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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  An unexpected pleasure - 2005 Jaguar XK-Series
  By NewJagLover - January 13 - 5:50 am

  While shopping for sports cars, I happened to rent an XK convertible on a trip to California. Unbelievable, great trunk space (considering the size of Mercedes and BMW trunks) and "elegant performance". Whatever it was, I was sold. Other cars might be able to post higher g-ratings in the skidpad or faster 0-60, but youll find passion in a Jag. Found a great dealer in my home state that got me the color combination I wanted. I have never smiled so much driving in my life! Even better with the top down -- that way the climate control system gets exercised.

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  2002 - bad year for X-Type - 2002 Jaguar X-Type
  By tomas - January 12 - 4:56 pm

  The Jaguar X-Type I purchased had only 2000 miles on it when purchased. The dealer was excellent, however my car was in the shop for repair numerous times. Transmission rebuilt at 45000 miles, starter and alternator replaced at the same mileage. The rear axle had to replaced, at my own expense at a cost of $1000.00, because of sensor issue at 60000 miles. I had to superglue vent cover down on dash, sensor lights keep coming on, poor gas mileage, avg. 20 mpg. I would not recommend this brand to anyone.

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  My test of the 2002 Jaguar S model - 2002 Jaguar S-Type
  By Jacques Brazeau - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I have purchased this vehicle in mid summer and it is not winter and I like every bit of it, so far. I have had a wee bit experience in snow but I have cured the problem, by adding weight in the trunk. Remember in snow,it is useally behind the wheel that counts.

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  " Great Buy" - 2006 Jaguar S-Type
  By Srthur Campbell - January 8 - 11:20 pm

  This has been the best car buying experience ever. The automobile is a dream to drive, very comfortable, quiet. Comfortable seating positions. The gauges are perfectly easy to reach and read ... the driver is in total command of all the features needed to have a safe comfortable drive. I am simple elated over my purchase of my Jaguar.

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  2003 Jaguar X-Type - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By lotusu - January 7 - 9:16 pm

  Its almost a perfect car to drive to anywhere, any weather, any season of the year. Its also a low maintenance car.

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  XKR Coupe 03 - 2003 Jaguar XK-Series
  By XKR=SWEET - January 7 - 2:00 am

  The 03 XKR coupe coupled with the 20" wheels and the Brembro brake kit makes this car one the most appealing car on the road. In the past I had a 01 XKR coupe and Ive noticed hardly any differeces on the 03 car except cosmetics. The 400Hp gives the exact same result of the 01.

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  Similar Cats -Sable/Jaguar - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By Confused Cats - January 7 - 2:00 am

  When I first saw this car I thought it was unique and inexpensive (a $349/mo lease) so really anybody can afford it. The reality is that it is not unique and looks just like the Ford Sable. I am not surprised since Ford does own Jaguar. The reliability is questionable since we all know both Ford and Jaguar do not have the best records. In summary the reality is this car is a Sable in Jaguar clothing! Remember, you get what you pay for.

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  GREAT CAR - 2007 Jaguar X-Type
  By GreekDaddy91 - December 31 - 2:43 pm

  The Jaguar X-types are the best car for the money. In Jet Black it is hot and it definitely gains much attention on the road.

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  Privileges and Pleasures of a Jag Driver - 2003 Jaguar X-Type
  By gentlemanrobby - December 31 - 4:56 am

  "She" has been in my life now for almost a year after being introduced to me by a British salesman as my first car. We have endured the haterism of the Ford jokes & negativity of her brands past failures in reliability as she continues to live up to a tradition of luxury & a quality performance automobile. Against all odds, she has performed far more better than anyone expected. Surprisingly, my most harshest critics have never driven in a Jaguar, therefore they have never experienced its distinction & luxurious feel. Shes a rarity on any road. She drives through the Northeast winter storms like an SUV with her AWD capability.

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  Jaguar XJR 2003 - 2003 Jaguar S-Type
  By John G - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Great car - fast! Fit and finish is excellent. Handles great - like you would expect. A couple of minor issues - 1) is that the drivers seat feels fairly high, even in its lowest adjusted position, 2) The navigation DVD doesnt seem complete. There are established major roads in my area that the system knows nothing about.