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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  Perfect - 2004 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Frajkal;fd - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Perfect handles great the best car ive ever had even better than a Mclaren F1

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  Great Deal - 2005 Jaguar X-Type
  By Michael in Iowa - October 9 - 12:23 pm

  Im 65. This is my 17th car and the first thats more than basic transportation. I have the basic X- type with no options: manual transmission and the small engine. To me, given a same-price choice between the X-type and a mid-level Accord or Camry is a no-brainer. The Accord and Camry are larger, but the X-type just lovely. Its beautifully equipped and a pleasure to drive. It seems powerful and sporty. Gas mileage, 19/28, is good for an all wheel drive car with 192 HP, and the shifter is the smoothest Ive ever worked. Id buy another.

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  Excellent Drive and Service Afterwards - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By Emma Williams - October 7 - 10:00 am

  In my X2 Jaguar, the driver feels more comfort under the wheel, and the driver does not tire out very easily on long distance trips; when climbing mountainous areas that we live in, and in snow, the Jaguar gives excellent dependability. The X2 is designed more appropriately for two people. We enjoy ours.

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  Exellent Used Car Value - 2004 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By Gilbert35031 - October 1 - 2:30 pm

  Its tough to beat buying a luxury car that sold for $65,000 for less than $30,000 with only 27,000 miles on it. Ive owned 12 cars in my driving life and this is by far the nicest. Its quick and super comfortable. The ride is on the softer side however for every day driving and some fun on the weekends you cant beat it. The reliability has been great so far. Compared to the 745 from 2004 there are some definite differences in size and ride however they cost at least $10,000 more for a comparable car. Not worth it in my mind. All cars are worthless in the end.

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  Jags Made A Believer Of Me - 2005 Jaguar S-Type
  By Former Audi/Benz Guy - September 27 - 7:46 am

  I dont know why some pundits love to find fault with the S-Type. It boasts the most indulgent design of anything in its class, it (the 4.2 V-8) delivers power with grace & decisiveness, and offers a thrilling drive experience. I cant find any areas in which Jag has "cut corners," but I would love to see more room in the rear seats and in the trunk. About the only major addition/change Id seek is a 4-wheel drive option. Nonetheless, this stylish British import has quickly won my heart ... and for a former Benz & Audi owner like me, thats saying a lot.

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  There is absolutely NOTHING in the world like driving a Jag - 2005 Jaguar X-Type
  By skargo - September 20 - 9:23 am

  I bought this car used 6 months ago and I still hate the fact that pulling in my driveway means that my drive has ended! I look forward to getting into the car every morning and looking down the amazing curves of the hood to follow my chrome cat to work. The car handles like a sports car. You can do the sharpest turns and curves at the highest speeds and the car doesnt flinch. It is small but comfortably room in the front - I cant say as much for the back - its kind of cramped...but I will only ever be sitting behind the wheel of this car! You are surrounded by wood, leather, and an amazing Alpine sound system...who could ask for more!

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  Jaguar X-Type 2003 - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By Jaquar Owner - September 19 - 1:46 pm

  The Jaguar X-Type 2.5L has the stance of champion race car but, unfortunately, its designers and engineers forgot about the power curve. Its power to weight is insufficient to move it quickly from a standing start even if you jump on the accelerator. If you want that kind of performance, dont buy this car. For me, that didnt matter, the car rides like a dream in all weather conditions, tracks straight and true and no amount of snow can stop it. The sound system is excellent. If you like cruising, this car will hum along at 100 mph. all day without a problem. Remember: The X-Type was bred for the autobahn not the drag strip. If thats what youre looking for, this is the car for you.

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  First class car! - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By Anonymous - September 18 - 7:16 am

  This car is an excellent value version. The looks are like those of a traditional jag. Performance is awesome with good punch. The interior is very comfortable and even if it looks compact from out, it is spacious inside. it is solidly built. But I would have loved to go for the S-type. Anyway, I am happy with this car!

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  X-Type Excels - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By Benes - September 17 - 11:26 pm

  I have had the X-Type for 3 years and it is a pleasure to drive. It is very confortable and handles beautifully. A real driving machine! There is a little hesitation when accelerating quickly; however, this is improved by not using high test gasoline.

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  Excellent but needs minor improvements - 2005 Jaguar X-Type
  By Nicolas - September 17 - 7:03 am

  My 2004 X TYPE driven only 3400 miles since new has a little noise or click when it engages the AWD and the transmission at speeds lower than 30 MPH, It is similar to the noises in the old cardan shafts system and crosses attaching the transmission and the differential of american cars. The dealer revised the noise and the AWD system but found "nothing wrong". It is very difficult to read the trip computer window due to daylight glare. No problem during night time.