The history of
Jaguar sedans is punctuated with high and low points. Highs include a masterful blend of ride quality and handling, all trimmed in fine wood and leather. Lows were chronic reliability problems. Jaguar owners loved their cars--when they weren't in the shop. Only time will prove the reliability of Jaguar's latest generation of sedans, but lately their track record has been exemplary.
Based on our experience, the XJ8 represents the highest point in Jaguar's history. We think it's one of the finest luxury sedans built today.
As the XJ8 designation suggests, this is a V8-powered Jag. The V12 and inline 6-cylinder engines have been dropped and we don't miss them because the new 4.0-liter V8 is a sweetheart.
Jaguar's XJ8 is available in four versions: the $54,750 XJ8, the $59,750 long wheelbase XJ8L, the even more luxurious $63,800 Vanden Plas, and the $67,400 supercharged XJR. Those prices compare favorably to those of the $66,640 BMW 740iL and the $74,495 Mercedes-Benz S420.
Our test car was a Vanden Plas, named for a famous British maker of custom automobile bodies. next page