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1995-2003 Jaguar XJ-Sedan Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Jaguar XJ Series. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Jaguar XJ Series.
1995-2003 Jaguar XJ-Sedan/XJ Series Review
Redesigned Jaguar sedans went on sale for 1995, powered by one of three engines. Fresh styling with all-new body panels bore a strong resemblance to sedans from Jaguar's past. Four rear-drive models went on sale, topped by a performance-oriented XJR with a 322-horsepower supercharged 6-cylinder engine. A heavily revised version of the prior 4.0-liter 6-cylinder engine went into the base XJ6 and plusher Vanden Plas. Jaguar's 6.0-liter V12 engine went into the flagship XJ12 sedan. All models got 4-speed automatic transmissions. Dual airbags and antilock brakes were standard. So was new electronic variable-assist power steering. The XJR and XJ12 had traction control. A sport suspension was installed on the XJR, with 17-inch tires instead of the usual 16-inch rubber.
Year to Year Changes
1996 Jaguar XJ Series: Rear leg room had been marginal in the redesigned sedans, so Jaguar lengthened the wheelbase of the Vanden Plas and XJ12 by 4.9. Most of the additional length was used to increased leg space for back-seat passengers. Rear head room was about half an inch greater, too. The base XJ6 and supercharged XJR stuck with the original 113-inch wheelbase. Window glass was thicker, and additional sound insulation was installed.
1997 Jaguar XJ Series: Only 6-cylinder engines went into '97 models, as the V12 faded into history. A new long-wheelbase XJ6 L stickered for $5000 more than the regular-length XJ6. All sedans got a new contoured rear bench seat and a 3-point center seatbelt (replacing a lap belt). XJ6 and XJ6 L sedans now sported black grille bar, instead of chrome.
1998 Jaguar XJ Series: For '98, the XJs get front side airbags and drop their inline six-cylinder engines in favor of new V8s. Base, L, and Vanden Plas models get a dual-cam 290-horsepower V8, while the XJR gets a supercharged version making 370 horsepower. All models also get a new 5-speed automatic transmission.
1999 Jaguar XJ Series: The only major change to this luxury-sedan lineup were larger front brakes for the XJR.
2000 Jaguar XJ Series: An ultraluxury Vanden Plas supercharged model joined the XJ lineup, and a satellite navigation system became available. Standard traction control now modulated throttle and brakes, instead of merely varying the throttle to maintain grip. Rain-sensing windshield wipers were new this year. Newly standard on XJR and optional on other models was a 320-watt Alpine stereo, and the XJR got redesigned alloy wheels.
2001 Jaguar XJ Series: Newly standard for 2001 was Jaguar's Reverse Park Control that warns of obstacles when backing up. A CD changer became standard for XJ8/XJ8L, the XJR added a heated rear seat, and heated front/rear seats became standard for the Vanden Plas.
2002 Jaguar XJ Series: The XJ Sport was new for '02 and essentially combined the base powertrain with the XJR's 18-inch wheels, sport seats, and body-color exterior trim. Also new was the XJR 100, a limited-edition marking the 1902 birth of Jaguar founder William Lyons; it added exclusive-design 19-inch wheels and special trim. The Super V8 replaced the Vanden Plas Supercharged model and included a touring-tuned version of Jaguar's computer-controlled suspension. The XJR for '02 added a standard sport-tuned computer suspension and a navigation system.
2003 Jaguar XJ Series: Jaguar's flagship sedans get two new option packages for a shortened 2003 season, the last for their vintage-1994 design. The Super V8 features a softer version of the XJR's sport-oriented computer-controlled suspension, as well as a navigation system that costs extra in other XJs. A new Sovereign package on the base XJ comes with heated front/rear seats, premium 320-watt audio, and extra leather-and-wood interior trim. Exclusive to XJR is a new R1 Performance option with uprated Brembo-brand brakes and special wheels.
1995-2003 Jaguar XJ-Sedan/XJ Series Road Test
Pros Cons
Antilock brakes Fuel economy
Ride Cargo room
Acceleration Control layout
Steering/handling
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
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.
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Jaguar XJ8 Rating
Performance 7
Fuel Economy 4
Ride Quality 8
Steering/Handling/Braking 6
Quietness 9
Controls/Materials 3
Interior Room 5
Room/Comfort (rear) 5
Cargo Capacity 2
Value within Class 3
Total: 52
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
1995-2003 Jaguar XJ-Sedan/XJ Series Reliability
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Automatic transmission: The company is replacing the 5-speed automatic transmissions whenever they are in the shop for other service due to an unspecified problem that could lead to a failure. (1999)
Dashboard lights: Oil-pressure gauge reads low when energy-saving motor oils are used. (1995)
Dashboard lights: A check-engine light may be caused by a faulty air-injection check valve. (1995)
Hard starting: Hard restarting when the engine has warmed up due to a problem with the fuel-pressure control valve. (1995-96)
Power seat: The power-seat fuse repeatedly blows, so Jaguar suggests replacing the original fuse with one having a 20-amp rating. (1995)
Transmission leak: Transmission fluid leak at dipstick could be due to a blockage of the transmission breather pipe. (1995-01)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.
Item Name Repair Cost
A/C Compressor $1,005
Alternator $475
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $1,060
Brakes $240
Exhaust System $925
Radiator $730
Shocks and/or Struts $1,000
Timing Chain or Belt $705
Universal Joints $215
NHTSA Recall History
1995: On a few cars, steering assembly was fitted with incorrect nuts; can result in loss of steering control.
1998-99: On small number of cars, fine cracks in gear teeth of geartrain inside transmission can result in breakage of teeth; can cause transmission to "lock up" below 15 mph.
1995-2003 Jaguar XJ-Sedan/XJ Series Prices
Prices Good Average Poor
1995
Vanden Plas $5,500-6,200 $4,700-5,300 $2,300-2,500
XJ12 $5,700-6,400 $4,800-5,400 $2,300-2,600
XJ6 $4,600-5,300 $3,900-4,500 $1,700-2,000
XJR Supercharged $6,300-7,000 $5,500-6,200 $2,800-3,100
1996
Vanden Plas $6,100-6,800 $5,300-5,900 $2,600-2,900
XJ12 $6,400-7,100 $5,600-6,200 $2,800-3,100
XJ6 $5,200-6,000 $4,400-5,100 $2,100-2,400
XJR Supercharged $7,300-8,000 $6,600-7,200 $3,600-3,900
1997
Vanden Plas $7,000-7,800 $6,200-6,900 $3,300-3,700
XJ6 $6,000-6,800 $5,200-5,900 $2,500-2,900
XJR Supercharged $8,500-9,400 $7,700-8,500 $4,400-4,900
1998
Vanden Plas $8,000-8,900 $7,200-8,000 $4,100-4,500
XJ8 $7,000-7,900 $6,200-7,000 $3,300-3,700
XJR Supercharged $9,700-10,700 $8,700-9,600 $5,000-5,600
1999
Vanden Plas $8,900-9,800 $8,000-8,800 $4,600-5,100
XJ8 $7,800-8,800 $7,000-7,900 $4,000-4,500
XJR Supercharged $10,800-11,800 $9,700-10,600 $5,800-6,400
2000
Supercharged Vanden Plas $14,000-15,300 $12,700-13,900 $8,500-9,300
Vanden Plas $10,500-11,500 $9,500-10,400 $5,600-6,100
XJ8 $8,800-9,800 $7,900-8,800 $4,600-5,100
XJR Supercharged $12,300-13,500 $11,100-12,200 $7,000-7,700
2001
Supercharged Vanden Plas $16,500-18,000 $15,000-16,400 $10,600-11,500
Vanden Plas $12,500-13,800 $11,300-12,400 $7,100-7,900
XJ8 $10,200-11,500 $9,200-10,400 $5,300-6,000
XJR Supercharged $14,000-15,500 $12,700-14,100 $8,500-9,500
2002
Supercharged Vanden Plas $19,700-21,200 $18,100-19,500 $12,800-13,800
Vanden Plas $16,000-17,500 $14,600-15,900 $10,200-11,200
XJ8 $12,700-14,000 $11,400-12,600 $7,400-8,100
XJR Supercharged $17,500-19,000 $16,100-17,500 $11,200-12,200
2003
Super V8 $23,500-25,500 $21,600-23,500 $15,300-16,600
Vanden Plas $18,500-20,000 $17,000-18,400 $11,800-12,800
XJ8 $16,000-17,500 $14,600-15,900 $10,200-11,200
XJR Supercharged $20,200-21,700 $18,600-20,000 $13,100-14,100
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.
1995-2003 Jaguar XJ-Sedan/XJ Series Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification 4-door sedan
Wheelbase, in. 113.0
Overall Length, in. 197.8
Overall Width, in. 70.8
Overall Height, in. 53.1
Curb Weight, lbs. 4080
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 11.1
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 21.4
Seating Capacity 5
Front Head Room, in. 37.2
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 41.2
Rear Head Room, in. 36.3
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 34.7
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Powertrain Options and Availability
Basic XJ6 sedans used a dual-overhead-cam inline 6-cylinder engine, rated at 245 horsepower. A supercharged variant of that inline six went into the performance-packed XJR, developing 322 horsepower. In 1995-96, the lineup also included a flagship XJ12 with a 313-horsepower V12 engine. All Jaguars had a 4-speed automatic transmission. Then, in 1998, Jaguar dropped the inline six-cylinders in favor of two new dual-cam V8s. Both 4.0-liters in displacement, they made 290 and 370 horsepower--the second with the benefit of a supercharger. Mated to these V8s was a new 5-speed automatic transmission.
Engines Size liters /
cu. in
Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy
Consumer Guide Observed
dohc I6 4.0 / 243 245 289 4-speed automatic: 17/23 4-speed automatic: 18.5
Supercharged dohc I6 4.0 / 243 322 378 4-speed automatic: 15/21 4-speed automatic: 15.7
ohc V12 6.0 / 365 313 353 4-speed automatic: 12/16 4-speed automatic: --
dohc V8 4.0 / 244 290 290 5-speed automatic: 17/24 5-speed automatic: 15.8
Supercharged dohc V8 4.0 / 244 370 387 5-speed automatic: 16/21 5-speed automatic: --
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Built In: England
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive
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