2002 Jaguar X-Type Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Jaguar aims its new, compact-sized V6 sedan at the Audi A4, BMW 3-Series, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The entry-level Jaguar comes in the 194-hp 2.5-liter version and a 231-hp 3.0 model. Both are available with manual transmission or a 5-speed automatic. X-Type is manufactured in England and borrows its structure from the European Mondeo sedan built by Jaguar's U.S. owner, Ford. X-Type has a shorter wheelbase than Mondeo, different styling, and standard all-wheel drive vs. Mondeo's front-wheel drive. Competing Audis and BMWs have optional AWD. Standard on X-Type are antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, leather and wood interior trim, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. The AWD normally splits power 40-percent front/60 rear, reapportioning it automatically for best traction. Sport models include 17-inch wheels vs. 16s, sport suspension, and unique trim. An antiskid system is standard on Sports, optional on other X-Types. Xenon headlamps and a navigation system are optional. Voice activation for audio, climate, and navigation is a dealer-installed option.

Competition

This hotly contested segment has two clear benchmarks; the Acura TL and Lexus ES 300. Both succeed in blending comfort, style, luxury, and sport into an efficient package at an affordable price. ES 300 offers a little more luxury and TL, with it's Type-S, a bit more sport.

We Recommend the sporty and Euro-flavored BMW 3-Series as a rear-drive alternative. The "3" has enough bodystyles and engine choices to suit anyone. At the other end of the near-luxury spectrum is the posh and comfortable Buick Park Avenue--an old-school luxo-cruiser from Detroit.

News

The new "baby Jag" began U.S. sales on August 1, 2001 and drew 2487 orders by the end of September, a fairly auspicious start. Parent Ford Motor Company sees X-Type eventually doubling Jaguar's total worldwide sales, which set a record in calendar 2000 at some 90,000 units, with the U.S. taking about half.

Though Ford's current cash crisis puts a question mark over future product plans throughout the company, an X-Type wagon is still apparently on for early 2003, likely as an '04 model in the U.S. Like other small, upscale Euro wagons, this one emphasizes luxury and sporty handling over outright space and utility. Due a few months later are a performance-minded X-Type R sedan and wagon with a new supercharged 3.2-liter V6 and a rumored 330 hp delivered to a fortified "Traction 4" all-wheel-drive system. Transmission choices should comprise a 5-speed manual and a new 6-speed automatic. Like other members of Jaguar's growing R-model family, the hot X-Types get a firmer handling-oriented suspension and sporty styling touches inside and out. The latter should involve less exterior chrome and a body-color mesh grille and grille shell, but not a flashy rear spoiler or lower-body skirts. However, standard wheels and tires will be head-turning 19-inchers, say recent British reports. Those same sources predict sizzling performance, with 0-60 mph taking just 5 sec on the way to a top speed of 160 mph. X-Type R is Jaguar's answer to other high-performance European compacts, especially the BMW M3 and Mercedes C32 AMG.

2002 Jaguar X-Type Road Test

Pros	Cons

All-wheel drive	Automatic-transmission performance

Handling/roadholding	Navigation-system controls

Quietness

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

2.5 Sport, man.	3.0 w/nav. sys., auto.	Class Average
6	6	6

Jaguar says the 2.5 model does 0-60 mph in 7.9 sec with manual transmission and 8.5 with automatic. Test 3.0/automatic timed at 7.6 sec (Jaguar pegs the 3.0/manual at 6.6). These numbers are class-competitive, but in practice, both engines feel satisfyingly strong only above 4000 rpm. That's easily addressed with manual transmission or by manually shifting the automatic. Left in Drive, the automatic's tardy downshifts frustrate response in the important 40-55-mph range. Only 10 percent of U.S. X-Types get manual transmission.

Fuel Economy

2.5 Sport, man.	3.0 w/nav. sys., auto.	Class Average
5	4	5.1

Test manual-transmission 3.0 averaged 21.4 mpg in 75 percent highway driving; expect slightly less in a more-even city/highway mix. Test manual-transmission 2.5 Sport averaged 19.5 mpg. Both V6s require premium fuel.

Ride Quality

2.5 Sport, man.	3.0 w/nav. sys., auto.	Class Average
6	7	6.2

Takes bumps as a solid unit, stable at speed, befitting sports/luxury positioning. Base suspension comfortably absorbs bad pavement. Tauter Sport suffers wheel patter and some impact harshness.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2.5 Sport, man.	3.0 w/nav. sys., auto.	Class Average
8	7	6.9

Secure, agile in changes of direction. Fast turns coax body lean, but AWD maintains outstanding grip, even when powering out of wet corners, and negates torque steer in hard acceleration. Sport models' steering is quicker than base system, but both communicative, accurate, nicely weighted.

Quietness

2.5 Sport, man.	3.0 w/nav. sys., auto.	Class Average
6	7	5.7

Wind impressively subdued. Sport-model tire roar intrudes on coarse pavement. Under full throttle, the 2.5 sounds ragged, the 3.0 growls nicely.

Controls

2.5 Sport, man.	3.0 w/nav. sys., auto.	Class Average
6	5	6.3

Unobstructed instrumentation. Navigation system no picnic to program, and incorporating some climate and audio functions monopolizes driver attention. Automatic transmission moves through Jaguar's J-shaped gate, which to some testers has indistinct feel and imprecise engagement. Standard leather and wood impart an upscale cabin ambiance, but gauge and grain of plastics doesn't match Mercedes, Audi, Lexus.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2.5 Sport, man.	3.0 w/nav. sys., auto.	Class Average
6	6	6

Adequate 6-footer head room. Standard tilt/telescope steering helps set comfortable driving position. Front seats narrower and more softly padded than European norm but have good support. Smartly sized mirrors contribute to fine outward visibility, despite tallish cowl.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2.5 Sport, man.	3.0 w/nav. sys., auto.	Class Average
5	5	3.8

As much usable space as any direct rival, including plenty of foot space, but still comfortable for only two adults. Seat cushion too soft for best support, and narrow lower doorways compromise entry/exit. Two cupholders in center armrest.

Cargo Room

2.5 Sport, man.	3.0 w/nav. sys., auto.	Class Average
5	5	4.2

At 16 cu ft, among the largest trunks in the class. Low liftover and nonintrusive strut hinges enhance versatility.

Value within Class

2.5 Sport, man.	3.0 w/nav. sys., auto.	Class Average
3	3	4.3

Not a pure-pedigree sports sedan, but a pleasing blend of performance and Jaguar emotion. X-Type makes this upscale brand accessible to a new audience. Prices escalate quickly, though. A base 2.5 is over $35,000 popularly optioned. A fully equipped 3.0 Sport tops $48,000.

Total Score

2.5 Sport, man.	3.0 w/nav. sys., auto.	Class Average
56	55	54.5

Scores for all Premium Compact Cars

Low Score		44
Average Score		54
High Score		63

2002 Jaguar X-Type Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 06/03/2002

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

2.5 4-door sedan	$29,950	$26,955	$645

2.5 Sport 4-door sedan	$31,950	$28,635	$645

3.0 4-door sedan	$35,950	$32,355	$645

3.0 Sport 4-door sedan	$37,950	$34,035	$645

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

2.5

Powertrain

2.5-liter dohc V6 engine, 5-speed manual transmission, all-wheel drive.

Safety

Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning w/automatic climate control, interior air filter, power steering, tilt/telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, leather upholstery, front bucket seats, 8-way power driver seat, center console, cupholders, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/cassette, steering wheel radio controls, digital clock, rear defogger, heated variable-intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, front and rear fog lights, 205/55HR16 tires, alloy wheels.

2.5 Sport adds to 2.5:

Safety

Antiskid system.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Rear spoiler, sport suspension, 225/45ZR17 tires.

3.0 adds to 2.5:

Powertrain

3.0-liter dohc V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission.

3.0 Sport adds 3.0:

Safety

Antiskid system.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Rear spoiler, sport suspension, 225/45ZR17 tires.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
X0 Pkg.
2.5, 2.5 Sport, 3.0, 3.0 Sport	$1,550	$1,318
Power sunroof, split folding rear seat. NA w/navigation system.

X1 Premium Pkg.
2.5, 2.5 Sport, 3.0, 3.0 Sport	$2,500	$2,125
Power sunroof, front seat power lumbar adjustment, 8-way power passenger seat, split folding rear seat, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener, rear parking assist, trip, computer, message center, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights.

X3 Weather Pkg.
2.5, 3.0	$1,200	$1,020
2.5 Sport, 3.0 Sport	$600	$510
Antiskid system (2.5, 3.0), heated front seats, heated headlight washers. Requires X1 Premium Pkg.

Powertrain
5-speed automatic transmission
2.5, 2.5 Sport	$1,275	$1,071


5-speed manual transmission
3.0, 3.0 Sport	$0	$0


Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
2.5, 2.5 Sport, 3.0, 3.0 Sport	$2,200	$1,870
Requires X1 Premium Pkg.

Emergency messaging system
2.5, 2.5 Sport, 3.0, 3.0 Sport	$1,650	$1,443
Includes cellular telephone. Requires X1 Premium Pkg.

CD player
2.5, 2.5 Sport, 3.0, 3.0 Sport	$200	$170


Alpine sound system
2.5, 2.5 Sport, 3.0, 3.0 Sport	$1,200	$1,020
Includes 6-disc CD changer. Requires X1 Premium Pkg.

Appearance and Miscellaneous
Xenon headlights
2.5, 2.5 Sport, 3.0, 3.0 Sport	$675	$574
Includes automatic headlight leveling. Requires X1 Premium Pkg.

Special paint
2.5, 2.5 Sport, 3.0, 3.0 Sport	$550	$468

2002 Jaguar X-Type Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Jaguar X-Type 4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	106.7

Overall Length, in.	183.9

Overall Width, in.	70.4

Overall Height, in.	54.8

Curb Weight, lbs.	3428

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	16.0

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	16.0

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	37.3

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.4

Rear Head Room, in.	37.5

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	34.4

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc V6	dohc V6

Size, liters/cu. in.	2.5 /152	3.0 /181

Horsepower @ rpm.	194 @ 6800	231 @ 6800

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	180 @ 3000	209 @ 3000

Availability	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed manual	19/26	18/28

5-speed automatic	18/25	18/25

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test

Jaguar X-Type 4-door sedan

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%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	None/--	--

Bumper-to-bumper	4/50,000	--

Corrosion	6/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	4/50,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	4/50,000	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: England

Drivewheels: all-wheel drive

< 2002 Jaguar X-Type Photos

Also in the 2002 Jaguar X-Type Review:

Jaguar X-Type

Jaguar X-Type Road Test

Jaguar X-Type Prices & Equipment

Jaguar X-Type Specs & Safety

Jaguar X-Type Photos

Jaguar X-Type Full Review

All Jaguar X-Types

All Jaguars