2004 Jaguar X-type Review

A Cat for the Masses

While its not quite a Jaguar for the working man, the 2004 X-Type is the most affordable car the British automaker has ever produced.

Priced in the low to mid-$30s, the X-Type is all Jaguar, which is, unlike a decade or so ago, a good thing. Fords purchase of the legendary marque a decade and a half ago not only helped stem the massive bleeding the U.K. firm was experiencing thanks to an unfortunately well-earned reputation for producing unreliable cars, but the U.S. manufacturer also brought some much needed vision to what had become a stagnant line of large sedans.

The parent companys boldest move to date was the introduction of the X-Type in 2002. Little has changed over the past two years. Little, that is, except the price. A fully loaded 2004 3.0-liter X-Type is substantially cheaper than the equivalent 03 model, and given the driving characteristics and interior appointments of this fine automobile, at the very least that price reduction should encourage prospective Bimmer, Mercedes and Audi owners to give the so-called “Baby Jag” consideration.

If they do, theyll be duly impressed with what is, for the money, arguably the best compact luxury sedan available in America. In addition to being the only car in its class to offer all-wheel drive as a standard feature in base 2.5-liter trim, the X-Type maintains the one aspect of Jaguars that has stayed true to tradition even through the dark days of the late 1980s. And that is the interior. Apart from Rolls-Royce and Bentley, there is no manufacturer that can touch Jaguars incredibly comfortable and luxurious cabin spaces. Leather and wood combine to give the Jag an old money smell, and the clean, retro gauge package is easy on the eyes in all lighting conditions. However, for the life of me I cant figure out why Jag designers installed the cheap looking, and feeling, plastic centre console. Housing the climate and stereo controls, the unit looks more like Ford Taurus trim than Jaguar.

The X-Type comes in two trim levels, each designated by the engine displacement. The entry level 2.5, at a base price of $29,330, features a 2.5-liter V6 engine producing 192 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque, mated to a standard five-speed manual transmission. A 5-speed automatic is also available. Other standard features include anti-lock brakes, leather seating surfaces, 120-watt CD audio, automatic climate control, eight-way power drivers seat, 16-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels and new Sapele wood veneer.

My tester was the 3.0 model, boasting a powerful yet extremely civilized 3.0-liter V6. The 227 horsepower engine is mated to a five-speed automatic tranny, and I found its performance to be ideally suited to the luxury sedans size. Smooth is an understatement, yet when you need the power, a step on the accelerator throws you back in your seat. The standard 3.0 model adds a number of items to the 2.5 package, including 17-inch alloy wheels, a one-touch power moonroof and a wood and leather wrapped steering wheel.

The optional Sport package (available only on the 3.0) adds more features, including a sport-tuned suspension, sport seats, a 320-watt Alpine CD stereo and Xenon headlights. The X1 Premium Package adds an eight-way power passenger seat, rain sensing wipers and dual power lumbar support. The X1 Premium Package with memory adds 2-position memory functions to the previous package, and thats about it. A 5-speed manual transmission can be added to the 3.0-liter model at no extra charge, but youll need to pay more for the optional navigation system, 18-inch alloy wheel and performance tire package, plus heated front seats.

My only complaint about this great car, apart from the low rent plastic trim, is the loud horn sound used to signal the setting of the alarm. A refined car like the Jaguar X-Type deserves a dignified beep or chime, not a full blown bleating horn.

All things considered, however, the X-Type 3.0 is a car that should be on every entry-luxury buyers short list. It is classically stylish, beautifully appointed and, well, a Jaguar. Need I say more?