Overall Rating |  |
XJ saloons have assumed classic status over the past 35 years. Elegant styling, silkily potent engines, well-honed handling and high standards of comfort all come at quite affordable prices.
For
- Great engines, particularly the V8s from 1997
- Driving experience is almost sporty
- Heritage; a fine car in a proud tradition
Against
- Less roomy than its imposing size suggests
- Very high running costs
- Classic it may be, but it?s a little dated
Road Test
Clichés are worth deconstructing. The 'grace, pace and space' tag hangs easily on the XJ saloon. There's no denying its grace and pace: few cars are so sculpturally self-assured, treat their occupants so well or perform so effortlessly. Space is another matter: there's not as much rear legroom as there might be in the standard wheelbase cars, despite their length, and the boot is shallow.
Buying a big Jaguar affords instant status, but it's the driving experience that wins over most owners. The six-cylinder XK engine whose sporting heritage stretched back to the 1950s has given way to ultra-modern V8 units, but what's under the bonnet gives effortless power on demand. The 3.2 is smooth and swift, with almost seamless changes from the excellent five-speed auto. The 4.0 is a revelation in refinement.
Poised handling and perfect manners complement the big cat's pace. These cars enjoy being driven quickly.
Need To Know
NCAP: Not tested
Best Models: XJ8 Sport, Executive & SE
Worst Models: None
Replacement: by current generation XJ in early 2003
Alternatives
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Star Ratings
Handling Comfort Quality & Reliability Performance Roominess  Running Costs Value for Money Stereo/Sat Nav |
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