2008 Jaguar S-Type Review
2008 Jaguar S-Type Review
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Used S-Type for sale
Appraise This CarJaguar S-Type model years
Jaguar S-Type types
- Sedan
- R
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Plush ride quality, strong acceleration from V8 versions, style, lack of popularity makes it a relatively rare sight on the road.
Cons
- Aged design, low-quality Ford V6, a few cheap interior pieces.
What’s new
Jaguar's midlevel sedan enters its final year with several tweaks, all of them cosmetic. V6 and V8 models upgrade to standard 18-inch wheels and adapt the front bumper design of the S-Type R. The R, in turn, upgrades to 19-inch wheels.
Edmunds says
A fairly competitive car back on introduction day, the 2008 Jaguar S-Type's shine has dulled somewhat in the face of competitors' younger, quicker, more luxurious designs.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2008 Jaguar S-Type 3.0 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.31 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$256/mo for S-Type 3.0
S-Type 3.0
vs
$176/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
The Jaguar S-Type has a fairly significant place in automotive history, signifying the first real fruit of the Ford-Jaguar partnership and the first step from either brand into the midsize luxury segment. The 2008 Jaguar S-Type represents the ninth and final year of production for this midsize, rear-wheel-drive luxury sedan.
Born as the classier-looking sibling of the Lincoln LS, the S-Type also enjoyed a higher-grade interior and more potent versions of both the V6 and V8 engines. Ride and handling have been praised from the start (braking less so), and whatever was lacking in powertrain performance has been rectified over the years as the automatic transmission became a six-speed, the standard V8 gained power and a supercharged V8 debuted on the S-Type R to blow away nearly every competitor (at least when it arrived in 2003).
Regardless of the prodigious power at the top of the lineup, the S-Type as a whole has become known more for walking the middle ground between performance and comfort. Its V6 delivers weak performance for this class, and even decked out in R guise, handling is on the soft side. This midsize luxury sedan is also known for an interior that's a mix of virtues and vices: high comfort in front but skimpy space in back, and old-world British ambience with unfortunate splashes of Ford-grade controls and materials.
As all competitors have redesigned their entries during this Jaguar's lifetime, most have surpassed it in performance, comfort, refinement and features. While a 2008 Jaguar S-Type is not an altogether poor choice for a midsize luxury sedan, we think most prospective buyers will be happier with more desirable choices such as an Audi A6/S6, BMW 5 Series, Lexus GS or Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The 2008 model year will be the S-Type's last. Look for a replacement modeled after the C-XF concept car.
Performance & mpg
The base Jaguar S-Type 3.0 uses a Jaguar-enriched version of Ford's Duratec 3.0-liter V6. Its 235-horsepower rating is the most this engine has ever made, though keep in mind that it has less torque (216 pound-feet) than the competition's bigger V6s. The engine in the S-Type V8 displaces 4.2 liters and cranks out 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, while the supercharger and variable valve timing on the R boosts that all the way up to 400 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. If those numbers still sound petty compared to the BMW M5's 500 hp and the Mercedes E63's 507, so should its $65K price compared to their $82K and $87K. Ever since the V6 lost its short-lived stick shift of 2003-'04, a six-speed automatic transmission has transmitted power to the rear wheels on all models.
Safety
All 2008 Jaguar S-Types come standard with the six airbags now expected in most luxury sedans, though many upscale cars have been upgrading to seven or eight. The disc brakes get progressively larger with each model and antilock is standard across the board, as are traction and stability control. While front crash test scores are unavailable, the S-Type scored four out of a possible five stars for front-side impact protection and five stars for rear-side protection in NHTSA testing.
Driving
With the exception of this year's unusually aggressive wheel and tire packages, the 2008 Jaguar S-Type follows Jaguar tradition by emphasizing easy steering and an overall relaxed driving experience over serious sporting pretensions. The chassis lacks the liveliness of the German-brand luxury sedans, but the six-speed automatic is smart at picking gears, either V8 should be good enough for most buyers (the V6 is debatable) and the R's electronic CATS suspension pays real dividends, limiting body lean without hurting the ride much.
Interior
The S-Type has been well-received for its supple leather -- standard on all models -- and elegant wood trim. Downsides include a slight perception of confinement at all positions and a J-gate shifter that many drivers find fussy to operate. Some of the plastics and materials also suggest a lower caliber of car.
2008 Jaguar S-Type models
The 2008 Jaguar S-Type sedan lineup consists of the V6-powered 3.0, the V8-powered 4.2 and the supercharged R. The 3.0 starts off with 18-inch wheels, leather seating, power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a moonroof and rear park assist. The S-Type 4.2 upgrades the 3.0's 140-watt CD stereo to a 320-watt Alpine system with a trunk-mounted six-CD changer and adds a power rear sunshade, premium carpets, a navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity, front parking sensors, xenon HID headlights and bigger brakes. Many of the 4.2's features are available as options on the 3.0. Satellite radio is an option on all models.
The range-topping S-Type R comes with 19-inch wheels, bigger brakes and a sport-tuned suspension with Computer Active Suspension Technology (CATS) that automatically switches between two shock absorber settings to benefit both ride and handling. Note that the R reduces the regular 60/40-split fold-down rear seat to a small pass-through porthole and moves some of the 4.2 model's features to the options list. Exclusive to the R's options list are two-tone seats and a Luxury Package containing adaptive cruise control.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2008 Jaguar S-Type.
5 star(92%)
4 star(8%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
36 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
Still a performer
michael, 03/14/2009
2006 Jaguar S-Type R 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl S/C 6A)
I've now owned this car for several years and its my third Jag. This car is simply the best I've owned. The looks are still good and save for the easily scraped wheels, it still looks new. The reliability has always been a concern but its never broken down and never not started. The only trips to the shop have been for maintenance and to replace a NAV component (warranty). The brakes are … expensive so watch out for that! ($1000.00 for the back)
5 out of 5 stars
Inspector Morse
Inspector Morse, 04/17/2010
2007 Jaguar S-Type 3.0 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6A)
We have had this car for three years and it has been fabulous. We had two prior X-Types which were also excellent. It is a superb car around town and amazing - AMAZING - on the open road. The handling is superb, the 3 liter is remarkably robust, and it gets better mileage even than the X-Type. We have always liked the old S cars featured on the BBC 'Inspector Morse' series and this is … an elegant modern rendition. The flowing lines are so pretty even as design trends for most cars have become much more angular the past few years. Still rare and unique enough to turn a lot of heads. Snow tires are absolutely essential in northern climes. We will keep this one forever!
4.63 out of 5 stars
Can't beat it for the money
forcefed, 05/17/2010
2006 Jaguar S-Type R 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl S/C 6A)
Amazing power and handling for a car its size, the ability to get 29mpg if you cruise on the hwy. gorgeous good looks. Tight rear seat but that's not why I bought it. Brakes and Tires go fairly fast but the driving experience is well worth it. a few squeaks and rattles showed up and are not covered under warranty after 12k miles. I'm writing this after my car was totaled last week, I … walked away with minor cuts and bruises, so I can now say, its a very safe car to be in if things go wrong. Frame was bent and the engine mounts broke but I was able to get out and walk away. Might find myself in another one sooner than later
5 out of 5 stars
Better late than never!
Flipside28, 11/21/2015
2006 Jaguar S-Type 3.0 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6A)
I have always loved the S-Type. My lease ended on my Mercedes C 300 and since I don't drive to my office any longer I decided to buy something that I would really enjoy. I located a 2006 S Type with 47K on the odometer. I did my research and had the car checked out and I have been thrilled with my purchase. It's a nice size; great ride;comfortable and always turns heads. AC needed a … boost but other than that its been great. I have it serviced at a Jaguar mechanic when I need oil changes and scheduled maintenance. If you find a good one they are great!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2008 Jaguar S-Type, so we've included reviews for other years of the S-Type since its last redesign.
2008 S-Type Highlights
Sedan
3.0
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $48,335 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 20 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $256/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 14.1 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the S-Type include:
- Alarm
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover5 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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