Used 2008 Jaguar X-Type

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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