Overview & Reviews

The British have a penchant for revering (and some say clinging to) things past -- old buildings and dentistry from the 16th century, warm beer, 50-year-old double-decker Routemasters, the royal family and the Jaguar XJ Series. Introduced in 1968, the XJ's basic styling has strayed very little through three generations and several midlife redesigns. About the wildest thing to happen was the addition of square headlamps in 1990 -- and they were generally met with a smattering of jeers and "cor blimeys!"

Not since Prince Charles was in his 20s had the Jaguar XJ Series been considered the cutting edge of full-size luxury sedans, even when it introduced a lightweight aluminum frame, powerful V8 engines, active damping suspension and high-tech features like adaptive cruise control, navigation and Bluetooth. Indeed, Jaguar's insistence on maintaining "timeless" styling backfired, leading to disappointing sales at a time when it could ill afford any false starts (or whatever English rugby analogy would apply). Not only did the XJ's fortunes tank, but the entire Jaguar brand was threatened with financial ruin.

All of that changed for 2011 when Jag pulled the covers off its radical fourth-generation XJ. Gone was ye olde styling and in came sexy, modern duds inside and out unlike anything else on the road. That car, now without the "Series" nomenclature, is covered in a separate Jaguar XJ review.

Used Jaguar XJ Series Models
The previous, third-generation XJ was produced from 2004-'09. There was no 2010 XJ. This generation may have looked like the previous one, but it was in fact completely redesigned and featured an all-new aluminum chassis that was significantly stiffer and lighter than the previous steel structure.

This XJ was offered in two wheelbases and five trim levels. The XJ8 and supercharged XJR are short-wheelbase models, while the XJ8 L, Vanden Plas and supercharged Super V8 have long wheelbases. The latter two were introduced for 2005. The XJ8 and XJ8 L came with a respectable amount of equipment for a luxury sedan, while the Vanden Plas added more luxurious trappings. The XJR was equipped for enhanced performance and handling. The Super V8 was essentially a Vanden Plas with much of the XJR performance equipment, plus a few extra high-end features. Much of what is standard on the Vanden Plas and Super V8 was optional on the base XJ8 models.

The base engine was a naturally aspirated 4.2-liter V8, which originally produced 294 horsepower and then 300 hp for '06 and later. The XJR and Super V8 got a supercharged version of the same engine originally good for 390 hp, and 400 hp for '06 and later. The only transmission offered was a six-speed automatic attached to Jaguar's classic and controversial J-gate shifter.

The interior, much like the rest of the car, was a peculiar mix of current technology and heritage design. Burl walnut trim, chrome and supple leather were liberally strewn about, providing a coddling environment that would make the Fifth Duke of Wellington feel at home. Yet in reviews, we found this classic British style came at the expense of ergonomics and general usability. Controls and switchgear were laid out illogically and set low in the dashboard, while their craftsmanship was not up to par. Whether that was considered "charming" or just "irritating," we yearned for the XJ's cabin to join the 21st century even as it added such newfangled features as Bluetooth, cooled seats and satellite radio over the years.

Our road tests showed the Jaguar XJ8 to deliver an isolated ride that filtered out even the most punishing roads with little intrusion into the cabin. The soft suspension, though, tended to mask the car's stiffer body structure and good steering. On the other hand, the XJR (and to a lesser extent, the Super V8) made the most of its advanced aluminum chassis. Its quicker steering, more aggressively tuned air suspension and 400-hp supercharged V8 proved that Jaguar could produce a luxury sedan that pleased enthusiasts and luxury-minded buyers alike. In total, this Jag XJ drove like a thoroughly modern car -- it just didn't look like one.

Other than its modest power increase, few features additions and the for-2006-only Super V8 Portfolio, the only significant change you should note was for 2008, when the XJ was mildly restyled to adopt XK-style front fender vents and a more aggressive front fascia. You'd be hard-pressed to tell the differences at a glance, though.

The first Jaguar XJ debuted in 1968 and lasted through 1987, while the second generation was on the prowl from 1987 (yes, both generations were offered that year) to 2003. The second generation started out with round headlights, but for 1990 adopted ungainly rectangular units that were met with disdain by Jaguar enthusiasts. On the whole, this era of the XJ (which ran to '94) was seen as one of the darkest, as it was plagued with various problems, many of which were electrical in nature.

For 1995's midcycle makeover, the round headlights returned, along with a sleeker, lower grille. The interior was also significantly revised to bring it into the 1990s, with improved materials and more up-to-date electronics. The traditional look remained, however, with radio and HVAC controls contained in a pod under a large swath of wood.

There were a number of different engines offered during the second generation's lifespan. The square-headlamp version came with a choice of either an inline-6 (3.6 liters and later 4.0) or a 6.0-liter V12. These models were referred to as the XJ6 and XJ12, respectively. The engines carried through the 1995 overhaul, with a supercharged, 310-hp version of the six-cylinder engine first appearing in the new XJR in '95. The V12-powered XJ12 was dropped in 1997.

For '98, Jaguar replaced the inline-6 engines with all-new V8s. A 4.0-liter V8 (290 hp) was found in the XJ8 (the "8" in the name signifying V8 power), while a supercharged version (370 hp) powered the XJR. A few years into this generation, the supercharged V8 became available in other XJs as well, namely the Vanden Plas Supercharged and Super V8 models.

Performance of the 1995-2003 Jaguar XJs ranged from swift for the six-cylinder cars to thrilling for the supercharged V8 versions. Our road test of a 2000 Vanden Plas had that long-wheelbase luxury sedan sprinting to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds. Ride and handling are composed but (except on the XJR) biased toward plush comfort, as one might expect of a vehicle whose cabin resembles an Edwardian parlor.

User Reviews:

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  VDP s/c is excellent! - 2001 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By fastjag - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Back seat is enormous....car feels faster than my XJR...

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  XJ8 - 2001 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By HJF - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I leased the car. I knew I was going to buy it at the end of the lease. It looks great, rides wonderful.It uses a qt of oil every 800 miles. Jaguar says that is normal.The mechanics say the XJ8 engine has a bad breather system and the part load breather needs to be cleaned all the time. I dont reaaly know what they are saying.I know the engine is also in the S an option, and XK. They are replacing engines but you really need to complain. I didnt buy.

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  XJ8 - 2001 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By HJF 2 - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I leased my car, knowing I would purchase after 2 years. The car looks great and rides perfect. It uses a great deal of oil. (1 qt every 800 miles) The dealer says it is normal.The mechanis say the xj8 engine has serious problems with the breather system. Engines are being replaced in the XK S (an option) as well as XJ8.I decided not to keep it, my independant mechanic said dont buy it, it will get worse. I am very disappointed with Jaguar, I still like the car, not the engine.

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  Drives like a jet fighter - 2000 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By phdunn - November 28 - 8:36 am

  Great smooth acceleration, some wind noise, comfortable ride. Corners very well with little sway. Good gas mileage (18-19 in city & 26 on Interstate). Very good controls and within easy reach. Car not for large people, OK if you are tall. Great leg room in front and sufficient in rear. Limited cup holders, only 1 set in front. Tables in back of front seat are high. Plush wool floor mats. After purchasing, drove 600 miles without a hitch. This is the closest to having a sedan that drives like a sports car.

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  Anybody ever heard of The Jaguar? - 2004 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By Peaches - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned 3 Mercedes, the last,a 2000 S430, and thought that I was driving the best until I saw the Jag commercial and went and drove one. The 2004 XJ8 rides smoother, quieter, peppier, and handles better on the road than my Benz ever did. We just returned on a 1000 mile trip and enjoyed every mile of it. This Jag is a winner

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  the bet xjr ive owned yet - 2004 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By black r - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Be ia log time Jguar ownerwith the last be XJRs, there is NO question that this automobile rate vert high marks - A wonderfu drivers car. Eash yime hat I get into it the thrill is the same as the first test drive - "I LOVE THIS R!" Performance, weight to power ratio, handleing all are top notch...

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  2005 XJ8 - 2005 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By Chris - November 7 - 1:30 pm

  I have owned numerous luxury sedans (including other Jaguars), and this one certainly ranks near the top. It is "tight," quiet and responsive. The ride is smooth, although not "floaty." The interior is comfortable, and the seats conform well to my body. Having a rather long daily commute, I have already clocked approximately 12,000 miles. The only repair that I have had thus far was due to loose trim in the trunk.

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  Excellent Fun - 2004 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By Coach - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Fun to look at and even more fun to drive. A true winner of a car.

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  buyer beware! - 2000 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By Ron Rich - September 30 - 5:00 pm

  My vehicle was bought from a 3rd party while under factory warranty. The local dealer sold me an extended warranty before the new car warranty expired. The "nickasil engine has been discontinued! Mine is a disaster! The car with 48k miles on it, has been blowing out white smoke for periodically since the miles were in the 20s. The engine is worn out and needs to be replaced. Extended warranties wont cover "wear". Jaguar wont help! All services were done at the dealer! Jag buyers and owners BEWARE!!! This is very costly and discouraging especially with such low mileage!

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  living the fanatasy - 2004 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By wingwinj - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Some times fantasy is fulfilled. The new XJ-8 is comfortable, quick and well styled. The constant complements and smiles keep coming. Great pick-up and cornering and much better traction in a Chicago winter than I ever imagined. I feel great when I drive this car.