Jaguar X-Type 3.0L

2008 Jaguar X-Type 3.0L Sedan

Early in the 21st century, Jaguar and parent company Ford decided to expand the reach of this historically upper-crust British automotive marque. On the surface, the Jaguar X-Type sedan represented a revolutionary step for the brand when it debuted for the 2001 model year: Not only was it compact in size and comparatively affordable, it wasn't even rear-wheel drive. Drawing upon Ford-derived mechanicals, the X-Type stood apart from German and Japanese competitors in the entry-level luxury sedan segment with its standard all-wheel-drive layout. Even when it was fresh on the market, though, the compact Jag was hard-pressed to compete with most rivals, as its driving dynamics and cabin furnishings never met the standards of the class. Now more than five years on, the Jaguar X-Type has been relegated to bottom-feeder status in a highly competitive segment full of younger, quicker cars.

Available as a sedan or wagon (known as the Sportwagon), the X-Type features Jaguar's classic exterior styling cues, with flowing lines, hooded oval headlights, a rectangular grille and elegantly arched roof; all are meant to recall the original and elegant XJ-series sedans.

Alas, the Jaguar X-Type's engineering underneath isn't so prestigious. The basic steel structure of the car and many of its drivetrain and suspension components are shared with the previous-generation Ford Mondeo, a regular family sedan sold in Europe. Though car companies with regular and upscale brands frequently cross-pollinate hardware, the X-Type's plebian roots have always been too apparent.

If you want a new Jaguar on the cheap, the X-Type is the way to get into one. And it feels like it. Although a pleasant enough daily companion for those fixated on "leaping" hood ornaments, entry-luxury car shoppers with an eye for detail will be put off by its overall lack of refinement. The bottom line is that newer, better engineered competitors offer more value for the money. We recommend you check them out first.

Current Jaguar X-Type

Jaguar's current entry-lux X-Type lineup consists of two models: the 3.0 Sedan and 3.0 Sportwagon. Standard equipment highlights include leather seating, wood trim, automatic climate control, a power driver seat and a moonroof. Stability control, front side airbags and full-length side-curtain airbags are also included.

A luxury package for the 3.0 Sedan adds a few extra convenience features, contrasting piping to the upholstery and burl walnut veneers. (Many of these optional features for the sedan come standard on the wagon.) Other popular options include 18-inch wheels, a navigation system, a premium Alpine audio system and satellite radio.

The sole engine offered is an adequate-but-uninspiring 227-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 working through a five-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive, which helps to improve traction in wet or snowy conditions, is standard.

In reviews and road tests, our editors have generally been put off by the X-Type's interior, which has an unfortunate blend of traditional Jaguar elements -- wood veneers, supple leather upholstery and a restrained use of chrome trim -- and mundane plastic parts more appropriate for a Ford rental.

Like most small luxury cars, the Jaguar X-Type is comfortable for up to four passengers but cramped for five. Buyers should also note that the car's dramatic roof line makes for tighter headroom than in some other entry-luxury compacts. The Sportwagon at least provides a bit more rear headroom than the sedan, and up to 50 cubic feet of storage space out back when the split rear seat is folded down. On both the sedan and wagon, the rear door openings are on the small side, making ingress and egress difficult.

On the road, the Jaguar X-Type offers a comfortable ride for the most part, but the suspension transmits too much harshness over bumps. Handling is tepid as entry-level luxury sedans and wagons go, and the all-wheel-drive system is slow to transfer power when wheel slip occurs. Acceleration is passable, but hardly thrilling on a car with a mid-$30Ks price tag.

Ultimately, the slow-selling X-Type is proof that distinctive Jaguar styling isn't enough to keep a nameplate afloat in a market segment that includes brilliant competition from German and Japanese automakers. In terms of acceleration, handling, prestige and even resale value, most other entry-level luxury sedans or wagons will serve you better.

Past Jaguar X-Type models

Jaguar expanded its lineup and joined the entry-luxury market with the 2002 X-Type sedan, a petite new breed of cat featuring standard traction-maximizing all-wheel drive and the availability of a manual transmission. Originally, Jaguar offered X-Type buyers the choice of a 194-hp 2.5-liter V6 or a 3.0-liter V6 (then rated at 231 hp). The manual gearbox was offered only with the smaller V6. Most buyers still ordered an automatic transmission on the X-Type 2.5, however, so manual-shift models aren't easy to find on the used car market. Note that Jaguar dropped the 2.5 model altogether after the 2005 model year.

Despite the hype of being billed as an alternative to the status quo -- especially Sport Package-equipped models and their more athletic and desirable ride and handling qualities -- our editors noted numerous build quality problems and subpar interior materials in early models.

By 2004, X-Type prices were down and quality was somewhat improved. In addition, the car was freshened with new wheels, revised front bumper/foglights and a reshaped trunk lid and release. If a used X-Type is on your list, the '04 and up models are your best bet. The Sportwagon model joined the lineup in 2005, and in 2006 the X-Type went high-tech with satellite radio and Bluetooth wireless technology.

Overall reliability has not been impressive on the Jaguar X-Type. If you're shopping for a used entry-luxury sedan or wagon, there are many better choices in this price range.