Overview & Reviews

In its final year of production, the current-generation XJ receives two new packages. XJ8s have the option of the Sovereign Package, offered with an Alpine premium sound system and six-disc changer, heated front and rear seats, wood and leather steering wheel and gearshift knob, boxwood-inlaid walnut trim, chrome grille and splitter, chrome mirror caps and door handles and special wheels. Meanwhile the XJR can be optioned with the R1 Performance Package, which includes Brembo brakes and 18-inch modular wheels.

• Powerful supercharged V8 engine, aggressive yet seductive look, sport-tuned suspension.

• Classic British interior might be too cramped for some people, aged chassis and structure.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 20.00

• 

  The Jag - 2003 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By Craig Seifert - June 4 - 5:53 am

  Bought the car for my wife, but love to drive it when shell let me. Picked it up in DC and drove it 200 miles on the interstate to get home and was impressed with the comfort, stability, power and control. Two days later, we drove it to Michigan from Virginia Beach. Again, superb is the word. Weve owned and driven a lot of high end cars, but the XJs are in a class of their own. The styling is refined from decades of improving on a base design from the late sixties. The engineering has too. The base 300 HP 4.0 L V8 coupled with the 4 speed automatic is powerful but smooth, sophisticated but dependable and pretty efficient (20 mpg), considering that its pushing a 2.5 ton car.

• 

  2003 Vanden Plas-beautiful! - 2003 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By WL - October 3 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 03 Vanden Plas late last year and its been wonderful. I was lucky to get it because my dealer informed me that production of the Vanden Plas has stopped for a while. I was sad to hear it because I think that the only car that can out shine the beauty of a Vanden Plas is maybe a Rolls Royce. What I couldnt believe is that these Jags are still hand assembled in England (woodwork and all.) I cant tell you how many comments Ive received on my car. Its been wonderful. Classic British luxury at its best.

• 

  JimJim - 2003 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By jimjim - September 9 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd Jag in 15 years. I would absolutely not recommend the XJ to friends or family. Performance in the city (San Francisco) is horrid. Forget the trip to Tahoe. The transmisssion is inconsistent and shifts too quickly on all gears. Albeit, a fun car for long freeway drives (SF to LA). Comfort is by far the biggest plus for the XJ.

• 

  Great at a good price - 2003 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By trexville - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I paid $41k for a 2003 XJR in 3/2004 and figured it was a great price to sample a car I have always liked from afar. At $41k Im super, super pleased but dont know if I would have been so pleased if I had to pay close to the sticker price. The car looks great and drives great. But you get more bells and whistles with the Japanese and German luxury cars, so if thats important, I might look elsewhere. However, theres no beating the Jaguar styling inside and out. This car has big-time personality -- all that wood and leather and its feline exterior make for a scrumptious package.

• 

  Great Car! - 2003 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By matt69 - May 17 - 10:00 am

  Very happy with the car. Can run with my Boxster S from 0-60 while giving you a plush ride. Drove both the 2004 and my 2003 and decided on the 03 because it has the classic XJ looks. The 04 is a nice car, but it looks more like a Ford than a Jaguar!

• 

  Best car Ive ever owned - 2003 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By Rick - February 14 - 1:03 am

  Amazing vehicle. I have owned A Mercedes S600, a Lexus LS400, a BMW 750il,and a Bently Arnage. None of these cars even comes close to the Jag. I love the engine, it is smoother and more powerful than the V-12s of Mercedes and BMW. I rip apart every mustang and corvette that stops by me at a light. The transmission is amazing. It always shifts very smooth and right on time. I love the beautiful interior, it is much more luxurious than those of its competitors and even my Bently. Its also better looking than them too. You simply cant get any better than a Jaguar Super V8.

• 

  370 HP ALL THANKS TO A SUPERCHARGER!!! - 2003 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By Jagz Rule - January 19 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 2002 Jaguar XJR 100 in June and it is amazing!! Love the red stiching, navagation is excellent. The supercharger whines like its a cat (PURRRR). Sport mode is also very fun!

• 

  LUV THIS CAT - 2003 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By SALVATORE ATANASIO - July 27 - 2:00 am

  WE SHOPPED MERCEDES, BMW, LEXUS AND JAGUAR. BOUGHT A SILVER XJR AND WE ARE VERY HAPPY. THE INTERIOR IS BEAUTIFUL, WE ESPECIALLY LIKE THE WOOD, THE ENGINE IS VERY QUIET, AND THE RIDE IS SMOOTHER THAN THE OTHER THREE CARS WE COMPARED. HAVE NOT HAD THE CAR BACK TO DEALER FOR ANY PROBLEMS YET. WE REALLY LOVE THIS CAR AND ARE VERY HAPPY WE PURCHASED IT.

• 

  Bat Out of Hell - 2003 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By sal1970 - February 20 - 10:56 pm

  Handles great. Is fast and fun to drive. Looks like no other car on the road except another Jaguar.

• 

  Jaguar Fever - 2003 Jaguar XJ-Series
  By Dr. Henry - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I bought my XJ Sport Jaguar new from a dealer in LA in the year 2003. I love this car. Yes, a bit expensive-yet extroardinarily satisfying. No other car in the market today beats the exterior styleing. Mine lacks the 370/now390 hp supercharged engine, however the stock 290/300hp 4.0L V8 is, to me, quick enough. My son drives my car on a pretty frequent basis and I worry about him out on the road w/ 390supercharged hp to his disposal (although i suspect that his new WRX may be a bit quicker). GREAT CAR! go buy one of the new ones!