2002 Jaguar S-Type: Road Test
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2002 Jaguar S-Type ▼
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- MSRP: $43,675 -$51,330
- Invoice: $39,308 -$46,197
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Our road test for the 2002 Jaguar S-Type includes a full evaluation of the 2002 Jaguar S-Type from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 Jaguar S-Type, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 Jaguar S-Type help you decide if a 2002 Jaguar S-Type is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 3.0 | 4.0 w/Sport Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 6.2 |
Test V6 did 0-60 mph in 8.5 sec, test V8 in a more-satisfying 7.1. Neither is exceptional vs. direct rivals. Transmission can be erratic and hesitant when asked to downshift or keep pace with changing traffic speeds.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 3.0 | 4.0 w/Sport Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.6 |
Frugal for this class. Test 3.0 models averaged 19.5-21.2 mpg. Test 4.0 averaged 18.3 mpg. Both engines require premium fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| 3.0 | 4.0 w/Sport Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 6 | 7.2 |
Base suspension provides plush, supple ride with fine bump absorption but a little float on large moguls. Rough-road ride is brittle and unsettled with the Sport edition suspension and tires, so try before you buy.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 3.0 | 4.0 w/Sport Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
Steering less precise than other European near-luxury cars', but S-Type's base suspension provides good grip and modest body lean for a confident manner in turns. Firmer-damped Sport edition sharpens reflexes, but handling still doesn't match BMW or Audi. Stops are strong and true, but some test cars had unduly heavy brake-pedal effort.
QUIETNESS
| 3.0 | 4.0 w/Sport Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 6.8 |
Both engines emit a muted, classy growl when worked hard, but most rivals have smoother 6-cyl engines. Wind and road noise low, but Sport edition tire whine is annoying.
CONTROLS
| 3.0 | 4.0 w/Sport Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 6.3 |
Good layout, but optional navigation system takes time to learn, is hard to see. Handy voice-activation option confined to pricey $4000-plus package. And most rivals offer curtain airbags. Perhaps more distressing: Cabin decor that should be Jaguar-elegant is spoiled by indifferent workmanship and gauges and plastic parts borrowed from less-tony Lincoln LS.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 3.0 | 4.0 w/Sport Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 7 |
Cozy feel but roomy enough. Nice seats, plus sufficient power adjustments to tailor good basic driving stance. Visibility limited aft and over the shoulder.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 3.0 | 4.0 w/Sport Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 5.4 |
OK 6-footer head and leg space, but a front seat slid far back dictates a knees-up posture, and there's not enough cabin width for three adults. New cupholders deploy from seat cushion and correct an embarrassing omission.
CARGO ROOM
| 3.0 | 4.0 w/Sport Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 4.2 |
Subpar for the class, but trunk usefully shaped, easy to load. Standard 60/40 split-fold rear seat has in-trunk releases, one of which was adrift on a V6 test car that also had several rattles after just 2700 mi.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 3.0 | 4.0 w/Sport Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 5.1 |
For performance and design sophistication, this is not a sports/luxury sedan in the BMW/Mercedes-Benz league, and it's not as refined as a Lexus, despite prices that mimic all those competitors. Overall, the S-Type is a nice premium midsize car, but more Lincoln-in-a-catsuit than bona fide Jaguar.
Total Score
| 3.0 | 4.0 w/Sport Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 52 | 50 | 59.5 |
Total Score: 51
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