 2005 Jaguar XJ-Series
    By -

    Wow!!! This beauty pulls like a loco. Glides along like silk knickers on a highly polished bonnet.Comfy seats unlike the old model, feels like a Merc, with great handling and much improved suspension. The Sat Nav is the best Ive used, just tap in the post code and away you go, and it stays with you if you alter your course, unlike others which demand you to U turn. Lovinit so far after 500 miles, and Ive still got my driving licence! Luck I guess!! My only concern is the build quality, the bodywork feels a bit flimsy...a bit like a coke can..well it is made of aluminium! great for performance, but how would hold up in a smash?

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