2004 Jaguar S-Type: Road Test
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2004 Jaguar S-Type ▼
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- MSRP: $43,230 -$62,455
- Invoice: $39,339 -$56,834
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Our road test for the 2004 Jaguar S-Type includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Jaguar S-Type from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Jaguar S-Type, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Jaguar S-Type help you decide if a 2004 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 | 6.4 |
V8 S-Types are plenty fast. Test 4.2 did 0-60 mph in 6.9 sec, test R in 6.1. Expect 8-8.5 sec 0-60 for the 3.0. Smooth-shifting, fairly responsive 6-speed automatic transmission always seems to be in the right gear. Manual transmission shifts smoothly.
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 | 4.6 |
Test 4.2 averaged 19.6 mpg. 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 |
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 | 6.8 |
Base suspension furnishes good grip and modest lean. 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 | 6.7 |
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 | 4 | 6.7 |
Richly padded surfaces befit a Jag. Navigation system isn't intuitive and transforms some radio and climate controls into multistage touch-screen operations. Turning key in driver's door 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 | 5.6 |
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 | 4 |
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 | 5.8 |
These Jaguars are a pleasure to drive, with appointments and features worthy of the class. On the downside resale values pale vs. BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz rivals.
Total Score
| 3.0 w/Sport Pkg., man. | 4.2 | 4.2 w/Sport Pkg. | R w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 58 | 58 | 59 | 50 | 60.8 |
Total Score: 56
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