| Overall Rating |
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| Description |
| 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. |
| Handling |
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| Comfort |
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| Quality & Reliability |
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| Performance |
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| Roominess |
 |
| Running Costs |
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| Value for Money |
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| Stereo/Sat Nav |
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| NCAP |
| Not tested |
| Best Models |
| XJ8 Sport, Executive & SE |
| Worst Models |
| None |
| Replacement |
| by current generation XJ in early 2003 |
|
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| 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. |
| Positive Points |
- Great engines, particularly the V8s from 1997
- Driving experience is almost sporty
- Heritage; a fine car in a proud tradition
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| Negative Points |
- Less roomy than its imposing size suggests
- Very high running costs
- Classic it may be, but it?s a little dated
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