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2008 Jaguar S-TYPE Quality Review

July 5, 2008

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 5 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Unfortunate splashes of Ford-grade controls and materials
Edmunds

comfortable enough to serve as furniture in your family room
Kelley Blue Book

The S-type has never quite measured up to the class-leading German competition
Car and Driver

While there are three stylish and capable variations of S-Type Jaguar for 2008, TheCarConnection.com found Jaguar has let this model fall behind the best in class in terms of comfort and quality.

Most people have nothing but praise for the Jaguar S-Type's front seats. Kelley Blue Book says, "Jaguar S-Type's handsome leather seats feature contrasting piping and feel comfortable enough to serve as furniture in your family room." Edmunds also praises the front passenger compartment, complementing the car for its "High comfort in front" but with the caveat of the "skimpy space in back." Rearward, the 2008 Jaguar S-Type gathers more complaints. Kelley Blue Book calls the S-Type's rear seat "quite snug, especially if the front-seat occupants have their seats adjusted for maximum legroom." Car and Driver simply describes the Jaguar S-Type as having "Tight rear-seat room" and much prefers its German rivals in the segment.

No 2008 Jaguar is a huge cargo hauler, and the S-Type is no exception. The storage space is a little small when compared to the best in class. ConsumerGuide describes the trunk as "usefully shaped but...not expansive." They go on to note that the "split folding rear seatbacks add versatility but are unavailable on the R," and say, "Small-item interior storage space is meager." Furthermore, MyRide.com notes that because of its "curvy rear end," the 2008 Jaguar's trunk space "is only average at 14.1 cubic feet."

The 2008 Jaguar S-Type shares its heritage with the old Lincoln LS, and while Ford parts don't look too out of place in a $30,000 to $40,000 Lincoln, some find fault with them in this 2008 Jaguar that lists between $48,335 and $64,335. Edmunds states, "Unfortunate splashes of Ford-grade controls and materials" and "some of the plastics and materials also suggest a lower caliber of car." Not everyone is bothered by the look of the controls, however. Kelley Blue Book writes, "We like the simplicity of the S-Type controls."

Luxury cars are supposed to be quiet. In most trim levels, the 2008 Jaguar S-Type doesn't disappoint in this regard. ConsumerGuide reports a "Muted, classy engine growl at full throttle."

Conclusion

The 2008 Jaguar S-Type is well equipped, but cramped rear quarters and some cheap materials spoil the luxury experience for some.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 5 out of 10Expert Quotes:Unfortunate splashes of Ford-grade controls and materialsEdmundscomfortable enough to serve as furniture in your family roomKelley Blue BookThe S-type has never quite measured up to the class-leading German competitionCar and Driver While there are three stylish and capable variations of S-Type Jaguar for 2008, TheCarConnection.com found Jaguar has let this model fall behind the best in class in terms of comfort and quality. Most people have nothing but praise for the Jaguar S-Type's front seats. Kelley Blue Book says, "Jaguar S-Type's handsome leather seats feature contrasting piping and feel comfortable enough to serve as furniture in your family room." Edmunds also praises the front passenger compartment, complementing the car for its "High comfort in front" but with the caveat of the "skimpy space in back." Rearward, the 2008 Jaguar S-Type gathers more complaints. Kelley Blue Book calls the S-Type's rear seat "quite snug, especially if the front-seat occupants have their seats adjusted for maximum legroom." Car and Driver simply describes the Jaguar S-Type as having "Tight rear-seat room" and much prefers its German rivals in the segment. No 2008 Jaguar is a huge cargo hauler, and the S-Type is no exception. The storage space is a little small when compared to the best in class. ConsumerGuide describes the trunk as "usefully shaped but...not expansive." They go on to note that the "split folding rear seatbacks add versatility but are unavailable on the R," and say, "Small-item interior storage space is meager." Furthermore, MyRide.com notes that because of its "curvy rear end," the 2008 Jaguar's trunk space "is only average at 14.1 cubic feet." The 2008 Jaguar S-Type shares its heritage with the old Lincoln LS, and while Ford parts don't look too out of place in a $30,000 to $40,000 Lincoln, some find fault with them in this 2008 Jaguar that lists between $48,335 and $64,335. Edmunds states, "Unfortunate splashes of Ford-grade controls and materials" and "some of the plastics and materials also suggest a lower caliber of car." Not everyone is bothered by the look of the controls, however. Kelley Blue Book writes, "We like the simplicity of the S-Type controls." Luxury cars are supposed to be quiet. In most trim levels, the 2008 Jaguar S-Type doesn't disappoint in this regard. ConsumerGuide reports a "Muted, classy engine growl at full throttle." ConclusionThe 2008 Jaguar S-Type is well equipped, but cramped rear quarters and some cheap materials spoil the luxury experience for some.  2008 JAGUAR S-TYPE STYLING | [8 out of 10] Kelley Blue Book: "Stylishly distinctive Jaguar " Cars.com: "faces chronograph-style dials" Edmunds: "classier-looking sibling of the Lincoln LS " ConsumerGuide: "Wood cabin trim and richly padded surfaces befit a Jaguar " Luxury car ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The 2008 Jaguar S-Type is the most outdated vehicle in its class, yet to some, its styling, especially from the outside, comes across as classy and appealing. But that appeal is limited, as it's quite cramped inside and inefficiently designed compared to the competition. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has a similar price, yet it feels up-to-date and offers many high-tech options not available in the S-Type. For example, it's available with all-wheel drive, which is not at all offered on the Jaguar. The A6 also can be equipped with all-wheel drive, and it has a nice, modern interior design, along with a sportier feel behind the wheel. On a different note, there's the Lexus GS, which has a stiffer ride but impressive performance, although its interior is also quite cramped. The Lincoln MKS might actually appeal to some of the shoppers eyeing the base 3.0-liter S-Type. It's a very roomy sedan, with a well-designed interior, high standards of refinement, and lots of standard equipment, all for a lower price, though it might not have the same cachet with the valet-parking folks.

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See the Jaguar S-TYPE in Other Years:

2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999

Comments (2 total)

  1. By Willers #1, Posted: 9/1/2008

    hi

    i really love this car...How much is that?

  2. fb_1702006523 avatar by Dodi Karyadi #2, Posted: 9/7/2009

    beli....ah

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