Jaguar XJ Ratings
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2004 Jaguar XJ - XJ8
Pros: The motor -- all that buttery POWER!
Cons: Driver's accomodations--seat, wheel, door panels, etcetera
Advice: Ego gratification in a sleek package, recommended at the price
There's been a lot of talk about how Jaguar is faring under Ford ownership. Oddly enough, these new Jags are more Jag-like than ever, probably because they now have the funding to do it right. And do it right they have. The new designs evoke the famous Jags of revered memory, but go, stop, and hold together far better than any historic Jag ever could. It might seem odd that build quality would improve under Ford, but the old joke about having two Jags so you can drive one while the other's in the shop is now history. There's lots of smooth power under the right foot, and the brakes work very nicely indeed. The wood and leather interior is spot-on, just what you would expect from Jaguar. Unfortunately, we had a spot of trouble getting comfortable. The seats just don't have the lumbar support or cushiness you find in other makes, and there's noplace to put your elbow on the driver's side door panel. It also tends to wallow a bit in curves, not surprising considering the weight involved, despite the new all-aluminum frame. The car is nonetheless a very good Jaguar, and should be considered by those with a great deal of money and a need to impress the neighbors.