S-Type was Jaguar's first attempt at a "volume" luxury vehicle, and the first fruit from the Ford-Jaguar union. Indifferent assembly and lackluster powertrains plagued 2000-2002 models. We were anxious to see if major revisions made in 2003 could help this wayward cat find a home. Our tester was a well-equipped 2005 V6 model.

Though this 3700-lb car had only 235 hp, the engine never felt taxed and provided brisk acceleration plus ample passing power. The sport suspension and performance tires held the road with tenacity, but didn't destroy Jaguar's legendary smooth ride, and the aluminum interior trim gave the cabin a hi-tech feel.

As summer turned to fall, we swapped Jaguar's performance rubber for a set of Bridgestone Blizzak snow tires. This proved to be a wise decision. The snow shoes helped the S-Type become a true all-season car, with fine traction on snow-covered roads.

Perhaps the biggest complaint among our staff was the cramped cabin. Midsize luxury cars aren't known for spacious interiors, but the S-Type has less room than most.

Though our test V6 Jag started $7000 below a V8 model, a few pricey options quickly raised the sticker price to more than $53,000. At that point, this car competes with more-powerful premium midsize cars such as the Acura RL, Infiniti M, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. While the S-Type can certainly lay claim to the Jaguar pedigree, it can't match those vehicles for overall value.

Editors' Comments

Kirk Bell: This is a great $40-$45K luxury car that is simply overpriced at $54K. When you have contenders like Infiniti M35 and Acura RL that give you more and cost less, you can see why Jaguar has a problem.

John Biel: This well-optioned test vehicle ran up into 4.2-liter V8 price territory. If a buyer could do without some of these things, the V6 model could provide a good degree of luxury for less than $50,000. But then, would an owner feel he or she was getting the full luxury car treatment?

Rick Cotta: A fine $40,000 premium midsize car that unfortunately costs $54 grand.

2005 Jaguar S-Type
Bodystyle:	4-door sedan
Model:	3.0
Engine:	235-hp 3.0-liter V6
Transmission:	6-speed automatic
Total Miles:	13,948
CG Observed Fuel Economy:	19.5 mpg
Problems During Test:	None
Base Price:	$44,230
Price as Tested:	$53,948
Major Options:	Aluminum Sport Package (leather-wrapped steering wheel, sport bucket seats, unique interior and exterior trim, uprated brakes, sport suspension, 245/40ZR18 tires, special alloy wheels), Premium Package (power-adjustable pedals, memory system, front-seat lumbar adjustment, automatic day/night rearview and outside mirrors, universal garage-door opener, rain-sensing wipers), heated seats, navigation system, 18-inch wheels, sunroof, special paint