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2008 Jaguar S-Type Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
Also in the 2008 Jaguar S-Type Review:
5.
6.
Jaguar S-Type Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2008 Jaguar S-Type Review
The 2008 Jaguar S-Type gets a minor exterior facelift as it enters its final model year. This premium midsize sedan will be replaced by the 2009 Jaguar XF during calendar 2008. The S-Type comes in three models, each with a different engine. The 3.0 has a 235-hp 3.0-liter V6; the 4.2 has a 300-hp 4.2-liter V8; the sporty R has a supercharged 400-hp 4.2 V8. All have a 6-speed automatic transmission. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. The R has a sport suspension, exclusive mesh grille, and larger wheels and tires.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Midsize Cars sport interior dimensions similar to Midsize Cars. Premium Midsize Cars offer more luxury, performance, and prestige when compared to Midsize Cars.
Our Best Buys include the Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G, and Lexus ES 350. Our Recommended picks are the Acura TL, Infiniti M, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
New or significantly redesigned models include the BMW 5-Series, Cadillac CTS, Volvo V70, and Volvo XC70.
Our Best Buys include the Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G, and Lexus ES 350. Our Recommended picks are the Acura TL, Infiniti M, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
New or significantly redesigned models include the BMW 5-Series, Cadillac CTS, Volvo V70, and Volvo XC70.
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2008 Jaguar S-Type Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration (V8s) | Navigation-system controls |
| Handling/roadholding | Fuel economy (R model) |
| Quietness | Radio/climate controls (w/ navigation-system) |
| Ride (base models) | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
V6 S-Types are strong from a stop with ample passing power. V8 models are plenty fast. A 4.2 did 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds, and an R clocked 6.1 in our tests. The smooth-shifting automatic transmission is nearly always in the right gear.
| 3.0 | 4.2 | R | Class Average |
| 6 | 7 | 8 | 7 |
V6 S-Types are strong from a stop with ample passing power. V8 models are plenty fast. A 4.2 did 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds, and an R clocked 6.1 in our tests. The smooth-shifting automatic transmission is nearly always in the right gear.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, our extended-use 3.0 averaged 19.6 mpg over 13,948 miles. Test 4.2 averaged 19.6 mpg. An R averaged 14.5 mpg, including gas-eating performance tests. All models require premium-grade gas.
| 3.0 | 4.2 | R | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 3 | 4.6 |
In Consumer Guide testing, our extended-use 3.0 averaged 19.6 mpg over 13,948 miles. Test 4.2 averaged 19.6 mpg. An R averaged 14.5 mpg, including gas-eating performance tests. All models require premium-grade gas.
Ride Quality
The suspension on the 3.0 and 4.2 allows mild float over large humps and dips, but overall ride quality is low-impact comfortable. Firmer R suspension is a model of composure and absorbency, though its stiff 18-inch performance tires thump over bumps.
| 3.0 | 4.2 | R | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 6 | 6.3 |
The suspension on the 3.0 and 4.2 allows mild float over large humps and dips, but overall ride quality is low-impact comfortable. Firmer R suspension is a model of composure and absorbency, though its stiff 18-inch performance tires thump over bumps.
Steering/Handling/Braking
3.0 and 4.2 take turns with good grip and modest body lean. R versions have quicker responses, less lean, and greater road hold. R has a computer-controlled suspension that has minimal evident effect on ride or handling. Some testers find R's steering too heavy at low speeds. Braking is short and stable in simulated panic stops. Pedal action feels touchy in routine driving.
| 3.0 | 4.2 | R | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 8 | 7.1 |
3.0 and 4.2 take turns with good grip and modest body lean. R versions have quicker responses, less lean, and greater road hold. R has a computer-controlled suspension that has minimal evident effect on ride or handling. Some testers find R's steering too heavy at low speeds. Braking is short and stable in simulated panic stops. Pedal action feels touchy in routine driving.
Quietness
Muted, classy engine growl at full throttle; R's supercharger adds a slight whine. Wind rush is modest. Road noise is well-suppressed with the 17-inch tires, though the 18s rumble on some surfaces.
| 3.0 | 4.2 | R | Class Average |
| 6 | 7 | 6 | 7 |
Muted, classy engine growl at full throttle; R's supercharger adds a slight whine. Wind rush is modest. Road noise is well-suppressed with the 17-inch tires, though the 18s rumble on some surfaces.
Controls
Clear, classy gauges, but the button-filled dashboard can be daunting without familiarization. The navigation system is not intuitive and transforms some radio and climate controls into multistage touch screen operations.
| 3.0 | 4.2 | R | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.1 |
Clear, classy gauges, but the button-filled dashboard can be daunting without familiarization. The navigation system is not intuitive and transforms some radio and climate controls into multistage touch screen operations.
Details
Though some buttons and controls are parts-bin generic, standard wood cabin trim and richly padded surfaces befit a Jaguar.
| 3.0 | 4.2 | R | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7.4 |
Though some buttons and controls are parts-bin generic, standard wood cabin trim and richly padded surfaces befit a Jaguar.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Cozy feel, due partly to a high dashboard and small footwells. There is sufficient room for most adults, though. The driver gets plenty of adjustments, including a handy power tilt and telescopic steering column, which links to the memory system.
| 3.0 | 4.2 | R | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 7.3 |
Cozy feel, due partly to a high dashboard and small footwells. There is sufficient room for most adults, though. The driver gets plenty of adjustments, including a handy power tilt and telescopic steering column, which links to the memory system.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Enough headroom for six-footers. Legroom is barely adequate if the front seats are pushed far back. Toe space is tight. Three adults are crowded. Sloped roofline means taller folks must guard their heads on exit.
| 3.0 | 4.2 | R | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 5.2 |
Enough headroom for six-footers. Legroom is barely adequate if the front seats are pushed far back. Toe space is tight. Three adults are crowded. Sloped roofline means taller folks must guard their heads on exit.
Cargo Room
The trunk is usefully shaped but is not expansive. The split folding rear seatbacks add versatility but are unavailable on the R. Small-item interior storage space is meager.
| 3.0 | 4.2 | R | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 4.2 |
The trunk is usefully shaped but is not expansive. The split folding rear seatbacks add versatility but are unavailable on the R. Small-item interior storage space is meager.
Value within Class
These Jaguars are a pleasure to drive, with appointments and features worthy of the class. On the downside, prices are steep, and resale values pale vs. most rivals in this class.
| 3.0 | 4.2 | R | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 3 | 6.2 |
These Jaguars are a pleasure to drive, with appointments and features worthy of the class. On the downside, prices are steep, and resale values pale vs. most rivals in this class.
Total Score
| 3.0 | 4.2 | R | Class Average |
| 63 | 65 | 60 | 68.4 |
Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars
| Low Score | 56 | |
| Average Score | 68 | |
| High Score | 78 |
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2008 Jaguar S-Type Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/13/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| 3.0 4-door sedan | $48,335 | $43,985 | $665 |
|
|
|||
| 4.2 4-door sedan | $55,835 | $50,810 | $665 |
|
|
|||
| R 4-door sedan | $64,335 | $58,545 | $665 |
Price note: R base price includes $1000 Gas-Guzzler Tax.
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
3.0
Powertrain
3.0-liter V6 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, rear-obstacle-detection system, emergency inside trunklid release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, power tilt/telescopic wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated front bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment, 16-way power driver seat, 12-way power passenger seat, power-adjustable pedals, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel pedals), center console, split folding rear seat, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors w/automatic day/night, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power sunroof, AM/FM/CD player, tachometer, trip computer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, outside-temperature indicator, illuminated visor mirrors, universal garage door opener, rear defogger, heated rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, 245/40R18 tires, alloy wheels.
4.2 adds to 3.0:
Powertrain
4.2-liter V8 engine.
Safety
Front-obstacle-detection system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system w/voice control, Alpine sound system, 6-disc CD changer, wireless cell phone link, power rear sunshade.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Xenon headlights.
R adds to 4.2:
Powertrain
4.2-liter supercharged V8 engine.
Safety
Uprated brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, trunk pass-through.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel, split folding rear seat, power rear sunshade.
Rear spoiler, sport suspension, computer-controlled shock absorbers, 245/35ZR19 front tires, 275/30ZR19 rear tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Satin Edition
|
||
|
3.0
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
Upgraded wood interior trim. NA w/font-obstacle-detection system, xenon headlights, 245/35ZR19 tires.
|
||
|
Luxury Pkg.
|
||
|
R
|
$3,000
|
$2,550
|
|
Adaptive cruise control, wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel, upgraded leather upholstery and wood interior trim, power rear sunshade, unique interior and exterior trim.
|
||
|
|
||
Safety |
||
|
Front-obstacle-detection system
|
||
|
3.0
|
$250
|
$213
|
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Navigation system
|
||
|
3.0
|
$2,800
|
$2,380
|
|
Includes wireless cell phone link.
|
||
|
Adaptive cruise control
|
||
|
R
|
$2,200
|
$1,870
|
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Xenon headlights
|
||
|
3.0
|
$675
|
$574
|
|
Special paint
|
||
|
3.0, 4.2, R
|
$1,000
|
$850
|
|
245/35ZR19 tires
|
||
|
3.0, 4.2
|
$1,200
|
$1,020
|
|
|
||
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Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Jaguar S-Type Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Jaguar S-Type 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 114.5 |
| Overall Length, in. | 193.1 |
| Overall Width, in. | 81.1 |
| Overall Height, in. | 57.0 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3760 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 14.1 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18.4 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.6 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.1 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.4 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 37.0 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V6 | dohc V8 | Supercharged dohc V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.0 /181 | 4.2 /256 | 4.2 /256 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 235 @ 6800 | 300 @ 6000 | 400 @ 6100 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 216 @ 3000 | 310 @ 4100 | 413 @ 3500 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|||
| 6-speed automatic | 17/26 | 16/24 | 15/22 |
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 S-Type 4-door sedan |
| Rollover Resistance | 5 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 |
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 | 1/12,000 | -- |
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:
rear-wheel drive
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Jaguar S-Type Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Jaguar S-Type Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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