The XJ8, fully redesigned for 2004, manages to combine its traditional customers' favorite aspects (all but unchanging styling inside and out) while including more of what typical luxury consumers are looking for (interior space) and throwing in nimble, responsive handling. And at only a hair over $70,000, it is by far the least-expensive vehicle here. If this vehicle covers everything, why the low finish? The XJ8 ended up in fourth place not for any fault of its own, but for the strong qualities of its competitors. While the car is very comfortable and refined, the vehicles that finished ahead of it are simply more so.

    The XJ8 rides very comfortably, particularly in the extended-wheelbase L version reviewed here. However, it is firmer than some of the other vehicles here, and not quite as absorbent. The firm ride does help the car's handling; the XJ8 is impressively agile, and the steering is quick, precise, and responsive, and provides excellent feedback. Engine noise is well-muted, but road noise is excessive for a car in this class. The XJ8's relatively low weight compared to the other vehicles here helps acceleration as well as handling, the 294 horsepower make the car more than suitably quick. Fuel economy is also impressive for this class.

       Inside, the XJ8's front seats are firm, well-shaped, and comfortable, but typically confining in the traditional Jaguar fashion, with narrow cushions and limited leg and headroom. Even in the extended-length version, the rear seat is not as roomy as in some competitors', and could also benefit from a longer cushion. The dash is designed in the traditional Jaguar style, with a large spread of high-quality wood trim spanning the entire dash. Impressive as that is, some lower-quality plastics on the center stack cheapen the car's feel inside. The gauges are clear enough, but there are too many small buttons on the dash (the layout is still above average in this class) despite coming equipped with fewer electronic gadgets than most of the others here. The driver sits comfortably, but visibility is impeded by the small windows and large rear head restraints. The low-mounted seats hinder entry/exit, but the doors open wide enough. The trunk isn't especially large either.

         Overall, the XJ8 is the most fun-to-drive vehicle here, thanks largely to its agility. However, despite its competitive pricing, it cannot place higher here because of its relative inability to pamper occupants with a roomy cabin, minimal noise levels, and a supremely smooth ride. However, as that was not really the purpose of the vehicle, Jaguar can hardly be faulted for that; the XJ8 is close to ideal for its target audience of Jaguar aficionados and luxury shoppers looking for a true driver's car. But mainstream buyers may not wish endure the sacrifices in comfort and refinement made in the name of sport, and while this car deserves at least a look from them, there are better mainstream vehicles here.

Pros:

-Features for the Money

-Handling

-Acceleration

-Fuel Economy

Cons:

-Refinement

-Interior Comfort

Overall:

The driver's car of this class.

Options Added to Vehicle Reviewed:

 -

Price of Version Reviewed:

$70,183

Powertrain:

4.2-liter V8

294 horsepower

6-speed automatic

Vehicle Overview