2008 Jaguar X-Type

2008 Jaguar X-Type Pictures

MSRP:: $35,060 - $39,330
Invoice:: $31,905 - $35,791

User Reviews:

3 reviews

Write a review
Upload a photo

Overview:

Introduced for 2002, the Jaguar X-Type aims to provide an economical introduction to the Jaguar line. The car has seen no major refreshments since its introduction, and some critics believe that it shows. For the 2008 version, the only changes are the addition of former options to the standard equipment column.

The X-Type, as an entry-level Jaguar, has only one drivetrain offering. Its 3.0-liter V6 produces 227 hp, powering through a five-speed automatic transmission and making the 0-60 jump in 7.6 seconds, according to Consumer Guide, or 7.1 seconds, according to Jaguar. Some reviewers found the engine lackluster, but others found the power "accessible over a wide range of speeds." The automatic transmission was also an item of disagreement, with some expressing frustration with its "tardy downshifts," while others found "it worked very well," enjoying its "mind reading" shifting that suited driving conditions well and appreciating its semi-manual capabilities. EPA estimates on fuel economy are 16/22 mpg - below average for this class. Consumer Guide found a 19-mpg average for mixed city/highway driving and 21.4 mpg in mostly highway driving.

The all-wheel-drive sedan's handling was considered stable and secure under most road conditions, but harsh over bumps and ruts. John Rettie and associates, however, tested the X-Type under a wide variety of road and weather conditions, from French back roads to the Atlanta Motor Speedway, and praised all aspects of its handling - even at 120 mph on the Speedway's banked turns.

The interior is also a target of criticism, mainly for Ford's use of less-than-upscale plastics alongside the wood, leather, and chrome one expects in a Jag interior. Critics also could not agree on the seats, some saying they're too soft, and others commenting on their adequacy in terms of support and comfort. With 16 cubic feet of trunk space, the X-Type holds more than others in its class - the Audi A4 offers 13.4 cu.ft.; the Mercedes C-Class, 12.2 cu.ft.; and BMW 3-Series, 12 cu.ft. And the X-Type's rear seats fold down to offer even more space.

Standard front-seat side airbags and side-curtain airbags for both front and rear, along with a knee bolster for the driver, provide interior protection. Stability control and ABS are also standard. One reviewer found the stability control system offers excellent functionality. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the sedan a top score for frontal offset crashes, while side-impact testing results were only marginal. Yet the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the X-Type a four-star rating (out of five) for side-impact worthiness.

Critics point to the X-Type's ancestry in Ford's European Mondeo front-wheel-drive sedan chassis as the source of its mundane performance and quality levels. Other reviewers, in defense of the X-Type, note that its standard all-wheel drive sets it apart not only from the Mondeo, but also from many of its near-luxury competitors, in which such systems are usually optional. These reviewers also defend Ford's attempt to expand Jaguar's buyer base with the X-Type. In the end, buyers will be the final arbiters. (less) (more)

Check Prices ($35,060 MSRP)

Negotiate like a pro! Get quotes from local dealers.

History of the Jaguar X-Type

[Edit] The X-Type has served as Jaguar's entry-level model since it arrived in 2001.  It is built from Ford's CDW27 platform, which it shares with past models like the Ford Mondeo, Ford Contour, Mercury Mystique, and Mercury Cougar.  While the X-Type embodies more of Ford's engineering and components than Jaguar's, its design borrows many elements from the Jaguar XJ sedans.
The X-Type has not been very successful against its most direct competition, with the comparably-priced BMW 3-Series outselling it by nearly a 10 to 1 ratio in recent years.  However, it does account for more than one third of Jaguar's total U.S. sales.  It certainly is an easier car to buy, with a base price about $30,000 less than the XJ.
The current X-Types are powered by a comparatively modest 3.0 liter DOHC V-6, which provides 227 horsepower and 206 pound feet of torque.  This is also the only Jaguar to use a five speed automatic transmission.  While the X-Type is light-weight and not incredibly powerful, the fuel economy is lowered a bit by the full time AWD.  The EPA estimate is 18/24 mpg for both models.
Because the X-Types are positioned well below the other Jaguar models in price, the option list is a bit more comprehensive here.  Jaguar has also adjusted some of the packages for this year.  Both models are equipped with leather seating, wood trim, full power accessories, cruise control and a power driver's seat.  The sedan will feel more like a Jag if the optional luxury package is added.  This includes rain-sensing wipers, a memory function power seat for the driver, a burl walnut finish, and piping on the seats.

Discussion Board

Displaying 3 of 8 topics

Start New Topic | See All

i have a 2004 x-type that has suddenly started going into fail-safe mode for no particular reason.

1 posts. Created by nelsons2005. Last post on Feb 7, 2008 at 5:30:26 PM

2002 Jaguar X-type...

5 posts. Created by fredajos. Last post on Jan 9, 2008 at 8:07:50 AM

TRANS FAULT ON DASH, DIAGNOSTIC SOWED IMPROPER GEAR RATIO

1 posts. Created by WGEORGE. Last post on Jan 1, 2008 at 8:56:18 PM

Other Jaguar X-Types

	2007 Jaguar X-Type 5 reviews, pictures, specs	Prices coming soon!
	2006 Used Jaguar X-Type 3 reviews, pictures, specs	Web Average Price: $26,789
	2005 Used Jaguar X-Type 3 reviews, pictures, specs	Web Average Price: $24,995
	2004 Used Jaguar X-Type 5 reviews, pictures, specs	Web Average Price: $17,737
	2003 Used Jaguar X-Type 6 reviews, pictures, specs	Web Average Price: $15,770
	2002 Used Jaguar X-Type 17 reviews, pictures, specs	Web Average Price: $11,982