Jaguar X Type

Early in the 21st century, Jaguar and parent company Ford decided to expand the reach of this historically upper-crust British automotive marque. On the surface, the Jaguar X-Type sedan represented a revolutionary step for the brand when it debuted for the 2001 model year: Not only was it compact in size and comparatively affordable, it wasn't even rear-wheel drive. Drawing upon Ford-derived mechanicals, the X-Type stood apart from German and Japanese competitors in the entry-level luxury sedan segment with its standard all-wheel-drive layout. Even when it was fresh on the market, though, the compact Jag was hard-pressed to compete with most rivals, as its driving dynamics and cabin furnishings never met the standards of the class. Now more than five years on, the Jaguar X-Type has been relegated to bottom-feeder status in a highly competitive segment full of younger, quicker cars.

Available as a sedan or wagon (known as the Sportwagon), the X-Type features Jaguar's classic exterior styling cues, with flowing lines, hooded oval headlights, a rectangular grille and elegantly arched roof; all are meant to recall the original and elegant XJ-series sedans.

Alas, the Jaguar X-Type's engineering underneath isn't so prestigious. The basic steel structure of the car and many of its drivetrain and suspension components are shared with the previous-generation Ford Mondeo, a regular family sedan sold in Europe. Though car companies with regular and upscale brands frequently cross-pollinate hardware, the X-Type's plebian roots have always been too apparent.

If you want a new Jaguar on the cheap, the X-Type is the way to get into one. And it feels like it. Although a pleasant enough daily companion for those fixated on "leaping" hood ornaments, entry-luxury car shoppers with an eye for detail will be put off by its overall lack of refinement. The bottom line is that newer, better engineered competitors offer more value for the money. We recommend you check them out first.