1995-2003 Jaguar XJ-Sedan: Road Test

Original 6-cylinder engine smoother and quieter than predecessor, delivering brisk acceleration from a standing start as well as strong passing power. The V12 isn't sufficiently stronger to justify its considerably higher price. We averaged just 14.7 mpg in an XJ6 sedan, though much of the driving was rush-hour commuting. Normally-aspirated V8 provides smoothness and power of V12 without expense. Supercharged V8 offers neck-snapping acceleration from all speeds. Test XJ8 averaged 18.5 mpg, including lots of highway driving. Test Vanden Plas averaged 15.5 mpg with more city travel. Test XJRs averaged around 13 mpg. Each engine demands premium gasoline. Picking an XJR with its supercharged 6- or 8-cylinder engine yields a big performance boost. The "blown" engine responds quickly to the throttle and delivers a smooth, steady power increase. The XJR also has a huskier tone than other models, but is just as refined as its less-vigorous mates. All models offer precise, responsive steering and handle adeptly, with less body lean in turns than previous sedans. Ride comfort has risen, too, as the suspension easily soaks up bumps and provides a stable highway ride. Because interior dimensions did not change much, space is adequate for four, but five will be squeezed. Tall people sitting up front may have to recline their seatback more than usual to get adequate head room. In fact, they might even have to slouch to clear the roof--not the sort of behavior that's expected in what is ostensibly a full-size sedan. Tall occupants might also be short on leg room in the back seat--unless they're in one of the stretched sedans. Instead of crowded, uncomfortable conditions, back-seat riders in an extended-length Jag have room to relax and stretch their legs. Rear doors are much wider on the extended models too, but you still need to duck under the low roof when entering or exiting. The dashboard design could be better. Some controls are mysterious, awkward, or both. Cargo space isn't as large as it should be, either. The trunk has a wide, flat floor; but the cargo area ends at the bottom of the rear window. Therefore, you don't have enough space for a foursome's golf bags, much less an abundant load of luggage. The same lack of storage space characterized prior Jaguar sedans.

Value for the Money
After buying Jaguar in 1990, Ford Motor Company spent millions of dollars to provide engineering and manufacturing expertise. At the same time, Jaguar was permitted to remain independent in terms of styling and packaging its new sedan along traditional lines. As a result of the change in management, we've been impressed by the cars' performance, ergonomics, and apparent improvements in overall quality. Jaguar definitely has moved up in the luxury-sedan field, coming closer to the leaders. Although that goal hasn't quite been reached, there's no question that a Jaguar has more character than many rivals, such as the Lexus LS 400.