Before we clocked the first mile on our test vehicle, we were favorably disposed toward the 2002 Jaguar X-type — the so-called “baby Jag.” What’s not to like about a near-luxury sedan with a brand name, a rich tradition and all-wheel drive that starts at around $30,000? But after a week behind the wheel of the X-type, we found more to fault than to praise in this new mid-size entry.
He: We drove the X-type the same week we had the new Cadillac CTS in our driveway, and you couldn’t find two more disparate designs in the near-lux segment. Where the CTS is edgy and high-tech, the X-type is more subtle and traditional, in keeping with the heritage of the British brand, which is owned by Ford. Unfortunately, our test car didn’t live up to our initial expectations.
She: Hmmm. I think your big problem is that the cabin of the X-type looks too much like a library. It triggers flashbacks of all those mean nuns at your old Catholic school. You drift back to those dark days at Macomb Community College, when you’d skip computer class to play euchre in the student center. Darn, I should have been a psychologist like my cousin Linda. By the way, what did you dream about last night?
He: Playing pinochle in the back seat of the X-type. Only it was too cramped. And not nearly as sumptuous as the bigger Jaguars. Even the wood has a low-priced look. But that wasn’t my biggest complaint. The X-type comes with your choice of two Ford V-6 engines that have been modified by Jaguar. We had the standard 2.5-liter engine, which makes 194 horsepower and on our test car was mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. In the morning, when the engine was cold, it would cough and stumble for several minutes — a situation we haven’t encountered much in recent years. What’s more, a plastic molding around the windshield vent lifted up — something you aren’t likely to see on any of the X-type’s competitors, including class leaders like the BMW 3-series and the Lexus ES 300. The LED readout below the center display had an annoying flicker, and the darn bun warmers kept shutting themselves off.
She: A real hardship when you’re playing cards, huh? But I’ll bet a lot of buyers will be drawn to the X-type because it so closely resembles the $57,000 XJ8 sedan. And there is quite a bit of value-added to the X-type. It’s the first all-wheel-drive Jaguar, which means it should easily propel you through the snow and slush. We didn’t get to test it in the dead of winter, but you drove it earlier this year in France on some slick roads and thought it was just dandy, dynamically speaking. And I am impressed with the standard safety features. You won’t pay extra for the side air bags or side air curtains, which cover the front and rear passengers. Anti-lock brakes are standard, and so is traction control. Plus, there are lots of other amenities built into that base price, including a tilt-telescoping steering wheel and an eight-way power driver’s seat.
He: The X-type really is a lovely driver. You would never guess the basic underpinnings were adapted from the Ford Mondeo, which once was sold here as the Contour. Jaguar engineers have totally revamped many of the systems and components, so the chassis is remarkably supple, the steering crisp and the ride well-behaved. I’d recommend the larger 3.0-liter engine and, if you want additional entertainment, the standard five-speed manual gearbox, although the $1,275 automatic is very civilized. I can’t say the same for the instrument panel, which seems jarringly out of place in the X-type.
She: I thought the big digital display in the center console didn’t fit the X-type’s clubby image. Plus, it wasn’t very sensibly thought out. Some of the audio and climate controls were accessed via the touch screen, while others were located elsewhere, in the form of more traditional dials and switches. I found myself taking my eyes off the road too often to fiddle with those things. Also, you get a real “leaper od ornament like you do on the more expensive Jags, but there’s a tacky Jaguar emblem in the center of the steering wheel. It reminds me of the $2 charm bracelet I bought at Tiger Stadium in 1968. It was classy at the time, but my tastes have matured.
He: This from a woman who still likes to wear fake antlers at Christmas. Sad to say, but the X-type is unevenly executed and brimming with contradictions — and in the end, doesn’t measure up to the competition. At best, it’s only average. And that’s a disappointment from a respected brand like Jaguar.
2002 Jaguar X-type
Anita’s rating: (Acceptable)
Paul’s rating: (Acceptable)
Likes: Strong visual resemblance to larger Jaguar siblings. Great all-wheel-drive tractability. Supple suspension. Crisp steering. Standard ABS, side air bags and air curtains.
Dislikes: Engine stumbles when cold. Not enough rear leg and head room. Huge digital display looks out of place. Confusing, complicated audio and climate controls. Plastic molding around windshield vent lifted up. Cabin not up to Jaguar’s usual standards. Flickering LED readout. Bun warmers kept shutting off. Tacky logo in steering wheel. Only one cupholder in front (Anita).
Type: Front-engine, all-wheel drive, five-passenger near-luxury sedan.
Price: Base: $31,225 (with automatic transmission); as tested, $32,420 (inc. $645 destination charge).
Engine: 2.5-liter V-6; 194-hp; 180 lb-ft torque.
EPA fuel economy: 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway.
12-month insurance cost, estimated by AAA Michigan: $1,417 (Rates may be higher or lower, depending on coverage and driving record.)
Where built: England
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