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1997
Jaguar XK8

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$64,900
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Available trims

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  • 2dr Cpe
    Starts at
    $64,900
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr Convertible
    Starts at
    $69,900
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

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Expert 1997 Jaguar XK8 review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By
Full article
our expert's take

While down South recently, I talked to the owner of a racing team whosepersonal garage included a Jaguar XJ6, a 1970 Jaguar XKE, a new Jaguar XK8 anda Mini Cooper.

I asked him which Jag was his fave, considering the nice selection at hisdisposal.

`’The XKE, no question,” came the reply.

Why?

“The XKE is a brutal sports car. The XK8 is more of a grand tourer.”

After a week in the beautiful new XK8, I can surely agree.

Certainly, nothing is quite the same as the stunning XKE, even though theall-new-for-’97 XK8 certainly plays on the E’s styling heritage. But then, theBritish Empire isn’t the same as it was in the ’60s.

When the E-type first appeared, it did battle with any number of Anglonameplates, in addition to American and European competition. Now Jaguarstands as a lonely remainder of a much grander past, like Britannia herself.Unlike its motherland, this car and car company are serious competition andvery much a world player.

The wide-mouthed opening on the XK8’s front with its solitary chrome barrecalls its proud bloodline. Ditto the styling of the bonnet (that’s Britishfor hood). If the rest of the car is more original, it’s also more modern,with a touch of influence from Jaguar’s latest competitors, the Japanese.

What’s under the bonnet is as striking as the car’s stunning styling. It’san all-new aluminum-block, 32-valve, double-overhead-cam V8, Jaguar’s first V8and only their fourth all-new engine. It’s 4.0-liter displacement (244 cubicinches to us Yanks) pours out a healthy 290 horsepower and 284 foot-pounds oftorque. It’s mated to an equally new ZF five-speed automatic transmission thatclicks off the shifts quickly and smoothly.

So, faster than you can say tally-ho, this cat is sprinting down the roadat extra-legal speeds. Since this is only a third of the way through the170-mph speedometer, you might find it too easy to go fast.

There are normal and sport shift modes. Normal is almostfor statelycruising, for times when a quick burst of speed isn’t always a top priority.But shift it into sport, and the car feels much more alive, taking to the roadlike paparazzi to Princess Di.

Aiding this cat’s appetite for speed is a superb suspension with a delicatebalance that Jags always seem to have. It’s sporty enough to make the carflingable, yet supple enough to tame the worst road surfaces. If you enjoyinsulation, you won’t enjoy this Jag, but if you love agility with a dose ofrefinement, its fully independent suspension delivers.

The car claws through corners with an attitude that’s flat and a tailthat’s controllable. Turn off the optional traction control and you can havesome real fun. But do so at your wallet’s risk. The car is equipped with meaty17-inch Z-rated Pirellis (for sustained speeds in excess of 149 mph).

Brakes are four-wheel discs with anti-lock, ensuring short, straight stopsabsent of nose dive. The steering is a speed-sensitive, variab le ratio setup,with decent heft and some road feel. It made walking this feline easy.

The inside is equal in its way to the outside. The dash recalls cars ofdays long gone, with a broad horizontal expanse of beautifully finished woodinto which the round gauges are set. Tachometer, speedometer, gas andtemperature monitors are in three round openings in front of the driver. Tothe right are a clock and two more gauges. Set below are the controls for thedual climate control, heated seats and audio system.

The transmission tunnel robs the front seats of some space, especially footroom around the accelerator, but it’s no worse than most coupes. The parkingbrake is to the left of the driver. One odd omission: The windows are notauto-down, a feature found on the most mundane of cars. Otherwise, all thecreature comforts one expects in this league are present.

The front seats are as comfy as the Queen’s throne, with one-piece seatbacks, an usual style. The rear seats arebe t used for stashing extra VHStapes of British sitcoms, since anything bigger than that won’t fit.

The 11.6-cubic-foot boot (that’s trunk in the Queen’s English) will hold acouple of bags of golf clubs, maybe even a couple weekend bags. The trunkhinges don’t interfere with cargo, but who cares about such practical concernswhen it’s a Jag?

One bugaboo that always comes up about Jags from Jag wags is reliability.Nothing actually went wrong, although I’m not sure if the trip computeractually works — I never got it to. But it never failed to start and neverrattled. Ford, which has owned Jaguar for four years, has done a good job ofimproving quality — this is the best-built Jaguar I have ever driven.

Ultimately, what one remembers most is the fine styling with its beautifulwood and leather accents, and the fine drive train with its menacing growlemanating from dual chrome-tipped exhausts, all adding up to an unforgettabledriving experience that is unique to this sexy feline.

I certainly found the opposite sex very interested in this car. I asked myfriend if his Jags attracted that kind of attention from the fairer sex.

“Actually, they like the Mini the best,” he said.

Go figure.

JAGUAR XK8 COUPEBase price: $64,900Options: Convenience Package, All Weather Package, CD ChangerAs tested: $68,630EPA rating: 17 mpg city, 25 mpg highwayTest mileage: 20 mpg

1997 Jaguar XK8 review: Our expert's take
By

While down South recently, I talked to the owner of a racing team whosepersonal garage included a Jaguar XJ6, a 1970 Jaguar XKE, a new Jaguar XK8 anda Mini Cooper.

I asked him which Jag was his fave, considering the nice selection at hisdisposal.

`’The XKE, no question,” came the reply.

Why?

“The XKE is a brutal sports car. The XK8 is more of a grand tourer.”

After a week in the beautiful new XK8, I can surely agree.

Certainly, nothing is quite the same as the stunning XKE, even though theall-new-for-’97 XK8 certainly plays on the E’s styling heritage. But then, theBritish Empire isn’t the same as it was in the ’60s.

When the E-type first appeared, it did battle with any number of Anglonameplates, in addition to American and European competition. Now Jaguarstands as a lonely remainder of a much grander past, like Britannia herself.Unlike its motherland, this car and car company are serious competition andvery much a world player.

The wide-mouthed opening on the XK8’s front with its solitary chrome barrecalls its proud bloodline. Ditto the styling of the bonnet (that’s Britishfor hood). If the rest of the car is more original, it’s also more modern,with a touch of influence from Jaguar’s latest competitors, the Japanese.

What’s under the bonnet is as striking as the car’s stunning styling. It’san all-new aluminum-block, 32-valve, double-overhead-cam V8, Jaguar’s first V8and only their fourth all-new engine. It’s 4.0-liter displacement (244 cubicinches to us Yanks) pours out a healthy 290 horsepower and 284 foot-pounds oftorque. It’s mated to an equally new ZF five-speed automatic transmission thatclicks off the shifts quickly and smoothly.

So, faster than you can say tally-ho, this cat is sprinting down the roadat extra-legal speeds. Since this is only a third of the way through the170-mph speedometer, you might find it too easy to go fast.

There are normal and sport shift modes. Normal is almostfor statelycruising, for times when a quick burst of speed isn’t always a top priority.But shift it into sport, and the car feels much more alive, taking to the roadlike paparazzi to Princess Di.

Aiding this cat’s appetite for speed is a superb suspension with a delicatebalance that Jags always seem to have. It’s sporty enough to make the carflingable, yet supple enough to tame the worst road surfaces. If you enjoyinsulation, you won’t enjoy this Jag, but if you love agility with a dose ofrefinement, its fully independent suspension delivers.

The car claws through corners with an attitude that’s flat and a tailthat’s controllable. Turn off the optional traction control and you can havesome real fun. But do so at your wallet’s risk. The car is equipped with meaty17-inch Z-rated Pirellis (for sustained speeds in excess of 149 mph).

Brakes are four-wheel discs with anti-lock, ensuring short, straight stopsabsent of nose dive. The steering is a speed-sensitive, variab le ratio setup,with decent heft and some road feel. It made walking this feline easy.

The inside is equal in its way to the outside. The dash recalls cars ofdays long gone, with a broad horizontal expanse of beautifully finished woodinto which the round gauges are set. Tachometer, speedometer, gas andtemperature monitors are in three round openings in front of the driver. Tothe right are a clock and two more gauges. Set below are the controls for thedual climate control, heated seats and audio system.

The transmission tunnel robs the front seats of some space, especially footroom around the accelerator, but it’s no worse than most coupes. The parkingbrake is to the left of the driver. One odd omission: The windows are notauto-down, a feature found on the most mundane of cars. Otherwise, all thecreature comforts one expects in this league are present.

The front seats are as comfy as the Queen’s throne, with one-piece seatbacks, an usual style. The rear seats arebe t used for stashing extra VHStapes of British sitcoms, since anything bigger than that won’t fit.

The 11.6-cubic-foot boot (that’s trunk in the Queen’s English) will hold acouple of bags of golf clubs, maybe even a couple weekend bags. The trunkhinges don’t interfere with cargo, but who cares about such practical concernswhen it’s a Jag?

One bugaboo that always comes up about Jags from Jag wags is reliability.Nothing actually went wrong, although I’m not sure if the trip computeractually works — I never got it to. But it never failed to start and neverrattled. Ford, which has owned Jaguar for four years, has done a good job ofimproving quality — this is the best-built Jaguar I have ever driven.

Ultimately, what one remembers most is the fine styling with its beautifulwood and leather accents, and the fine drive train with its menacing growlemanating from dual chrome-tipped exhausts, all adding up to an unforgettabledriving experience that is unique to this sexy feline.

I certainly found the opposite sex very interested in this car. I asked myfriend if his Jags attracted that kind of attention from the fairer sex.

“Actually, they like the Mini the best,” he said.

Go figure.

JAGUAR XK8 COUPEBase price: $64,900Options: Convenience Package, All Weather Package, CD ChangerAs tested: $68,630EPA rating: 17 mpg city, 25 mpg highwayTest mileage: 20 mpg

Available cars near you

Factory warranties

Basic
4 years / 50,000 miles
Corrosion
6 years

Consumer reviews

4.3 / 5
Based on 27 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.5
Interior 4.5
Performance 4.5
Value 4.2
Exterior 4.9
Reliability 3.8

Most recent

  • Love my car.

    Love my car. Esthetically beautiful. Only two thi gs i can complain about-the cup holder design sucks and rims made cheaply chrome plated not chrome rims. Began peeling off immediately. Other than that love my car. Oh and if your expecting superior speed. You'd be disappointed.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Greatest crumpet collector since the XK-E

    This ’97 convertible is 24 years old, has 83k miles, and except for a new electrochromic rearview mirror, driver’s side seat control module, a vacuum line and a third set of Pirellis, is 100% original, and looks and runs like showroom new. Most people, particularly in America, don’t understand that Jags are for savoring, not abusing. Treat the car like the woman you love or a fine Bordeaux and it’ll last you forever. Abuse it and you’ll spend more time in the repair shop then on the road.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    69 people out of 73 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Horrible experience

    A mechanical disaster. Replaced steering rack, water pump, coolant manifold, coolant resivoir, transmission, and then the timing chain tensioner failed and ruined the motor. Don’t by this car as there’s too much plastic where there should be steel. Engine cylinders are coated with Nikasil, so using gas with high sulphur eats the lining away, losing compression. Don’t by this car!!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 1.0
    44 people out of 50 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Stylish and reliable

    When the XK8 design was first introduced, Jaguar had a winner. It's a beautiful cruiser. After 24 years of ownership, it proved to be the most reliable, worry-free vehicle that I ever owned.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    47 people out of 47 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • beautiful inside and out! very fun to drive

    runs and drives great. I wanted one since they 1st came out, I purchased this , black pearl, conv.in 2010 with 99,000 miles in VGC. it still turns heads!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 3.0
    11 people out of 11 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Refined luxury sports car

    I first noticed the ads for this car when Jaguar introduced the XK8 in 1996 and was excited to see a new version of the great XK models from the decades past. The car was beautiful but expensive at $70k, and I knew it would be years before I could afford a used one. I found a beautiful Topaz '97 convertible in 2016 which had been garage kept and well maintained with the exception of a dry rotted headliner, so I purchased it and promptly replaced the headliner and a few bits to restore its original perfection. The car is a real pleasure to drive with responsive handling - especially in sport mode - and a slick automatic transmission. It's very quiet - some owners complain that it's too quiet with its multiple mufflers on both exhaust pipes - but the exhaust is easily modified if you want a more pronounced growl. The one common area of concern on these as used vehicles is undercarriage rust and corrosion, so be sure to check that out before buying. Wonderful car.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    10 people out of 10 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • owned it for 2 years now, no problems.

    This car is a fast, great handling, comfortable car. I only use it in the summer. I put about 5K a year on her. I do like to open her up at least once a week, just so I remember what she can do. The car is coupe, not many around, so it turns heads. Most people don't know what it is! the convertible models are easy to find.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    11 people out of 11 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Nicest Body Style to grace the American Highway

    Have owned this Coupe for 5 years..... they have their quirks, but that said, people ogle at this Stunning Coupe. Rare sleek, fast, and very smooth are the Brits. Car is a"Marvel" to look at. A time piece of "Automotive Art" that will never be dated. To me.... the car is one of my all time favorite cars, that is why it is part of my collection. Thanks for reading! Be Well! Have a great day!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    6 people out of 6 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Terrific true sports car

    One of the best sports car I've ever owned. Great handling with spirited performance. Capable of 160mph! This car squats to the road at speed for better stability. I love this car but I have a few cars too many at the time. This is a true Jag, British Racing Green coupe! Very few of this model even made.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    12 people out of 12 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Definitely a classic! Will have this car forever!!

    Great car! Super stylish. I high recommend it --- the body style will never go out of style. A real eye catcher! Timeless design. Beautiful interior!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    8 people out of 8 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Great performance vehicle

    Great performance vehicle with great acceleration and overall beautiful exterior with timeless design.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    6 people out of 6 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Such A Sexy Beast (with a Maintenance Budget)

    If you could go out with Angelina Jolie, but she asked for a $250 lobster dinner, would you really care about the costs? My 1997 Jaguar XK8 Coupe is by far the sexiest beast I ever owned (out of 53 cars). This is a car you can fall in love with inside and out. And it runs like it is the last day to get a speeding ticket. However, she needs proper maintenance and a maintenance budget. I simply found a specialty shop and had them replace all the components that usually break after 20 years over time. Upper and lower timing chain tensioners, timing chain guides, all four(!) timing chains, water pump, thermostat, valve cover seals as well as a few hoses. $3,500 later she is ready for the next 20 years. Yes, a reliable Saturn coupe would cost a lot less in maintenance. But you won't arrive at work grinning ear to ear every morning.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 1997 Jaguar XK8?

The 1997 Jaguar XK8 is available in 1 trim level:

  • (2 styles)

Is the 1997 Jaguar XK8 reliable?

The 1997 Jaguar XK8 has an average reliability rating of 3.8 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 1997 Jaguar XK8 owners.

Is the 1997 Jaguar XK8 a good Coupe?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 1997 Jaguar XK8. 88.9% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.3 / 5
Based on 27 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.5
  • Interior: 4.5
  • Performance: 4.5
  • Value: 4.2
  • Exterior: 4.9
  • Reliability: 3.8
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