2001 Jaguar XJ Series: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Jaguar's flagship offers two body lengths. For more rear leg room, XJ8L, Vanden Plas, and Vanden Plas Supercharged models are 5 inches longer than the XJ8 and supercharged XJR versions. All have a 5-speed automatic transmission, traction control, antilock 4-wheel discs, front side airbags, and a 4.0-liter V8. Supercharged models have 370 hp, the others 290. For 2001, all XJs get minor structural revisions and standard rear obstacle detection. Vanden Plas Supercharged adds a navigation system that's optional elsewhere, XJR gets heated rear seats, and the regular Vanden Plas now comes with heated front and rear seats.

COMPETITION

This diverse segment offers the widest price range. It covers everything from the $34,000 Saab 9-5 to the $130,000 Mercedes-Benz SL500. Obviously our Best Buys are somewhere in between. We think that the Acura RL is a steal at $42,000 fully equipped. Though it is a front-drive V6 in a field of V8 rear-drive models, it has a great ride, plenty of power, and is quite luxurious. Mercedes-Benz E-Class, though a bit long in the tooth, also continues to impress with its impeccable road manners and luxurious comfort.

If you are looking for something a bit more sporting we recommend the BMW 5-Series. If your taste ranges more toward the luxury end, then take a look at the Cadillac DeVille or Lexus GS 300.