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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  Love my Jag, Practical and Beautiful - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By Jill Leone - March 30 - 2:00 am

  First time Jaguar owner, love the ride, the inside room for passengers including the back seat, love the trunk space for my golf clubs and rollaway cart with room to spare and could still put the seats down for more, love the style, everybody still looks at it when you ride by, only have 1300 miles on it, but so far the mechanical performance has been perfect, and, it is super fun and easy to drive, reat rear views everywhere (former Audi owner), just love it!!!

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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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  The big cat, built to cruise, sips gas - 2005 Jaguar S-Type
  By spinlocker - March 25 - 12:43 pm

  30 mpg at 60 mph no a/c. Tires were gone at 50K. Dealer says wear on inside is design so it will handle well, no way to correct. Small leak in coolant system, dealer has tried to correct 3 times, no avail. Passenger window has mind of its own, sometimes wont go up fully, pain in the rain. Dealer has tried to correct twice. Think it will stick this time. Driver seat puts my skinny backside (6, 140#) to sleep after 2 hours, not as comfortable as my Dodge Ram seats, but very smooth quiet ride. Extended warranty has saved my billfold bigtime.

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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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  Diamond in the Rough - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By freedog - March 18 - 1:56 am

  I purchased this vehicle in May of 2007 as a CPO with 100k warranty and immediately took it cross country. I compare this vehicle to Audi 3.0. 1. Biggest Surprise - handling! This car handles amazingly well and has better overall feel then the Audi because of its 60% rear wheel drive, though steering wheel feedback is not as precise. 2. Biggest Disappointment - a few squeaks in the steering column and a noisy window at certain speeds. 3. Overall - with a 100k warranty, fantastic handling, Jag interior and ample horsepower, this is a perfect vehicle for those looking for a spirited car but with an eye more on luxury. Bonus is the mystical status that comes with the Jag name.

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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.