2003 Jaguar S-Type consumer reviews

I did lots of homework online about the 'S' type Jags and decided after seeing one and driving a couple, that I needed a change from 2 prior caddys. WOW, it more than met my expectations. Just purchased it with 96K and it runs like a new car. Don't know all of its history but seems like it has been very well cared for. Bought it with a warranty just for a little piece of mind. I don't what I like the best; the looks, ride, performance or just overall feeling for the car. Totally in love with it. Held out for the weather package (heated seats, rain-sensing wipers, traction control) and the memory options, plus lumbar. Can' say enough good about the car so far! Time will tell the whole story. I just need to remember all cars (in a matter of time and mileage) break down, its a given. I felt like I got a ton of car for well under 10K, but I had to look hard and clear to Rhode Island from Oregon!

I bought this fabulous 2003 S-Type 4.2 just about a year ago and I have been falling deeper in love with it every day. The car has power, handling, style, comfort and class like no other. The features and luxury options are second to none. I got this car for a steal, it's a shame they loose so much value after just a couple of years. It has an elegance that is not matched by any other car. People stare at it because it does not have the cookie cutter look of a Lexus, Mercedes or BMW.

This is the best gift I have ever given myself. I bought this used Jag and the ride, performance and appearance are flawless. The cupholders could be bigger, but other than that it is great.

Overall it's an excellent car. It's fast, handles extremely well and is comfortable. Generally the service at the local Jaguar dealer has been good although the routine servce is expensive for what you get. I would definitely buy another Jaguar but would buy a "preowned" one rather than new as I prefer someone else to eat the first two years depreciation.

I bought the 2003 S-Type because of the price/ value relationship. In 2003, the reviews of this vehicle were very positive noting major improvements over the 2002 in handling and interior design. When JD Power awarded Jaguar the highest reliability rating for 2003 vehicles among European manufacturers, I felt comfortable buying a used S-Type 3.0. The main reason that I considered a Jaguar rather than another Lexus was the headroom. The headroom in this vehicle is a couple inches more than my previous-generation Lexus GS (which was always a bit too tight). Given the headroom and the seating, the driving position is excellent for me and has the adjustability to be excellent for anyone, I expect. No doubt, this is a big car. With a longer wheelbase, it drives "bigger" than a Lexus GS. Still, the handling of this car is surprising. This is more of a sport sedan. The graceful exterior and the luxury amenities might lead you to think that it isn't. The engine and transmission are strong and extremely smooth. Gas mileage is about 20 in all-around and fairly aggressive driving (and with the automatic transmission set on "sport") The road feel comes primarily through the seat; the feel through the steering wheel is pretty minimal. At first, the seat seemed hard with inadequate side bolstering and the road-feel through the seat seemed overly harsh. Then I realized that I needed to drive with an enthusiast driving position: arms extended and seat farther back, to take advantage of the side bolstering that is located at the front edge of the seat. (With arms fully extended, the wrist joints should reach the steering wheel.) With the seat back your weight will also be distributed across more of the seat, more on the legs and less on the butt. Result: great leg support for a tall guy and less of a feeling of seat hardness. (Lexus GS seats are not this deep from front to back.) The interior styling is very nice. The traditional Jaguar wood is a big part of the design. Other than the wood, the interior materials are good but not great. So far I can't rate the reliability of the vehicle, but I was very satisfied with the dealer when I took it in for the pre-purchase inspection. The people in the service department were quite personable, competent, and professional.

I've owned my S-Type R for 2 years and have used it as a daily driver all that time. I just love this car, the perfect sports sedan. Fast and responsive but silky smooth. Tremendous Brembo brakes. Great sound system. All the bells and whistles. And very reliable, only 2 small problems both promptly taken care of by the dealer. Driving to the grocery or blasting down a country road, it feels totally at easy in any environment.

I have this car for almost 2 years. Purchased it used. Had little problem with transmission - needed to flush. Other then that car runs excellent and does 30-31 MPG on a highway and 20 in a city. I love it. I wonder why all reviews have overage MPG much lower then I get?