2004 Jaguar X-Type: Road Test
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2004 Jaguar X-Type ▼
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- MSRP: $29,330 -$33,730
- Invoice: $26,691 -$30,695
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Our road test for the 2004 Jaguar X-Type includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Jaguar X-Type from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Jaguar X-Type, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Jaguar X-Type help you decide if a 2004 Jaguar X-Type is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2.5, man. | 3.0 w/nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 6.1 |
X-Type 2.5s are slow for near-luxury cars, but the 3.0s are class competitive. Test manual-transmission 2.5 did 8.5 sec 0-60 mph (vs. Jaguar's claim of 7.9). Jaguar pegs automatic-transmission 2.5 at 8.5 sec. Test automatic-transmission 3.0 did 7.6 sec 0-60. Jaguar claims 6.6 sec for manual 3.0. Neither engine feels satisfyingly strong below 4000 rpm, and the automatic transmission's tardy downshifts frustrate response in the 40-55-mph range. Test manual-transmission 2.5s tended to bog moving from a stop.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2.5, man. | 3.0 w/nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5.2 |
Test manual-transmission 2.5 averaged 19.5 mpg in mixed city/highway driving, 24.6 in mostly highway travel. Test automatic-transmission 3.0s averaged 19.0 in mixed city/highway driving, 21.4 in mostly highway travel. Both V6s require premium fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2.5, man. | 3.0 w/nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.4 |
Takes bumps as a solid unit, stable at speed, befitting sports/luxury positioning. Base suspension comfortably absorbs bad pavement. Tauter Sport Package suspension suffers wheel patter and some impact harshness.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2.5, man. | 3.0 w/nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7.1 |
Secure, agile for the most part. Fast turns induce some body lean, but AWD maintains outstanding grip, even when powering out of wet corners. Sport Package steering quicker than base system's, but both are communicative, accurate, nicely weighted.
QUIETNESS
| 2.5, man. | 3.0 w/nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 6.2 |
Wind rush impressively low. Sport Package tire roar intrudes on coarse pavement. Under full throttle, the 2.5 engine sounds ragged, the 3.0 growls nicely.
CONTROLS
| 2.5, man. | 3.0 w/nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.6 |
Unobstructed instrumentation. Low-mounted audio controls require driver to look away from road. Navigation system no picnic to program, and incorporating some climate and audio functions monopolizes driver attention. Automatic transmission has Jaguar's J-shaped gate selector, which some testers fault for imprecise action and ease of use in manual mode. Standard leather and wood strive for an upscale cabin ambience, but plastics don't match most rivals' for looks or feel.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2.5, man. | 3.0 w/nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.3 |
Adequate 6-footer head room. Standard tilt/telescope steering wheel helps set comfortable driving position. Front seats narrower and softer than the European norm but have good support. Smartly sized mirrors contribute to fine outward visibility, despite tallish cowl.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2.5, man. | 3.0 w/nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 3.9 |
As much usable space as any direct rival. Seat cushion too soft for best support, and narrow doorways compromise entry/exit.
CARGO ROOM
| 2.5, man. | 3.0 w/nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 3.9 |
At 16 cu ft, trunk is among largest in class. Low liftover and nonintrusive strut hinges enhance versatility, but Jaguar charges extra for a folding rear seatback on 2.5 model.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2.5, man. | 3.0 w/nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 3 | 5.1 |
The X-Type is an acceptable blend of performance and Jaguar emotion, and it comes with the all-weather capability of AWD. Still, equipped with popular options, 2.5 models are in the low-$30,000 range, 3.0s in the mid $30,000s. Top rivals are better all-around cars at those price points.
Total Score
| 2.5, man. | 3.0 w/nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 54 | 57 | 56.8 |
Total Score: 56
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