2008 Jaguar X-TYPE Quality Review

The four-door Jaguar X-Type scores comfort and style points with its leather interior, but while the front seats are fan favorites (MyRide.com: "we had no trouble staying in them while flinging the car around"; ConsumerGuide: "The front seats are narrower and softer than the European norm but have good support"), the backseat accommodations are not as popular. Regarding the rear seat, ConsumerGuide balks because the "seat cushion is too soft for best support, and narrow doorways compromise entry and exit."

Cargo space is fairly abundant, with 16 feet of trunk space for the 2008 X-Type sedan. ConsumerGuide says it has as "much usable space as any direct rival." Both the sedan and Sportwagon models have fold-down rear seats, boosting the Sportwagon's usable cargo room to 50 cubic feet with the seats folded. MyRide.com loves the hidden storage area under the Jag's rear floor, "which can be used to stash cameras and other valuables in a molded compartment with dividers." They are also impressed with the 2008 Jaguar's hidden 12-volt power outlet, which "allows recharging of a laptop computer or digital camera while totally hidden from prying eyes."

While cargo and trunk space are high points for the 2008 Jaguar X-Type, Edmunds is not overly enthusiastic about some elements of the interior, remarking that "materials quality is unimpressive, particularly the plastic central control pod, which is also not particularly ergonomic," a knock that only adds to fears about the 2008 Jaguar's Ford heritage. ConsumerGuide is similarly unimpressed with the Jaguar X-Type's parts quality, remarking, "standard leather and wood strive for an upscale cabin ambience, but some of the plastics disappoint." Kelley Blue Book notes a discrepancy between materials used, complaining "the rich wood appliqué only serves to highlight the flat black plastic faceplates."

The cabin of the 2008 Jaguar X-Type is quiet and comfortable, and it drew rave reviews from experts consulted by TheCarConnection.com, although ConsumerGuide notes "road noise intrudes with the 18-inch tires." However, the Jaguar X-Type's optional 18s seem to be the only squeaky wheels in a quiet platform. According to MyRide.com, "Exceptionally quiet, the X-Type exhibits evidence of solid, careful construction."