2007 Buyer's Guide - Jaguar

[Eric]

2007 Jaguar

2007 Jaguar X-Type

Jaguar's entry-level sedan continues for 2007 with only minor tweaks, including two available 17-inch wheel/tire packages, a rear-seat entertainment system with two 7-in. LCD screens integrated into the driver and front passenger headrests, iPod and MP3 capability for the audio system and a new Luxury Package for both sedan Sportwagon versions. Both models feature standard all-wheel-drive and a
227-horsepower 3.0-liter V-6 working through a five-speed-automatic transmission. The sedan comes with 16-inch Antares alloy wheels, a one-touch power moonroof, leather and wood trim, climate control AC and a 120-watt AM/FM sound system with single in-dash CD player. The Sportwagon adds rain-sensing wipers, 17-inch Bermuda wheels and an upgraded 320-watt Alpine premium sound system with AM/FM radio and single in-dash CD player. Both models get driver and front seat passenger seat-mounted side-impact airbags and side-impact head protection curtain airbags. Stability control and ABS are also included.

2007 Jaguar S-Type

The mid-size S-Type luxury-sport sedan enters '07 with several new options, including a rear-seat DVD entertainment system with twin 7-inch LCD screens built into the driver and front seat passenger headrests as well as iPod and MP3 connectivity for the audio system. Base S-Types come standard, as before, with a 235-horsepower V-6 engine and the buyer's choice of either a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. A 300-horsepower 4.2-liter V-8 is the step-up option -- and the high-performance R model continues with a supercharged version of the 4.2 liter V-8 delivering 400 horsepower. The R also gets the six-speed automatic transmission, upgraded Brembo four-wheel disc brakes, 18-inch rims (with 19-inch rims available) and Jaguar's Computer Active Technology Suspension system. A Luxury Package is also available for '07 on R models. All S-types come with front side and side curtain airbags, traction control and Dynamic Stability Control. Adaptive cruise control, heated seats and xenon headlamps are optional -- as are new 18-inch Triton wheels for the S-Type 4.2.

2007 Jaguar XJ Series

Updated last year with a new Super V-8 Portfolio edition, the XJ full-size sedan rolls into 2007 with minor tweaks and updates, including iPod and MP3 capability and new wheel designs for all models. The standard XJ8 comes powered by a 300 horsepower, 4.2 liter V-8 engine working through a ZF six-speed automatic. Major features include an adaptive, self-leveling suspension, 18-inch wheels, premium leather interior with accent piping, new-for-2007 Elm trim and a 140-watt AM/FM sound system with single in-dash CD player and Bluetooth wireless technology. The long-wheelbase L edition adds a power rear sunshade -- and much roomier back seats. The Vanden Plas model kicks i tup another notch with standard front park control, folding rear picnic trays, lambswool rugs and a 320-watt Alpine premium sound system with AM/FM radio, single in-dash CD player and 6-disc trunk-mounted CD changer. DVD-based navigation is also standard on Vanden Plas XJs. For enthusiast drivers, the high-performance R model returns, with a supercharged V-8 and 400 horsepower. Nineteen-inch wheels are standard (with 20-inch wheels available optionally) as well as Adaptive Cruise Control and R-specific interior and exterior trim. The ultra-luxury Super V-8 comes in at the top of the food chain, bundling all of the luxurious interior amenities of the Vanden Plas with the supercharged drivetrain of the XJR. Additional features include manual side window sun blinds and multimedia entertainment system with twin 6.5-in. monitors in the back of the front seat head restraints and DVD player.

2007 Jaguar XK Series

No major changes were announced for the XK-series coupes and convertibles at the time of this writing -- although a mid-cycle refreshening may occur later in 2007.
For now, the XK returns in standard coupe/convertible forms, with the high-performance R model (both coupe and convertible) remaining the step-up model.
The XK coupe and convertible are powered by a 300 horsepower 4.2 liter V-8 engine and each comes standard with a six-speed ZF automatic transmission with sequential shift manual control and F1-style paddle shifters on the steering wheel. Nineteen-inch wheels are standard (with 20-inch rims available optionally) as are keyless entry and keyless ignition, high-gloss Burl Walnut or satin-finish Poplar interior trim and 10-way power-adjustable driver and front passenger seats. There are two major option packages: a Luxury Package and an Aluminum Luxury Package. High-performance enthusiasts can step up to the R model, available in both coupe and convertible bodystyles. It features a supercharged, 420 horsepower V-8 engine standard 19-inch Jupiter rims (with 20-inch rims available optionally), aluminum-finish side window surround, trunk plinth and power side vents, body-colored hood louvers, quad tailpipes with bright finishers and adaptive headlights. Four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, traction control, Dynamic Stability Control and front-side airbags all come standard.

END

[swamprat]

Jaguar is a complete disappointment, with a lack of outstanding and distinctive product.

I got to drive an XJ8 in the late 1990s and found it to be a nice, competent car. From what I have heard, the reliability was good as well. It appeared that Ford had made a good thing out of Jaguar.

Then the bean counters came in. We got the S-type based on a Ford platform. It wasn't too bad, however, feeling a lot more like a Jag than a DEW98 Ford (LIncoln LS).

The worst thing that has happened to the Jaguar has been the X-type, which is a Ford Contour in a Kitty Costume and the redesigned XJ8.

All Jaguars have speed governors which restrict them to 121 mph for the lower performance models and the requisite 155 mph for the R-type models.

Sir William Lyons would be spinning in his grave if he saw what has become of his company. The motto: Grace, Space and Pace has been thrown in the corporate trashbin. Shame on whoever is responsible.

[Eric]

I have to agree with you on the X-Type; but more so that it is now clearly dated and out-classed. It should have been updated/replaced two years ago.

The XJ, however, is still my favorite large luxury sedan....

[swamprat]

Eric-

I agree with you, excjept the deal breaker is still the 121 mph speed governor. The 1998-2003 XJ8 models didn't have them. I got one up to almost 130 before I ran out of road.

[Eric]

Yep - but these can be defeated, right?