2000-2002 Jaguar S-Type Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Jaguar S-Type. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Jaguar S-Type.

2000-2002 Jaguar S-Type Review

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.

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.

2000-2002 Jaguar S-Type Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration (V8)	Automatic-transmission performance (V6)

Handling/roadholding	Cargo room

Quietness	Navigation-system controls

Ride

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.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

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:	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.

2000-2002 Jaguar S-Type 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.

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

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.

2000-2002 Jaguar S-Type Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

2000
S-Type 3.0	$8,400-9,400	$7,600-8,500	$4,400-4,900
S-Type 4.0	$9,400-10,400	$8,500-9,400	$4,900-5,400

2001
S-Type 3.0	$10,500-11,500	$9,500-10,400	$5,600-6,100
S-Type 4.0	$11,700-12,800	$10,500-11,500	$6,400-7,000

2002
S-Type 3.0	$12,800-14,200	$11,600-12,900	$7,300-8,100
S-Type 4.0	$14,000-15,300	$12,700-13,900	$8,500-9,300

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.

2000-2002 Jaguar S-Type Specs & Safety

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	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

dohc V6	3.0 / 181	240	221	5-speed automatic: 18/26	5-speed automatic: 19.5

dohc V8	4.0 / 244	281	287	5-speed automatic: 17/23	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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Also in the 2000-2002 Jaguar S-Type Review:

Jaguar S-Type

Jaguar S-Type Road Test

Jaguar S-Type Reliability

Jaguar S-Type Prices

Jaguar S-Type Specs & Safety

Jaguar S-Type Photos

Jaguar S-Type Full Review