By KBB.com Editors
The X-Type has never quite lived up to Jaguar's expectations, at least not in the U.S. Designed to go head-to-head with the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series, the X-Type has not had success bringing younger buyers into the Jaguar fold, at least partially due to its somewhat reserved styling, lofty price tag and middle-of-the-road performance. While both the Audi and BMW have undergone complete updates since the X-Type's introduction, the current model soldiers on for 2008 with the same exterior and interior, as well as the same V6 powerplant and all-wheel-drive layout. Available in sedan and wagon forms, the 2008 Jaguar X-Type may not be the ultimate sport sedan, but it can provide a bit of Coventry style and flair at a price most social climbers will find agreeable.
If you're looking for a compact premium luxury sedan with all-wheel drive, a lavish interior and a price that's a relative bargain, the 2008 Jaguar X-Type should make your shopping list.
For those who are rather larger than average folks, the X-Type's narrow seats may feel somewhat cozy, and some people might find the interior to be too old-fashioned for such an apparently, and relatively, youth-oriented vehicle.
New standard features include a tire pressure monitoring system, ten-way power seats, memory driver's seat, rain-sensing wipers, electrochromic rearview mirror, automatic headlights and a trip computer.
Driving Impressions The X-Type's 3.0-liter V6 is both robust and efficient, but it lacks the refinement expected of such a high-end nameplate. With the loss of the manual transmission option, enthusiasts must...
rely on the awkward but traditional Jaguar J-gated automatic to change gears. Left to its own devices, the automatic works fine, providing seamless shifts and smooth operation at all speeds. On the road, the X-Type exhibits a stable and controlled ride. The suspension is tight, capable and every bit a contender in this all-star league. Cornering has very little body roll, the steering is responsive and direct and the overall behavior is competent, controlled, sure and refined."Leaper" Hood Ornament
No matter what car it's attached to, the classic Jaguar "leaper" hood ornament brings a smile to our faces.
Appreciable Standard Features
Standard all-wheel drive and a V6 engine for around $35,000 are good deals in this field.
The X-Type's seats, door panels and headliner are all beautifully put together; the fine leathers and elegant stitch patterns on the seat faces are truly lovely. The dash, on the other hand, has the outline of a Jaguar's panel, but the gauges, climate controls and audio controls just don't look or feel like they belong in a car of this distinction. The rich wood applique only serves to highlight the flat black plastic faceplates. Rear-seat legroom is snug, as it is in the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series, and the front seats are narrow.
Exterior
The 2008 Jaguar X-Type partially resembles the full-size XJ, especially when viewed from the front. Jaguar wanted to make this car look like it costs twice as much as it does and, with continued improvements, it's getting closer to a more refined Jaguar appearance. Still, the rear quarter looks more Ford than Jaguar (Ford, after all, owns Jaguar), although upgrades to the exterior trim and new wheels help minimize this effect.
The X-Type includes a 3.0-liter V6, all-wheel drive, J-gated five-speed automatic transmission, automatic air conditioning, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), Dynamic Stability Control, power moonroof, 120-watt AM/FM stereo with CD, front and rear head-curtain airbags, front side-impact airbags, a front-knee airbag, ten-way power driver's and passenger's seats, rain-sensing wipers, driver's seat memory, leather seats, tilt/telescopic steering wheel and 16-inch cast-alloy wheels. Wagon models include Reverse Park Control, 17-inch wheels and a Premium Sound system.
Options include heated front seats, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, Bluetooth wireless technology, 18-inch wheels and tires, Alpine premium audio, Luxury package, Reverse Park Control (sedan) and DVD-based navigation system.
The 3.0-liter V6 is Ford's Duratec, and it's a more-than-capable engine for a family sedan such as the new Fusion, but it roars loudly at full throttle and feels out of place in a Jaguar. The engine does deliver its power generously at all speeds, and its fuel economy is decent, particularly considering the extra burden the added weight of the all-wheel-drive system imposes.
3.0-liter V6
227 horsepower @ 6800 rpm
206 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/22
To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Jaguar X-Type vehicles for sale near you.
Based on 321 Ratings for the 2002 - 2008 models.
Review this carBy Xander (WI) on Thursday, May 09, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 113,000
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsPros: "fun, fast, sweet, cheap maintenance"
Cons: "expensive dealership maintenance, do it yourself!"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8
"Have owned since new, this car handles excellent, all wheel drive, manual transmission shifts smooth and has another couple hundred thousand miles left, no doubt. Costs very little in maintenance, just tires brakes oil etc. nothing big, still sounds new, exhaust is still perfect despite wisconsin winter and rust issues. Nice styling, especially the sport edition, good music/sound quality, I recommend this car. Automatic transmissions I have heard can have troubles, but manual trans. last forever and are fun with all wheel drive. Only issue was the back up sensors stopped functioning after the first winter, I guess the cold here can be at fault. Nice fun all year round driver. Although it is a jaguar, it was built by ford, so everything that I have had to replace was Ford Taurus prices, low maintenance! as long as you can do basic things yourself."
1 person out of 1 found this review helpful
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By Xander (WI) on Thursday, May 09, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 113,000
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsPros: "fun, fast, sweet, cheap maintenance"
Cons: "expensive dealership maintenance, do it yourself!"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8
"Have owned since new, this car handles excellent, all wheel drive, manual transmission shifts smooth and has another couple hundred thousand miles left, no doubt. Costs very little in maintenance, just tires brakes oil etc. nothing big, still sounds new, exhaust is still perfect despite wisconsin winter and rust issues. Nice styling, especially the sport edition, good music/sound quality, I recommend this car. Automatic transmissions I have heard can have troubles, but manual trans. last forever and are fun with all wheel drive. Only issue was the back up sensors stopped functioning after the first winter, I guess the cold here can be at fault. Nice fun all year round driver. Although it is a jaguar, it was built by ford, so everything that I have had to replace was Ford Taurus prices, low maintenance! as long as you can do basic things yourself."
1 person out of 1 found this review helpful
Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse
By Xander (WI) on Thursday, May 09, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 113,000
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsPros: "fun, fast, sweet, cheap maintenance"
Cons: "expensive dealership maintenance, do it yourself!"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8
"Have owned since new, this car handles excellent, all wheel drive, manual transmission shifts smooth and has another couple hundred thousand miles left, no doubt. Costs very little in maintenance, just tires brakes oil etc. nothing big, still sounds new, exhaust is still perfect despite wisconsin winter and rust issues. Nice styling, especially the sport edition, good music/sound quality, I recommend this car. Automatic transmissions I have heard can have troubles, but manual trans. last forever and are fun with all wheel drive. Only issue was the back up sensors stopped functioning after the first winter, I guess the cold here can be at fault. Nice fun all year round driver. Although it is a jaguar, it was built by ford, so everything that I have had to replace was Ford Taurus prices, low maintenance! as long as you can do basic things yourself."
Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse
By Xander (WI) on Thursday, May 09, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 113,000
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsPros: "fun, fast, sweet, cheap maintenance"
Cons: "expensive dealership maintenance, do it yourself!"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8
"Have owned since new, this car handles excellent, all wheel drive, manual transmission shifts smooth and has another couple hundred thousand miles left, no doubt. Costs very little in maintenance, just tires brakes oil etc. nothing big, still sounds new, exhaust is still perfect despite wisconsin winter and rust issues. Nice styling, especially the sport edition, good music/sound quality, I recommend this car. Automatic transmissions I have heard can have troubles, but manual trans. last forever and are fun with all wheel drive. Only issue was the back up sensors stopped functioning after the first winter, I guess the cold here can be at fault. Nice fun all year round driver. Although it is a jaguar, it was built by ford, so everything that I have had to replace was Ford Taurus prices, low maintenance! as long as you can do basic things yourself."
Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse
By satisfied (IL) on Wednesday, May 08, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 45,000
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsPros: "runs like a scallded dog!!!"
Cons: "tight suspension, and hard seating on long rides."
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9
"We were happy with this car, fast! Reliable, Never spent a dime on anything other than maintenance. I would recommend this car to a person who is looking for class at a lower price, excellent maneuverability, quick off the start, and best of all, people don't just stop and look twice, they make it a point to tell you how good it looks. What I notice most is how much the newer model cars look so much like this car!"
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By ellie (GA) on Thursday, April 25, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 106,000
overall rating 8 of 10rating detailsLikely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7
"Great looking car & driving experience. I receive many compliments about the car. This Jag always gets attention from onlookers. I'm an artist and need another car to haul my art around in to shows so have to sell this terrific car.Boo hoo. This model is no longer made."
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