2000-2002 Jaguar S-Type: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
Reviews & Ratings
Pricing
Explore
Specifications & Safety
Related to Jaguar S-Type
Related Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2000-2002 Jaguar S-Type and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration (V8)
- Quietness
- Handling/roadholding
- Ride
Cons
- Automatic-transmission performance (V6)
- Navigation-system controls
- Cargo room
Vehicle Highlights
Introduced in spring 1999 as an early 2000 model, Jaguar's smaller rear-drive luxury sedan shared its platform with the Lincoln LS, since both companies were part of Ford Motor Company. Unlike the Lincoln, however, the S-Type was built in Britain using mostly Jaguar-specific components. Seating five, the four-door sedan came in two versions, with two different engines. The 3.0 sedan used a 3.0-liter V6, derived from a Ford design. The S-Type 4.0 held a 4.0-liter Jaguar V8. Both engines drove a Ford/Jaguar five-speed automatic transmission. Lincoln's LS used its own versions of each engine. Traction control and antilock all-disc braking were standard, along with front head/chest side airbags. Options included a Weather Package with Jaguar's antiskid Dynamic Stability Control, and a Sport Package with computer-controlled shock absorbers and high-speed tires on 17-inch wheels. A Deluxe Communications Package included an in-dash navigation system/cell-phone assistance system, plus voice-activated control for the phone, audio, and climate functions. Optional Reverse Park Control sounded an alert as the car backed toward an obstacle. As the 2000 model year officially began in autumn 1999, the S-Type added a trunk pull-down strap and switched to restyled alloy wheels. Rivals included the BMW 5-Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Lexus GS 300/400.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Jaguar S-Type 3.0 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 7 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 7 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 50 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2000-2002 Jaguar S-Type. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2000-2002 Jaguar S-Type.
Year to Year Changes
2001 Jaguar S-Type:
Jaguar's Reverse Park Control warning system became standard for 2001. The 4.0 sedan gained a new premium audio system with a six-disc CD changer, mounted in the trunk rather than the glovebox. The Communications Package now included a Motorola digital phone with in-dash keypad dialer. Both models now were rated as Low Emission Vehicles, and gained rear child-seat safety anchors. The 4.0 sedan also got new 10-spoke alloy wheels.
2002 Jaguar S-Type:
A new Sport edition for 2002 used the previous Sport option as its foundation. Available with either engine, the Sport version had body-color exterior trim and sport front seats, plus the previous package's computer-controlled shocks and 17-inch wheels with high-speed tires. All S-Type sedans added rear cupholders. Jaguar introduced a redesigned S-Type sedan for 2003.
Our road test for the 2000-2002 Jaguar S-Type includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2000-2002 Jaguar S-Type and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2000-2002 Jaguar S-Type is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
As expected of a Jaguar, the base suspension delivers a plush, supple ride with excellent bump absorption and little tire rumble, even on rough pavement. Large humps induce a trace of "float," yet body lean is modest in fast corners, where the sedan grips well and inspires confidence. Quick, informative steering is helpful, though a trifle more effort might achieve better high-speed control. The Sport Package sharpens most other reflexes and its wider tires yield still more grip, suffering only a slight penalty in ride quality and road noise. Both engines are smooth and hushed, rising to a muted, appealing growl when pushed hard. Performance is satisfying, too. Jaguar claimed a 3.0 sedan could accelerate to 60 mph in 8 seconds, whereas the V8 needed only 6.6 seconds. Both engines demand premium fuel, and an S-Type with the V6 averaged 19.5 mpg. When it's cooperating, the automatic transmission shifts promptly and smoothly enough. But in hard driving, it seems to change gears illogically, and can take a while to do so at all--even when using the manual mode of the 2-slot "J-gate" shifter. Passenger and cargo space could be better, but at least 6-footers have decent head clearance all around. Tall occupants will sit knees-up in back, though foot room is adequate and the seat is properly firm and contoured. The cabin is too narrow to fit three adults in back. Up-front ambience also is cozy, but comfort is excellent. Rear visibility isn't the best, but big mirrors help. All-button audio and climate controls are handy but "busy." The glovebox is tough to access. Interior storage is so-so. The trunk is rather small, though usefully shaped and easy to load. Despite leather and wood, the interior's plastic trim imparts a generic feel that's not found in other Jaguars.
Value for the Money
Blending traditional Jaguar charm with modern engineering, the S-Type ranks as good value in an upper-crust sedan, though it's not as sporty as BMW's 5-Series. Reliability under Ford's jurisdiction should be better than Jaguars of the past.
Blending traditional Jaguar charm with modern engineering, the S-Type ranks as good value in an upper-crust sedan, though it's not as sporty as BMW's 5-Series. Reliability under Ford's jurisdiction should be better than Jaguars of the past.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Jaguar S-Type 3.0 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 7 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 7 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 50 |
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.
Our reliability study for this generation Jaguar S-Type includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Jaguar S-Type .
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.
Fuel pump:
On some early build cars, a fuel hose inside the tank can fail due to the additives blended into some brands of gasoline causing low fuel pressure and poor engine performance. (2000)
Heater core:
An electric water pump may be needed to circulate coolant through the heater core. (2001)
Ignition switch:
The key may not come out of the ignition switch due to interference in the shifter mechanism. (2000)
Rough idle:
Carbon builds up in the throttle body of 4.0-L engines causing poor idle and drivability problems unless periodically cleaned. (2000)
Speedometer:
The needles for the speedometer and/or tachometer may get stuck if the battery is reconnected by accidentally double contacting the cable to the terminal. (2000-02)
Wheels:
Corrosion (rust) occurs between the wheel and hub making wheel removal difficult; can be prevented by smearing high-temp lithium grease on the hub. (2000-02)
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 | $410 |
| Alternator | $395 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,095 |
| Brakes | $345 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $615 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $900 |
| Exhaust System | $665 |
| Radiator | $350 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,875 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $610 |
Our price chart for this generation Jaguar S-Type details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2002 | |||
| S-Type 3.0 | $9,500-10,800 | $8,600-9,700 | $4,900-5,600 |
| S-Type 4.0 | $10,500-11,700 | $9,500-10,500 | $5,600-6,200 |
| 2001 | |||
| S-Type 3.0 | $8,000-9,000 | $7,200-8,100 | $4,100-4,600 |
| S-Type 4.0 | $8,900-9,800 | $8,000-8,800 | $4,600-5,100 |
| 2000 | |||
| S-Type 3.0 | $7,000-7,900 | $6,200-7,000 | $3,300-3,700 |
| S-Type 4.0 | $7,800-8,700 | $7,000-7,800 | $4,000-4,400 |
|
|
|||
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.
Specs for this generation Jaguar S-Type include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 114.5 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 191.3 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.6 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 55.7 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3650 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 13.1 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18.4 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.6 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.1 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.4 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 37.7 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Two distinct engines were used in S-Type sedans, driving the same five-speed automatic transmission. In the 3.0 sedan, a dual-overhead-cam 3.0-liter V6 produced 240 horsepower, while the 4.0-liter V8 in the 4.0 sedan made 281 horsepower.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc V8 | 4.0 / 244 | 281 | 287 | 5-speed automatic: 17/23 | 5-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc V6 | 3.0 / 181 | 240 | 221 | 5-speed automatic: 18/26 | 5-speed automatic: 19.5 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: England
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Jaguar S-Type include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
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%. Sideimpact 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%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2000-2002 Jaguar S-Type directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
2000-01:
Front-suspension lower ball joints were not tightened to specification. Vehicle control could be affected.
2000-01:
Seatbelt buckles were not properly heat treated and do not pass the load-bearing requirement of the standard.
2002:
Brake fluid warning statement embossed on top of reservoir body may not be visible by direct view.
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
