Jaguar, a Division of Ford Motor Company

Jaguar was among the first British car companies to export its products to North America. This article discusses both the company and a few of its top models, including the X-Type, XJ, and XK.

Company History

The Jaguar Company was founded in 1902 in Britain and emphasized quality and reliable products. Today, they are a proud part of Ford's Premier automotive group that features other luxury European cars. Recently, Jaguar made significant changes throughout their lineup of cars. The XJ, their flagship sedan, has undergone major improvements yet still retains the elegant look of the 37-year old classic sedan. Their newest car is the X-Type sportwagon that debuted in 2005. Jaguar now offers their ExtraMile service that includes extended mechanical breakdown coverage and a roadside assistance plan that goes beyond the warranty.

Popular Models

The XJ:

Jaguar infuses its cars with a traditional and distinctive style-the XJ is no exception. Its classic lines have remained constant throughout the years with minor tweaks to give it a more refined look. New for 2005 is the XJ Super V8 with a longer wheelbase to add more interior room. All trim levels get Jaguar's 4.2-liter V8 that achieves an EPA-rated 18-MPG in the city and 24-MPG on the highway. The interior is traditional Jaguar luxurious with leather seats and comfort features for driver and passenger. The customary rear seat tray tables are still included as are available headrest monitors.

The X-Type:

Jaguar's luxury, compact sport sedan is the X-Type, the first of its kind to be offered by the company in 30-years. Based on the European-spec Ford Mondeo, the All-wheel drive X-Type offers premium luxury at an affordable price. The exterior exudes XJ styling cues and is clearly identified as a Jaguar product. New for 2005 is the sportwagon that features an innovative tailgate that opens through a wide 88-degree angle. Various roof accessories are also offered for increased utility. Customers can choose between a 2.5-liter or a 3.0-liter V6 that are both economical and provide decent power. The interior features rich leather seating and Sapele wood veneer trim.

The XK:

The XK series replaces the 21-year old XJS and continues to be Jaguar's premier luxury sport tourer available in coupe or convertible trims. As with all Jaguars, its design is traditional Jaguar with elements that date back to the classic E-Type of the 1960's. Leather seats and Burl Walnut trim adorn the interior and features all the luxury amenities customary to Jaguar. Dual-stage front and rear airbags feature an Adaptive Restraint Technology System that uses sensors to determine how much airbag energy levels are needed during a frontal crash. Power is handled by a 4.2-liter V8 with 294-horsepower while the XKR gets a supercharged version pumping out 390-horsepower.

See Carguide123's specific model articles for more information about a particular model.

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