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Premium compact car; Built in England
  • 4-door sedan
  • 4-door wagon
  • longitudinal front-engine/all-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $3,200 – $17,000*


2002 Jaguar X-Type


2002 Jaguar X-Type


2003 Jaguar X-Type interior


2004 Jaguar X-Type


2004 Jaguar X-Type

Pros:
  • Standard all-wheel drive
  • Handling
  • Quietness (3.0)
Cons:
  • Automatic-transmission performance
  • Instruments/controls

No, it’s not a purebred sports sedan, but the X-Type is an acceptable blend of performance and Jaguar emotion. You also get the bonus of all-weather capability, with all-wheel drive. Producing it has made this famous brand accessible to a new audience. Plenty of better all-around cars may be found at similar prices, which is one reason X-Type sales tapered off after a fairly strong start upon the car’s introduction.

Overview

Brand-new for 2002, the compact “entry-level” X-Type was based on the European Mondeo sedan from Jaguar-parent Ford, though it had its own styling and dimensions. All-wheel drive was standard, in contrast to the Mondeo’s front-wheel drive. AWD normally split power 40-percent front and 60-percent rear, reapportioning it automatically to achieve the best traction.

Like all Jaguars, the X-Type was built in England. Rivals included the Acura TL, Audi A4, and BMW 3-Series. Competitive Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz models offered all-wheel drive at extra cost.

All X-Types used a V6 engine. The 2.5 model had a 2.5-liter with either a manual transmission or optional five-speed automatic. The uplevel 3.0 had a 3.0-liter engine and automatic transmission, but offered a manual gearbox at no extra charge.

Antilock four-wheel disc brakes, leather-and-wood interior trim, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags were standard. The Sport Package added unique trim, a sport suspension, and 17-inch wheels, as well as an antiskid system that was otherwise optional.

Xenon headlamps and a navigation system were optional. Voice activation for audio, climate, and navigation was a dealer-installed option.

Yearly Updates

2003 X-Type
Jaguar’s least-expensive cars were largely unchanged for 2003, but 17-inch wheels replaced 16s as standard for regular 3.0 models. Available for all X-Types were xenon headlamps, navigation and rear-obstacle-warning systems, and heated front seats. A sunroof option was packaged with a split-fold rear seat, and a Premium Package added a trip computer and other items.
2004 X-Type
This year, the top-line 3.0 model gained equipment, but its base price decreased by $3000. Standard items in the 3.0 sedan now included automatic headlights, a sunroof, split folding rear seat, and a wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel. Standard tires for the 2.5 sedan were still 16-inch, but the Sport Package included 17-inches. For the 3.0 sedan, 18-inch tires were included in the Sport Package.
2005 X-Type
Jaguar’s X-Type gained a luxury VDP Edition package and a wagon bodystyle for 2005. No longer available was the 2.5-liter V6. A Moonroof Package added 17-inch wheels and a split folding rear seat to the sedan. A Sport Package for the sedan added a sport suspension with 18-inch wheels, antiskid system, aero body trim, and unique interior trim. The VDP Edition Package added heated front seats, upgraded leather upholstery, and burled walnut trim to the sedan.
2006 X-Type
No significant changes for the X-Type in 2006.
2007 X-Type
A sunroof became standard instead of optional for 2007, and the wagon gained rear-obstacle detection, which was previously optional.
2008 X-Type
The 2008 Jaguar X-Type got no major changes for what was this slow-selling car’s final model year.

Engines

longitudinal front-engine/all-wheel drive

Jaguar’s X-Type sedans came with a choice of two V6 engines: 2.5-liter rated at 194 horsepower, or a 3.0-liter that produced 231 hp. Output ratings changed slightly in 2003. Either a five-speed automatic transmission or a five-speed manual gearbox could be installed. Every X-Type has all-wheel drive. No longer available in 2005 was the 2.5-liter V6.

dohc V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 2.5/152
Engine HP 192
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 178
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed manual
5-speed automatic 		19/28
18/26
dohc V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.0/181
Engine HP 227
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 206
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed manual
5-speed automatic 		18/28
18/25

Road Test

Performance depends upon the engine. The 2.5 models are slow for near-luxury cars, but the 3.0s are class-competitive. A test 2.5 with manual transmission did 0-60 mph in 8.5 seconds, versus Jaguar’s claim of 7.9 seconds. Jaguar claimed that a 2.5 with automatic would accelerate to 60 mph in 8.5 seconds. A 3.0 sedan with automatic transmission did that job in 7.6 seconds, and Jaguar listed the stick-shift 3.0 at 6.6 seconds.

In most circumstances, however, neither engine feels satisfyingly strong below 4000 rpm. That’s easily addressed with the manual transmission, or by manually shifting the automatic. But left in Drive, the automatic transmission’s tardy downshifts frustrate response in the important 40-55 mph range.

Some manual-transmission 2.5 X-Types have tended to bog upon clutch engagement, moving from a stop.

Fuel economy is close to average for the class. A manual-transmission 2.5 sedan averaged 19.5 mpg in mixed city/highway driving, and 24.6 in mostly highway travel. An automatic 3.0 averaged 21.4 mpg in primarily highway driving. Both engines require premium fuel.

Each X-Type takes bumps as a solid unit and is stable at speed, befitting its sports/luxury positioning. The base suspension comfortably absorbs bad pavement, while the tauter Sports suffer wheel patter and some impact harshness.

Handling is secure and agile for the most part. Fast turns induce some body lean, but all-wheel drive maintains outstanding grip, even when powering out of wet corners. AWD also negates torque steer in hard acceleration. The Sport models’ steering is quicker than the base system, but both are communicative, accurate, and nicely weighted.

Wind rush is impressively low, but on the Sport model, tire roar intrudes on coarse pavement. Under full throttle, the 2.5-liter engine sounds ragged, whereas the 3.0 growls nicely.

Instrumentation is unobstructed. Low-mounted audio controls may require moving one’s eyes from the road. The navigation system is no picnic to program, and incorporating some climate and audio functions tends to monopolize driver attention.

Some drivers might fault the automatic transmission’s J-gate selector, for imprecise action and difficult use in manual mode. Standard leather and wood impart an upscale cabin ambience, but plastics don’t match those of most rivals for looks or feel.

Head room is adequate for six-footers up front. The standard tilt/telescope steering wheel helps set a comfortable driving position. Front seats are narrower and more softly padded than the European norm, but offer good support. Smartly-sized mirrors contribute to fine outward visibility, despite the tallish cowl.

The back seat has as much usable room as any direct rival, including plenty of foot space, but it’s still comfortable for only two adults. The seat cushion is too soft for best support, and narrow doorways compromise entry/exit. Two cupholders sit in the center armrest.

Measuring 16 cubic feet, the trunk is among the largest in the class. Low liftover and non-intrusive strut hinges enhance versatility, but not every example has a folding rear seat.

Ratings

Model Tested: 2002 X-type 3.0

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 6
60%
Fuel Economy - 5
50%
Ride Quality - 7
70%
Steering/Handling - 6
60%
Quietness - 7
70%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 5
50%
Room/Comfort Front - 6
60%
Room/Comfort Rear - 5
50%
Cargo Room - 5
50%

Other

Value - 4
40%

Total: 56

Specifications

4-door sedan
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
106.7 183.9 70.4 54.8
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
16.0 16.0 5
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
37.3 37.5 42.4 34.4
4-door wagon
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
106.7 185.5 70.4 58.4
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
50.0 16.0 5
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
37.2 38.5 42.4 34.4
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: N/A

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - N/A
N/A0%
Front Passenger Injury - N/A
N/A0%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - N/A
N/A0%
Rear Passenger Injury - N/A
N/A0%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision N/A
Injury N/A
Theft N/A

Trouble Spots

Brake noise
Description: A popping noise may be heard from the radio when the brakes are applied unless a capacitor is installed in the brake light circuit. (2002-03)
Brakes
Description: The brakes may drag at slow speed when backing up due to bad bushings in the rear suspension knuckle. (2005-08)
Coolant leak
Description: Coolant loss from broken expansion tank bleed tube could lead to overheating. (2002-06)
Ignition switch
Description: Dealers were replacing the original 30-amp ignition fuse with a 15-amp fuse. (2002)
Seat
Description: Heater passenger seat fails due to problem with control switch. (2002-05)
Steering noise
Description: Noise from the power steering system requires it to be flushed and a revised fluid to be installed. (2002)
Steering problems
Description: Power steering may become heavy and noisy due to leaks at a variety of places, and make squeaking noises due to internal leak in the steering rack. (2002-07)
Suspension noise
Description: Knocking noises from the front suspension due to failed stabilizer bar link bushings. (2002-07)
Trunk latch
Description: The trunk lid may be hard to close and there is a revised latch mechanism available. (2002)
Convertible top
Description: If the sliding roof bounces open, doesn’t close completely or looses its calibration, the motor must be replaced. (2002)
Windshield
Description: Heated windshield quits working due to water entering the electrical connectors. (2002-05)
None
Description: Water may leak onto the front floor unless a shield is installed on the pollen filter. (2002-03)
None
Description: Trim near license plate rubs through paint leading to rust. (2005-06)
None
Description: The touch screen may change pages or quit working because the trim may touch the screen. (2007)

Recall History

2002-03
Description: On manual transmission vehicles, the hand brake may not operate well enough to keep the vehicle from rolling away. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.
2002-03
Description: The external turning indicators may not operate even though the internal ones do. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.
2004
Description: When replacing fuel filler cap, it may be possible to overtighten, inducing a poor seal; in a rollover, fuel might leak past the filler cap.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on July 18, 2014.
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