1996 Jaguar XJS consumer reviews

I bought this celebration edition in 2003 with 49000 miles. I have driven it daiy since then and am now at 131000 miles. I replaced the evaporator and recently a shifter part. Otherwise, it has been new brakes, new tires, regular oil filter and routines belts hoses etc. No more overhead than my wife's Maxima. It always starts. It has power and stability on all roads throughout the Virginia countryside or on the interstate system.I regularly visit friends in Long Island and NJ as well as Georgia. The ac is cold and the heat warm, especially the heated seats! It is a beautiful car...a head turner as some say..and I receive many compliments and questions in almost any parking lot...no matter where I park it. Per Jaguar, it is one of the last 300 1996 XJS's made. It's fit and finish is incomparable! I expect to see at least 200,000 miles and watch my grandchildren drive it to Prom. I will retrieve it though, and they can get a ride home. LOL

Must confess this is the third XJS I have owned, the first with the straight six engine. Everything about this model is just pure enjoyment. Quirky British switches, and solutions abound, this model is not yet a bland "world car" as it has personality. All but one of these three Jags have been most dependable for me, and I highly recommend this model as it is an extreme bargain if you can find one in good condition.

1996 was the best and final year for this XJS. The 4.0 6 inline is the best engine Jaguar ever made. AJ 16 engine only was made for 95-96 models and makes it more powerful that 94 models. If you are looking for a classic car for every day that is very exclusive and looks like a $100000 car go for a perfect condition 95-96 XJS. The quality and reliability is the same level to an SL or better. Stay away from the V12 engine.

I have owned a 1996 XJS 6 cyl "Celebration" for 13 years now. Ford re-designed the powerplant in 1994 and has received the highest marks in reliability. Its a heavy vehicle, rides flawlessly, quiet even with the top down. This vehicle was designed as a convertible, so limited road noise, no shuddering, no need for rear windscreens etc. when the top is down. I'm purchasing a 2nd one as we speak, your purchasing a very expensive car for pennies on the dollar. Don't hesitate, buy a 1995-96 and have years of enjoyment, plust the fact...its a head turner!

This car has gotten a bad reputation,why I do not know.I have owned one for 9 years and it has been very reliable.Great way to own a quality touring sports car and not spend a lot of money.Hint,do your research and find one that has been taken care off,low mileage is not always the answer.

I searched the web for 9 months before purchasing a nearly perfect specimen. 24M miles, a nearly new 1996 XJS convertible, the final production year. For $16m I got a classic body style, a reliable 6 cylinder with eye catching appeal. It's a joy to drive.

One of Jaguar's best looking cars, nice lines, gorgeous, awesome handling, what a head turner, people come up to me and ask "what is it", it's a 1996 and they think it's new!! The sweetist touring car on the road....Handles like a dream, convertible, tunes, gets up and goes!! Fast as heck. Sharp, reliable, great on gas!!

The last of the beautys made by Jaguar. This is one hot looking car, mechanically i never had any problems even electrically as I hear from many people. It's a powerful engine, great on gas, accelerates unbelievably on the highway, head turner every where in the hamptons! I've had this car 7 years and use it only in summers. Great touring car, hugs the road, takes turns incredibly well. It's an investment you will never loss $$ on. The new Jaguars are all plastic, looks like a Taurus. The 96 is the last year Jaguar made this beautiful design. People come up and look at this car where ever you drive or park. One of a kind.

In four years of ownership, I have never had a issue or worry of reliability with this car. It starts, runs and stops perfectly in all weather (actually, I never drive it in rain or snow, but I'm pretty sure it would run as well as it does in sunny, hot summertime). It starts immediately in over 90 degree and below zero temps. My driving has included heavy 90+ degree stop & go city traffic as well as 75 + mph highway runs. The car runs cool and smooth in all situations. Contrary to it's reputation for being and expensive car to maintain, the XJS 6 cyl. engine is a workhorse that is good for 100,000 miles MINIMUM, with simple regular maintenance. I have spent no more on this car's maintenance than on my Chrysler 300M or my wife's Pontiac Grand Prix. The XJS has the most powerful brakes I've ever experienced. When applying the brakes, you feel entirely confident that there is more than enough stopping power from any speed. Gives you a great feeling of safety. The XJS, in my opinion, in one of the most beautiful Jags ever made. I prefer it to the older XKEs, which are pretty but small and to the newer XK8s, which are well made and substantial, but look a bit too much like a Ford Taurus convertible for my taste. The XJS has that understated elegance that you expect from Jaguars, plus more seating and trunk space. Is it fun to drive? I drive it responsibly and within speed limits, but it is nice to know the massive power is there to make it go and to make it stop if I need it. On Sheridan Road through the Winnetka ravines , north of Chicago occasionally. The car sticks to the road around curves and at steep grades like the tires are glued. That's fun! On the highway, the car almost drives itself - no lane wandering at all. And the ride is smooth and comfortable, even over the regular expansion joints in concrete pavements. On a long road trip, there is no driver or passenger fatigue, even with the top down. I can't say enough good things about the Jaguar XJS.