2005 Jaguar S-Type Review
Fuel Economy
18 - 19 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
A solid all-around luxury sedan, the S-Type is exactly what you would expect from Jaguar in terms of style, form and function.
Pros
Elegantly appointed interiors, solid all-around performance, classic British styling, full load of standard safety equipment.
Cons
A few cheap interior bits, high price, fussy J-gate shifter.
What's New for 2005
The S-Type gets minor styling revisions in the form of smaller taillights, a tighter-looking deck lid and a restyled front fascia. New exterior panels have tighter fits, while the hood is now made of aluminum. Interior upgrades include new Bronze Madrona trim, a revised instrument panel and an optional aluminum trim package. Eight-cylinder models get a new VDP package that adds premium heated leather seats, burled walnut trim and unique 17-inch alloy wheels.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
S-Type V8 with Sport Suspension
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Jaguar S-Type 4.2 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
Review
This is my 3rd S-Type, minor issues with first two, tranny whooping noise which dealer fixed. Excellent car for long drives, avg 28-30 MPG at 75 MPH. The 18" wheels and Conti Sport Grips are awesome on this V8, the ongoing improvements to the car are very noticeable. For the money, a certified Jag is a much, much better buy than a Benz, Beemer and Audi, and with the V8 Jag, there is literally no maintenance other than oil changes. Brakes every 30-40K, I use a shop that works on BMW, Benz, Audi and Jags, they say the long term maintenance on BMW is worst followed by Benz, Audi and the newer Jags. I have been driving CPO's for almost 6 years and love them, my next one will be the XJR.
Favorite Features
The limited edition interior on the Sport Edition of the 2005, the 18" Triton Wheels and the performance and fuel economy of the V8. Very little maintenance other than oil changes is also a plus. The warranty is very, very good too.
Suggested Improvements
Tweak the engines to have a bit more horsepower, which they are doing with the 2010 models with the new 5.0 engine, I will wait 3 years before buying the new engine, it takes Jag a few years to get it right, but when they do they are great used cars for the money.
Wow, what a great car!!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Jaguar S-Type 3.0 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6A)
Review
I am a retired car dealer and have owned all kinds of cars. I bought this jag for my wife to drive (4'11") after buying a jag x type for a customer. This car is the total package. Great mpg, 31 hwy, 24 mixed in town. Besides oil changes and a K&N air filter, I have spent a total of $2.57 for a tail lite bulb in over 20k miles of driving. V6 has plenty of power. No quality issues at all. Solid and safe. One of the greatest interiors of any car I have owned. With this experience, we will probably upgrade to an xj8 at some point. Don't let the quality issues of 20 years ago hold you back from owning one of these great cars.
Favorite Features
The whole car is so well thought out, it's hard to pick a favorite. Heated seats are great, even after a long days driving. Sound system superb! Interior is just stunning, no fake wood or miles of plastic, quality everywhere! Calls for premium fuel but runs perfect on 89 octane midgrade.
Suggested Improvements
i just can't think of any!!
Acceleration problems
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Jaguar S-Type 3.0 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6A)
Review
Occasionally engine surges dangerously to 6K rpm and tries to drive forward while stopped at stoplight with foot on brake and car in drive. Owners manual suggests putting car in neutral or park when stopping for electric signal. Jaguar cannot tell me why they make this recommendation.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
Love My Jag
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Jaguar S-Type 4.2 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
Review
If you are thinking of purchasing a 2005 Jag, this is the one to own. I get over 25 mpg city driving, I have never taken it on any trip, so hwy mpg is unknown. 3.5 years of ownership and no problems. I think I'll own this for a long time!
Favorite Features
Super comfy for myself (small) or husband (Xtra-large) to drive. I sell real estate and have been given many compliments from customers re: back seat comfort, too, even when in car all day long. It seems like I never have to gas up the car, it is so efficient. Still looks like new.
Suggested Improvements
Wish the default on nav screen was blank or had Jaguar logo. Also, nav updates are very pricey. Everything else is perfect.
Wanted one, Bought one, Love it.
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Jaguar S-Type 3.0 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6A)
Review
I have wanted a Jag for several years so when the time was right I found a silver preowned S-Type online that checked out clean. I flew to Kentucky and bought it, driving 10 hours back to Arkansas that day. I loved the entire 10 hours and the fuel mileage shocked me with an average of 32 mpg @ 75-80 mph for the trip. I own a Lincoln LS (nice car too) and I have read several comparisons, but really there is no, the Jaguar exudes style, has a nice ride, shifts smoothly, and the 6 cylinder will surprise you with power. More back seat and trunk space than the LS too. It gets a lot of jealous looks and a lot of questions. I am very pleased so far.
Favorite Features
The leather interior is very nice, the seats are comfortable, and there are a lot of options (not as many as father in law's town car). Air bags all around at least makes me feel better about hauling my family. The v6 is surprisingly quick and very responsive to the petal. Plus it's a Jag.
Suggested Improvements
I did break the fuel door the first time I filled up by pushing it closed (my fault, just plain ignorance). But it could have been a little better made. My only complaint.
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2008 Jaguar S-Type
- 2007 Jaguar S-Type
- 2006 Jaguar S-Type
- 2005 Jaguar S-Type
- 2004 Jaguar S-Type
- 2003 Jaguar S-Type
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