PERFORMANCE | 8 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
Acceleration with the 3.0-liter V-6 is vigorous, supremely confident and helped by crisp automatic-transmission operation
Cars.com
the 2008 Jaguar X-Type comes up short in terms of driving excitement and refinement
Edmunds
Takes bumps as a solid unit
ConsumerGuide
The 2008 Jaguar X-Type has responsive steering, class-competitive acceleration, and enjoyable handling, according to road tests reviewed by TheCarConnection.com and the editors’ own driving experiences.
While most reviews read by TheCarConnection.com consider the Jag's street manners to be adequate, Edmunds is quick to point out that its V-6 engine is "less powerful than those found in many current family sedans," a tough blow for any Jaguar. Kelley Blue Book is similarly unimpressed by the Jaguar X-Type's powerplant, calling it "a more-than-capable engine for a family sedan such as the new Fusion, but it roars loudly at full throttle and feels out of place in a Jaguar." ForbesAutos agrees: "The engine must be revved hard for serious thrust."
The Jaguar X-Type's standard five-speed automatic transmission received mixed reviews, with MyRide.com gushing, "The X-Type somehow feels more powerful than it really is because there is never a questing need for more oomph at a critical moment." ConsumerGuide, on the other hand, was not enamored with the five-speed, complaining that "the transmission's tardy downshifts frustrate response in the 40-55-mph range."
Fuel economy has not traditionally been a Jaguar strong point, and the 2008 Jaguar maintains the status quo, with ConsumerGuide estimates reporting an average 19 mpg city/highway driving, and 21.4 mpg in mostly highway travel. After all, it takes fuel to haul so much leather around. EPA estimates are slightly less encouraging, coming in at 16 mpg city, 22 highway, and 18 mpg combined.
It seems that what the X-Type loses in engine performance, it makes up for with handling and ride quality. Cars.com raves, "the ride is sheer pleasure." Edmunds finds the ride quality to be acceptably pleasant, but remarks, "it can be harsh over bumps and ruts." Cars.com calls the Jaguar X-Type "confident and surefooted at all speeds." ConsumerGuide loves the stability and grip offered by the Jaguar's standard all-wheel drive, mentioning that the X-Type "maintains outstanding grip, even when powering out of wet corners." MyRide.com also enjoys the driving experience offered by the Jaguar, calling the car's steering "sharp and precise."
Conclusion
The 2008 Jaguar X-Type has sporty handling, but its powertrain and fuel economy lack the enthusiast spark.
