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:

• 

  Great Car ! - 2005 Jaguar S-Type
  By Drew - August 27 - 8:03 am

  Great style, performance and quality. Im getting 19/30 mpg! Nav works great. Fantastic road car: I just completed a 14 hour non-stop trip with no aches or pains because everything is adjustable to exactly fit each driver. It definitely has that "English Feel" to it which is priceless.

• 

  The Jag - 2005 Jaguar X-Type
  By Venessa - August 26 - 1:23 am

  The Jaguar x-type vdp edition is my 3rd vehicle that Ive owned and by far the most fun and luxurious vehicle. I get so many compliments on it, and people think that Ive paid a fortune. Luckily, I got a great deal for an awesome product. Ive heard some negative things about Jaguar and so far I have not experienced any of them and Ive had the car for almost 6 months. I dont know how anyone can see this car doesnt compare to the BMW 3 series or Mercedes C Class. This car definitely has a lot going for it plus more. I dont regret this purchase at all.

• 

  I love my Jag! - 2002 Jaguar S-Type
  By Dr Nev - August 21 - 10:00 am

  Granted, I have only owned 4 different auto styles, but I have driven countless others. My 2002 Jag S-Type (3.0 V6 sport) is the most fun car I have ever driven. I love the way it handles and despite the smoothness of the ride, I still can feel the road. My only complaint is that the same as everyone elses: Not enough interior storage space!

• 

  Short Term Review - 2015 Jaguar F-Type
  By 67es335 - August 13 - 3:31 am

  I traded my XKRS in for the F Type R Coupe. What a difference in feel and performance. The XKRS has the same motor, same HP and torque but feels so much different. The XKRS you have to drive very carefully or else you will find yourself pointing in the wrong direction. The R Coupe coaxes you in to throwing it around. It feels solid and connected, sure footed and playful. Everything the XKRS was not. Well done Jaguar!

• 

  Keep your Mercedes and Porsches - 2005 Jaguar XK-Series
  By 1 of 250 - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Just stay clear of any potholes! During a rain storm I hit a rain filled one and caused $1200.00 in front-end damage to the front passenger wheel assembly. 20" low profile wheels are great looking but extreme attention must be given to the roadways.

• 

  WOW, beautiful, stunning coupe - 2008 Jaguar XK-Series
  By John M - August 11 - 7:33 am

  Great car, the coupe design and look is as close to an old E-Type as anyone will get. Love it like my 911, but much easier to commute - and not an ounce of harsh highway ride. Light, fast, beautiful and good mileage. The coupe is just stunning.

• 

  Super Sedan - 2005 Jaguar S-Type
  By steve - August 10 - 12:10 pm

  This was supposed to be my wifes car, for me to borrow only to drive clients who might not appreciate the ride in my 911. My excuse for getting the "R" was that I didnt want to cause an accident if I forgot which car I was in. But on weekends, rather than making her ride in the Porsche, I find myself looking forward to getting this beast out on the freeway. Elegant, fabulous looks, goes like a bat out of hell, stops on a dime, seats are incredibly comfortable, and great agility for a car this size. Its a car in which its easy to create the illusion that youre a good driver. My wife also finds it easy to drive at her more relaxed pace (not in "S" mode).

• 

  Great performance & dependability - 2004 Jaguar X-Type
  By brenda9417 - August 9 - 11:20 am

  Sadly, I totaled my Jag last week. It had over 105,000 miles and still drove like it was new off the lot! Whether in sport mode or regular this Jag hugs the road like a dream, stops on a dime, and accelerates on demand. Of course, I did service my car regularly- -which helps with whatever car you own. I had no doubt in my mind that the car would have rolled over 300,000 miles. Ive owned Mercedes, Lexus and BMW and would (hands down) place this car above all of those on reliability and performance. I am currently looking for another X-type to replace it!

• 

  Awesome car!!! - 2002 Jaguar XK-Series
  By Mary Watson - August 8 - 2:00 am

  This car was just really nice when I bought it little did I know it was goingt to be amazing to drive I recommend this car to anyone who is thinking about buying it you will love it I know you will. Have Fun!!

• 

  Nothing compares with this beauty - 2003 Jaguar S-Type
  By John M - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I am in the process of purchasing my third S-Type. No car on the road today has the appeal of this modern classic. The reto look has given me the chance to drive a Jag from the E-Type era, with the curves of the XJ6 Series 2. The lines on this car make it stunning and down-right beautiful. For the many years I waited for a modern XKE, I find myself driving a S-Type and not the XK8 or XKR. This car is a gem.