2004 Jaguar X-Type Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

The top-line version of the X-Type has more standard equipment but a lower base price for 2004, while the base model loses some options. X-Type is Jaguar's lowest-priced car, and comes standard with all-wheel drive. The base 2.5 model uses a 2.5-liter V6 and manual transmission or optional 5-speed automatic. The uplevel 3.0 model comes with a 3.0-liter V6 and the automatic transmission; it offers the manual at no extra charge. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, leather-and-wood interior trim, front side airbags, and head-protecting curtain side airbags are standard on all X-Types. For '04, the 3.0 model's base price drops by nearly $3000 while it gains standard automatic headlights, sunroof, split folding rear seat, and wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel. Standard tire sizes are 16s for the 2.5, 17s for the 3.0. The Sport Package option, which is offered only on 3.0 models for '04, adds unique trim, sport suspension, and 18-inch wheels. An antiskid system is part of the Sport Package, but it can also be purchased as a stand-alone option, though now only on the 3.0. Other options exclusive to the 3.0 this year are xenon headlamps, navigation system, and rear-obstacle-warning system. Heated front seats are optional on both models. Dealer-installed voice activation for some audio, climate, and navigation functions is available.

News

The 2004 price cuts are Jaguar's latest effort to boost X-Type sales, which have been lagging for over a year and not just in America. That's contributed to recent large losses at Jaguar and ended chances for a once-rumored X-based coupe and convertible. A planned X-Type wagon was introduced to the UK and Europe in early 2004, but won't be coming here. However, Britain's Autocar magazine says Jaguar may send it over dressed as a quasi-SUV with raised suspension, tough-guy body cladding and similar cues ala Volvo XC70 and Subaru Outback. Still, it's not a done deal yet.

Budget cuts have also killed a hot-rod X-Type R that had been expected, but Autocar thinks Jaguar will offer a supercharged sedan as one of the second-generation X-Types now pencilled in for around 2008. The redesign will mean a completely different small Jag, as the European Ford Mondeo, parent to the current X-Type, will reportedly not be redesigned. Depending on Jaguar's near-term fortunes, the new X-Type could emerge as a very cut-down version of Jaguar's flagship XJ sedan or as a spinoff of something else in the Ford Motor Company fleet. Sources say Jaguar is still only mulling alternatives at this point, but hasn't ruled out a more radical design, including a high-style coupe.

2004 Jaguar X-Type Road Test

Pros	Cons

Standard all-wheel drive	Automatic-transmission performance

Handling/roadholding	Navigation-system controls

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

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

Scores for all Premium Compact Cars

Low Score		47
Average Score		56
High Score		63

2004 Jaguar X-Type Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 04/12/2004

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

2.5 4-door sedan	$29,330	$26,691	$665

3.0 4-door sedan	$33,730	$30,695	$665

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 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 w/radio controls, 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, Alpine AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, rear defogger, variable-intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

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

3.0 adds to 2.5:

Powertrain

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

Comfort and Convenience Features

Wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel, power sunroof, split folding rear seat, automatic day/night rearview mirror, automatic headlights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

225/45ZR17 tires.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Sport Pkg.
3.0	$2,750	$2,338
Antiskid system, sport seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, Premium Alpine sound system, xenon headlights, rear spoiler, body-colored exterior trim, sport suspension, 225/40ZR18 tires, forged alloy wheels.

X1 Premium Pkg.
3.0	$875	$744
Front-seat power lumbar adjustment, 8-way power passenger seat, universal garage-door opener, trip computer, message center, rain-sensing wipers.

X1 Power/Convenience Plus Pkg.
3.0	$1,150	$978
X1 Premium Pkg. plus memory driver seat and mirrors.

XO Pkg.
2.5	$1,750	$1,488
Power sunroof, split folding rear seat.

Powertrain
5-speed automatic transmission
2.5	$1,650	$1,403


5-speed manual transmission
3.0	$0	$0


Safety
Antiskid system
3.0	$525	$446


Rear-obstacle-detection system
3.0	$325	$276


Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
3.0	$2,300	$1,955


Premium Alpine sound system
3.0	$1,600	$1,360
Includes 6-disc CD changer.

Heated front seats
2.5, 3.0	$500	$425


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Xenon headlights
3.0	$675	$574
Includes automatic headlight leveling.

Special paint
2.5, 3.0	$575	$489


Special order paint
2.5, 3.0	$1,000	$850


17-inch Aguila alloy wheels
3.0	$0	$0
Requires Sport Pkg.

Melbourne alloy wheels
3.0	$3,000	$2,550
Requires Sport Pkg.

2004 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.	37.8

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.	192 @ 6800	227 @ 6800

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	178 @ 3000	206 @ 3000

Availability	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed manual	19/28	18/28

5-speed automatic	18/26	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

Front Impact, Driver	4

Front Impact, Passenger	4

Rollover Resistance	4

Side Impact, Driver	4

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	4

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

< 2004 Jaguar X-Type Photos

Also in the 2004 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