2001 Jaguar XJ8 Review by Rick Popely

2001 Jaguar XJ8

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2001 Jaguar XJ8


Expert Reviews

By Rick Popely

Cars.com National May 7, 2001

Vehicle Overview

The XJ Series is Jaguar’s larger, more expensive line of sedans, rivaling the BMW 7 Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class and other high-end models in price and prestige.

For 2001, the XJ range gets several new standard features, including two shared with other Jaguar models: reverse parking control and free scheduled maintenance for the four-year/50,000-mile warranty period. With reverse parking control, sensors in the rear bumper detect when the car is close to hitting another object and an audible warning sounds.



Exterior
The rear-drive XJ Series comes in two sizes, both with the same styling marked by a long, low profile, four round headlights and the signature Jaguar grille. The base XJ8 and XJR models ride a 113-inch wheelbase and are 198 inches long. The wheelbase and overall length are stretched 4.9 inches on the XJ8 L and Vanden Plas models.



Interior
All models have high-grade leather, generous amounts of wood trim, and a full load of comfort and convenience features. Most of the extra 4.9 inches on long-wheelbase models shows up in the rear seat, which is huge compared to the standard-size XJs. Adults have room to cross their legs, and the wider rear doors improve entry and exit.

Cargo volume, however, is a skimpy 13 cubic feet on all models. The trunk has too little room fore and aft to carry anything sizable.



Under the Hood
All versions come with Jaguar’s 4.0-liter V-8 engine and a five-speed automatic transmission. On the XJ8, XJ8 L and Vanden Plas models, horsepower is 290. On the sporty XJR and Vanden Plas Supercharged models, horsepower jumps to 370 from the addition of a supercharger.

Traction control and antilock brakes are standard on all models.


 

Reported by Rick Popely  for

cars.com


From the cars.com 2001 Buying Guide

Additional Reviews

Cars.com Expert Reviews

Rick PopelyCars.com NationalMay 7, 2001

Affiliate Reviews

Bob GolfenAZCentral.comJanuary 6, 2001

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