2003 Jaguar S-Type: Road Test
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2003 Jaguar S-Type ▼
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- MSRP: $41,850 -$61,755
- Invoice: $38,084 -$56,197
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Our road test for the 2003 Jaguar S-Type includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Jaguar S-Type from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Jaguar S-Type, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Jaguar S-Type help you decide if a 2003 Jaguar S-Type is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 3.0 w/Sport Pkg, man. | 4.2 | 4.2 w/Sport Pkg. | R w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 6.5 |
V8 S-Types are plenty fast. Test 4.2 did 0-60 mph in 6.9 sec, test R in 6.1. Smooth-shifting, fairly responsive 6-speed automatic transmission always seems to be in the right gear--unlike the old 5 speed. No opportunity to time a 2003 3.0 yet, but expect 8-8.5 sec 0-60. Test manual-transmission 3.0 smooth and willing.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 3.0 w/Sport Pkg, man. | 4.2 | 4.2 w/Sport Pkg. | R w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4.5 |
Despite more V8 power, new 6-speed automatic helped test 4.2 average 19.6 mpg vs. 18.3 for last year's 4.0. Test R averaged 14.5 mpg, including gas-eating performance tests. Test manual-transmission 3.0 averaged 17.7. All S-Types require premium fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| 3.0 w/Sport Pkg, man. | 4.2 | 4.2 w/Sport Pkg. | R w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 7.1 |
Base suspension allows mild float over large humps and dips, but ride is low-impact comfortable. Firmer Sport Package suspension a model of composure and absorbency. R model surprisingly civilized, though tauter-still suspension and stiff 18-inch performance tires do thump over bumps.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 3.0 w/Sport Pkg, man. | 4.2 | 4.2 w/Sport Pkg. | R w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
Standard S-Type handles with good grip and modest lean, though midcorner bumps can cause mild pitching. Sport Package and R versions have quicker responses, less lean, greater grip. Some of our testers find R's steering too heavy at low speeds. Braking short, stable in simulated panic stops, but pedal action feels overboosted and touchy in routine driving.
QUIETNESS
| 3.0 w/Sport Pkg, man. | 4.2 | 4.2 w/Sport Pkg. | R w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6.8 |
Muted, classy engine growl at full throttle; R's supercharger adds slight whine. Wind rush modest. Road noise well-suppressed even with 17-inch tires, though 18s rumble on some surfaces.
CONTROLS
| 3.0 w/Sport Pkg, man. | 4.2 | 4.2 w/Sport Pkg. | R w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6.6 |
This year's revisions bring richly padded surfaces that befit a Jag and replace most of the budget-grade plastic that cheapened previous S-Types. Navigation system isn't intuitive and transforms some radio and climate controls into multistage touch-screen operations. Turning key in driver's door now opens/closes windows, sunroof.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 3.0 w/Sport Pkg, man. | 4.2 | 4.2 w/Sport Pkg. | R w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 7.2 |
Cozy feel, due partly to high dashboard and small footwells. But roomy enough. Driver gets plenty of adjustments, including handy power tilt/telescope steering and available power pedals; all link to memory function in V8s. Firmer Sport Package seats have more-prominent side bolsters and are slightly more confining than base seats. Some testers find R's seats uncompromisingly hard.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 3.0 w/Sport Pkg, man. | 4.2 | 4.2 w/Sport Pkg. | R w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5.5 |
Enough head room for 6-footers. Leg room barely adequate if front seats pushed more than halfway back. Toe space tight. Three adults are crowded. Sloped roofline means taller folks must guard their heads on exit.
CARGO ROOM
| 3.0 w/Sport Pkg, man. | 4.2 | 4.2 w/Sport Pkg. | R w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.9 |
Trunk not expansive, but usefully shaped, easy to load. Split folding rear seatbacks add versatility. Small-items interior storage space meager.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 3.0 w/Sport Pkg, man. | 4.2 | 4.2 w/Sport Pkg. | R w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 5.7 |
With more V8 power, loads of standard features, and interiors that now look the part, these Jaguars impress as never before. Prices are steep and resale values pale vs. BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes. But if there remains a gap in ambience and driving feel between the S-Type and those rivals, it's a narrower one.
Total Score
| 3.0 w/Sport Pkg, man. | 4.2 | 4.2 w/Sport Pkg. | R w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 58 | 58 | 59 | 52 | 60.5 |
Total Score: 57
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