Comments on: Jaguar S-Type Review

By: celtusa

celtusa — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 12:27:11 +0000

I have a question to put out there. After looking around at used Luxury models, approx 3 years old, it seems like you can get a great Jag S really cheap compared to other models BMW, Volvos even Mazda6. So I was wondering, this car wasn’t popular when new but as a used vehicle under 20K it seems like a great deal?

By: westcott

westcott — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 20:54:05 +0000

Reliability
The 2008 Jaguar S-Type reliability score of 4.0 out of 10 is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power’s automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS).

Jamie

This is the main reason I bought the Mercedes over the Jaguar. Your statements contradict what I read about Jaguars reliability. Pile on the poor resale value and I bought the Mercedes.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I fell in love with the XF. It really does look awesome in the flesh and the interior is a case study for all of the mfg’s, except maybe Audi. And, as far as overall ride quality and handling, the Jaguar XF was the best. It was sure footed, plenty of supercharged power, and is the most beautiful of all the competitors (550i, A6, 460, and the M car).

By: printer

printer — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 06:33:21 +0000

It is now clear to me that the s-type advantages are only known to owners. It is by far the best drive and ride of all the others – and I have had them all – but you don’t see this in the showroom or an hour’s test drive. Just do 600 miles in a day over a mixed bag of roads and you will see what I mean.
Other correspondents have started to hit the reasons: the finely tuned double wishbone suspension, the lack of engine noise and especially road noise from the LS structure, the perfect match of engine and gearbox in the engine management system, the smoothness of power from both the V6 and the V8. Anyone who thinks that BMW have the smoothest engines is just plain wrong. The diesel is unbelievable. I agree the boot is a disappointment but that is more due to shape than the size and at least you can have a full size spare wheel! The back seat is not large but for two people and 600 miles it is still the most comfortable.
The driving position is perfect and to my taste (and probably shape)is streets ahead of the new XF. I feel buried behind the dash in the XF and probably for that reason I won’t have one.
The one disappointment with Jaguar is that Ford didn’t raise the profile with racing. Sadly most people buy cars on image – what other people will think of their choice. Not easy to create an image of just being the best, is it?

By: Space_1999

Space_1999 — Sun, 04 May 2008 11:18:44 +0000

Quite how people can say Jaguar is ‘below’ BMW puzzles me. When BMW were making 3-wheeled ‘bubble cars’, Jaguar had just launched the world’s first 150mph production supercar – the E-type (1963). Jaguars, until recently, were hand-build NON-mass produced cars, BMWs are Ford-style mass made on the line. Jaguars have always had expensive double wishbone front and rear suspension, BMWs use cheaper MacPherson struts/Z-axles, Jaguar were the first to offer disc brakes when all BMW cars ran drums, etc. etc. – the two brands simply aren’t comparable; the DNA of Jaguar cars is altogether superior – as any test drive will confirm. Where BMW reign supreme is in marketing; their secret is to sell cars that cost 10% more to make than Fords, for 50% more, then spend the profits on advertising. Jaguar, conversely, always had the business side of things wrong – the cars were too well engineered, too expensive to (hand) build and yet didn’t compete on spec (i.e. stupid fripperies like rain-sensing wipers, etc.) which beguile the average Joe. If Jaguar had been more cynical – making worse cars for less money and hype-ing them more, they wouldn’t be where they are now.

By: jrgnc1

jrgnc1 — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:54:07 +0000

I for one LOVE my S type. I’ve always wanted a Jag and this was the one for me. The one thing I especially enjoy is the retro styling. It stands out in the crowd of clone vehicles on the road today and I’m always getting compliments on it.

The XF now looks like just about every other vehicle out there.

By: millergd

millergd — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:08:30 +0000

Justin, thank you for your review — it was the tipping point that persuaded me to pick up a used 2006 S-Type R for an unbelievable price (with an unbelievable Jaguar extended warranty). As it is my second Jaguar, I’m either a sucker for punishment or else have learned that a depreciated used Jag is a gifthorse to my wallet.

I’ve noticed that S-Type’s have been heavily discounted by dealers in recent months. It could be because any curious carbuyer perusing the dealer’s lot might start asking what a $60k XF offers that a $30k S-Type doesn’t (aside from ugliness)??? I suspect also that Ford wanted as many of them off the dealer lots as possible in order to make the inventory books look attractive to Tata. If Ford wants to tape dollar bills to every Jaguar it sells, then I’ll take one!

Aside from its usual Jaguar quirks (like the trunk randomly popping open, a severe sunroof hum, and it being my second Jag to have a damn driveline vibration — all occurring on its maiden drive home from New Jersey), it’s been an absolute pleasure. And someday Jaguar will figure out what BMW has already — that is you can sell more cars if you offer a manual transmission version. Especially on your ‘R’ badged models.

By: jrgnc1

jrgnc1 — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 18:50:43 +0000

I own an S Type and totally love it….I’m disappointed that Jag is discontinuing the “retro” style. It symbolized the Jag and set it apart from all other vehicles ever since the 60’s when the S Type was introduced. Now, it’ll just look like every other car out there… lack of uniqueness.

The major reason why I wanted the S Type was for it’s exterior design. Moving forward, I’ll have to keep purchasing the retro style as a used vehicle since I refuse to buy that ugly XF. They should have retired the X Type instead….now that looks dated…like an 80’s sedan…

By: swedcars

swedcars — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 21:48:53 +0000

If I liked Ford, I would just save $20K and buy a 500. Jag sure did lose its appeal once ford started making them.

By: kyberbb

kyberbb — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 16:25:18 +0000

I recently purchased a used 2005 S-type with 37k miles for a little less than half the original sticker price. The factors that went into my purchase decision were: comparison to other vehicles in its used price range, uniqueness of the car, amenities, driving performance, and recent reliability history.
To be honest I always like Jags, but never really considered buying one especially, purchasing a new one. Frankly, the only people I know who buy cars in the $50k price range have some sort of car allowance associated with their job or can somehow write off a percentage of the vehicle.
Now in the market place for used luxury cars the Acura, Lexus, BMW, and Mercedes are all thousands of dollars more for a comparable vehicle. So as a number of people have observed these late model S-types do make a good used luxury car purchase. The depreciation on most luxury automobiles after two years borders on 50%, maybe even more for the Jags.
Anyway my final thoughts on the article were that it was a fair representation of the car, but that in a competitive marketplace the Jags are usually out of consideration for any number of reasons that have been previously mentioned.
I also want to state that I commend Jaguar for not bowing to the misguide U.S. marketplace and building some sort of SUV/crossover. More people I know have BMW X3/X5, Acura MDX, Lexus RX than own real luxury sedans. It kills me that people think the X3 is some sort of luxury/performance vehicle, when it is just a station wagon with a BMW badge.

By: ronbo456

ronbo456 — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 00:53:33 +0000

not your father’s Jaguar

Actually, I used to own my father’s Jag – a 1970 XJ. When it ran, it was a thing of beauty and cool in a uniquely Cool Brittania sort of way. Unfortunately, it spent most of its time in the shop, simultaneously perplexing and enriching our mechanic.

I never thought Jag could sink lower than it did in the 70s, when poor workmanship seemed to be part of the union work rules. But Ford made everything worse. People who love British cars understand that, in some ways, they suck. Same thing, in a different way, with Italian cars. But no one expects them to be bland and boring. Lucky, lucky Aston to escape intact.

By: Jason

Jason — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 16:53:44 +0000

Jaguar got polluted by Ford. But really, its all about perception. Why do you think rollie-pollie handling Lexus sells so well? Most people want a status symbol vehicle, and don’t have a clue about the pleasures of performance motoring, and for this money, you can get BMW. ’nuff said. Even Lexus in NA at least is far superior in bling-bling-ness, which sadly, Americans are all about looks only. (Except the ones on TTAC!) And if it was my money, I’d buy BMW if I was going to lease, and Acura if I was going to buy, but then again, I’m a tightwad that doesn’t like to spend MY money on depreciating assets!

By: ar_ken

ar_ken — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 21:11:42 +0000

I always, always get a laugh when I read people thinking that Jaguars are nothing but dressed up Fords. Honestly, nowadays how many cars have a UNIQUE platform, and ALL parts UNIQUE to themselves? My Audi A6 has a turn signal/wiper stalk, sunroof dial and keyless entry keys/alarm activation signal from a Volkswagen Golf. It still doesn’t stop people from calling it having one of the best interiors of its class.

I was SO close to buying a S-Type R a few months ago as well (superb bargain compare to M5 or E55, used of course) but I was just too hung up on having AWD…. and I’m still (in a way) “suffering” with my Audi A4. Nice car to drive, but boring nevertheless.

By: Seth

Seth — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 02:54:46 +0000

I agree wholeheartedly. For lots of folks, not ever thinking about their car is the ultimate luxury.

No need to drag Lexus into this. Generalizations such as these are as bad as saying Jag is a gussied up ford. Unless jag is a gussied up ford.. yeesh anyways, not all lexus buyers are pretentious. Indeed thats the appeal. Jag and Lex are for two different markets.

BTW, on a more important note, those who are looking to score a used jag on the cheap better make sure that their jobs/lifestyles match. Otherwise, more grief to follow..

By: zenith

zenith — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 01:04:51 +0000

At 120K miles, I’ve had to replace another part on my 10-year-old Ford–a tensioner for the serpentine belt.

That’s 3 parts in 10 years, counting the battery and oxygen sensor that failed > 7 years ago under warranty.

If Jag is “just another POS Ford”, then I want one.

By: BEAT

BEAT — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 18:03:49 +0000

The Jaguar 5 star review is appropriate.

It is the “Equalizer” for the BMW.

By: jward35

jward35 — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 17:39:50 +0000

Jaguar Flagship: XJ Saloon? S-Type?
BMW Flagship: M5.
Samir,
Thought you knew about cars! Jaguar flagship – XKR. Why have you got such a downer on Jaguar? Forget the Ford thing everyone – there is not one switch or dial in the XK or XF that has any relation to anything Ford.
This argument is so old hat – get out there and try an up to date Jag – it won’t let you down, you will look great in it and you won’t be some anonimous BMW/Merc/Lexus number on a spreadsheet – you will be a real person at last!!

By: SherbornSean

SherbornSean — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 17:02:11 +0000

Justin,
Thanks for having the balls to give a 5-star rating, especially to a car that is so far off the radar screen.

I know the Ten Worst list gets a lot of attention, but I wonder if a “10 Most Overlooked” list would be in order. At least it would give the Panther-lovers a chance to vent.

By: Justin Berkowitz

Justin Berkowitz — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 14:55:41 +0000

@LamborghiniZ:
if you’ve ever driven one of its closest competitors it wouldn’t score close to as much praise.

I’ve driven all of its competitors, actually.

By: Quo Vadis

Quo Vadis — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 14:09:53 +0000

Ford is to Jag what GM is to Saab.

Talk about the sanitization, castration and euthanization of two once worthy (and distinct) marques.

By: Thomas Minzenmay

Thomas Minzenmay — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 13:51:45 +0000

Apart from the fact that Jaguar just isn’t up there with Mercedes or BMW technologically, the biggest problem remains: Jaguar is perceived to be a low quality Mercedes knock off. And that’s where Ford’s product management messed up right from the beginning. They wanted to make Jaguar a British Mercedes when they should have kept it a British Maserati.

By: ra_pro

ra_pro — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 13:14:38 +0000

I was considering buying a used S-type R just a few months ago. I did extensive research and found the car to be reliable overall except for its transmissions as some need early replacement (I was hoping that I would be lucky). S-type R is a fantastic value especially here in Canada where you can get one with 40K miles for 25-30K. What ultimately swayed me away was the lack of space as was already pointed out. I have a small family with only one child but the lack of rear space is not excusable in this car category. I grant you that previous generation 5-series wasn’t exactly like a barnyard inside but at least it had adequate space. I can’t imagine for an adult to be comfortable in the back for even a short ride unless he or she was a Lilliputian.

As to the perception that Jag is a Ford and a very unreliable one at that; it’s not just lay people that have it, even mechanics that work on them propagate it. When I told my mechanic I wanted an S-type, the first thing he said was why would I want a Ford? It was a Ford, he said, because he worked on a few and saw that it had numerous Ford/Mercury parts inside and out. The implication, unstated but clear, was that it was a Ford POS. Though I knew better because of my research I didn’t bother to argue the point. Interestingly when I asked him about Audi A6 he didn’t say that it was just a Volkswagen even though A6 may share more parts with VW then Jag does with Ford. And it’s certainly no urban myth how unreliable VWs are.

Ultimately I found even better deal on 2001 740i and bought that. Contrary to what others say here BMWs still have some character though less and less of it as they become lexusized into driving appliances.

By: LamborghiniZ

LamborghiniZ — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 03:53:04 +0000

I think a lot of excuses and justifications are made, illogically, in this article. Maybe this would be a 5 star car driven alone, but if you’ve ever driven one of its closest competitors it wouldn’t score close to as much praise. Also, I personally find a problem with insulting the first S-Type’s taillamp clusters in such a way. They were better BEFORE they were changed to the Taurus esque garbage they’ve become.

By: Samir Syed

Samir Syed — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 03:50:21 +0000

I don’t think Samir meant “no pace and grace.” He’s saying that Jaguar adjudges pace and grace–particularly grace–to be more important than sportiness.

Correct.

Jaguar Flagship: XJ Saloon? S-Type?
BMW Flagship: M5.

See what I mean?

By: Gardiner Westbound

Gardiner Westbound — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 01:37:19 +0000

Jaguars have personality. Mercedes, BMW and Lexus don’t.

By: gsp

gsp — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 00:40:03 +0000

Jag = gussied up Ford in most minds. I am buying a BMW this week and did not even consider Jag.

If Ford built cars like Toyota, than Jag would not have the image problem. Instead they build and brand crap. I was last in a Ford two years ago and marvelled at the plastic-right-out-of-a-toy-factory-in-China dash. I guess reading this that I am wrong about Jag, but that is the image that sticks.

Jag should do somthing different. Like put a minibar in the backseat of ALL models. Just do something different.