1996 Jaguar XJ-Series Consumer Reviews
Fuel Economy
12 - 18 mpg
Recent Consumer Reviews
(18 Total Reviews)
Great Car - AC has been only problem
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
1996 Jaguar XJ-Series 2 Dr XJS Convertible
Review
I love this car from the first time I saw it. I was going to buy a new XK, but a retired man was selling this with 22k miles and it was garaged like new so I bought it. Even today in 2007 it is a head turner. People continue to walk up and say it is a great car. My wife is lobbying for a new one but I love the style on the '96. No confusing this with another brand. Maintenance, like any luxury car, is expensive when it is needed. Repairs have been as expected except for the AC system. Every year it has needed something. The only issue I have is with the AC. Two compressors and evaporators in only 7 years time at over $3.5K a pop to repair. I may have to finally sell it.
Favorite Features
Styling, ride, sound system, handling and acceleration. The leather interior and seats are nice, but I am six feet tall and the seat cut hits me wrong and is bothersome on long road trips which I rarely do.
Suggested Improvements
No cup holders, more comfortable driver's seat edge under thighs, Alpine sound system display is very small, led readouts that are difficult to read as are the controls small.
Can't believe it's a Jag!!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
1996 Jaguar XJ-Series 4 Dr Vanden Plas Sedan
Review
My title tells all. Having been in the used car biz since '76, I have found this car to be quite the auto. It now has 141k on it with no major issues what so ever. Love it and don't be afraid of 95-97 models.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
11 out 11 people found this review helpful
Pleasure To Behold
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
1996 Jaguar XJ-Series 4 Dr Vanden Plas Sedan
Review
The car is a classic beauty. Ride, style and comfort in transit. This is however a ladies' car. It is a little cramped for a 6 footer with a few extra pounds. My wife loves her jag and wont part with it... til I can get her a newer one. It is parked next to my Cad DTS and never takes a back seat. Thanks Jag!
Favorite Features
The style is timeless and priceless. The LWB is the car to buy
Suggested Improvements
A little more consideration for us full figured guys please
5 out 8 people found this review helpful
Dream to drive - collectors' item
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
1996 Jaguar XJ-Series 2 Dr XJS Convertible
Review
Like all cars, if you find a trustworthy non-dealership mechanic, you'll save a lot. I spend about $1000 once or twice a year on preventive measures and repair; a lot less than a car note. Leave it to Ford to get it completely right (overheating, guzzling V12 replaced with V6, electrics from hell fixed)in '95-96 and then drop the design altogether for '97! Brilliant! But thanks, now it's a collecters' item - compare the interior with the '97 Aston Martin (virtually identical). It's rare to own a vehicle that goes up in value, both aesthetically and monetarily.
Favorite Features
More peppy than other Jag models - and better-looking than everything they made since. Everywhere people say "that's a nice car."
Suggested Improvements
As close to perfect as one is likely to find for the price. Rear seats are not usable with the top up, but that is a 2+2.
5 out 5 people found this review helpful
One Very Fine Car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
1996 Jaguar XJ-Series 4 Dr Vanden Plas Sedan
Review
Between the ride and style it's a hard choice. Performance also enters in to that same equation. All 100%.
Favorite Features
Just a pure pleasure to drive. "Nice car," is just something you'll have to get use to hearing. From your passengers to the onlookers at the fuel pump.
Suggested Improvements
Improve the speakers. Other then that, just keep Ford away! Let the Brit's do what they do. It is the choice car of the Queen of England, and she does have some fine choices to choose from. Need I say more?
4 out 4 people found this review helpful
Lady DOESN'T Sing the Blues
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
1996 Jaguar XJ-Series 4 Dr Vanden Plas Sedan
Review
Lady Blue (name of my car) is one heck of a car! I love this girl and she treats me well. She's a smooth ride that loves to show off her sleek design and comfortable ride. Everywhere I go, people stop to look at her and compliment her beautiful and luxurious styling. Other than routine maintenance, my Jaguar hasn't been in the shop for anything since I got her. If you're THINKING about getting one -- do. It will be one of the best decisions you've ever made.
Favorite Features
Interior luxury is above reproach with extra legroom for both front and back seat passengers. The smooth, quiet ride will make you fall asleep if you're not careful! The speed and acceleration is phenomenal!!
Suggested Improvements
5 out 5 people found this review helpful
A Hidden Treasure
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
1996 Jaguar XJ-Series 4 Dr XJ6 Sedan
Review
I have owned Volvos, Buicks, and three BMW 5ers. Now, an XJ6. These cars are generally exceptional on reliability and, treated properly, will give you 200k miles on the original short block & transmission. They cars truly define aesthetic elegance; they are unique head-turners anywhere you go. Our XJ6 is very quick and light-feeling; it corners well with very little body lean and the steering, while not as stiff as a BMW, is precise and gives just enough feedback from the road. Because of my positive experience with our XJ6, I am endeavouring to buy another '96-'97 XJ, a Vanden Plas. Take advantage of the fantastic reliability & durability inthe '96-'97s!
Favorite Features
Aesthetics, sporty but never-harsh ride, rock-solid Jag I-6, comfortable seats,general quality & refinement that surpasses my (newer!) BMWs.
Suggested Improvements
Better stock stereo. That's about it. This car doesn't have much room for improvement.
5 out 6 people found this review helpful
It's great!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
1996 Jaguar XJ-Series 2 Dr XJS Convertible
Review
Going from a MB 380SL to this car was rewarding because it had 12057 miles & was6years old while the MB had 169000 miles. Comfort is superb and it is very stylish. If I was 50 years younger? Wow! Well made and a winner.
Favorite Features
The appearance package is outstanding as well as the comfort level.
Suggested Improvements
Perhaps a tad more power, but on the other hand, old guys like me should be more sedate...maybe.
3 out 4 people found this review helpful
Best Luxury Car I Have Owned
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
1996 Jaguar XJ-Series 4 Dr Vanden Plas Sedan
Review
Other than normal maintenance, this Jaguar has been a joy to own, fun to drive and the best luxury automobile I have yet to enjoy. You will too.
Favorite Features
Reliability and Exterior Look; Interior touring comfort.
Suggested Improvements
2 out 2 people found this review helpful
Big Bucks To Maintain This Car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 5 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 5 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
1996 Jaguar XJ-Series 4 Dr Vanden Plas Sedan
Review
My Mechanic said, "Youve Got A Super Nice Car BUT If You Keep That Car For Any Length Of Time You And I Are Going To Be Best Friends"! Trans has problems electronically shifts hard. Door locks will not lock, Check engine always on from some problem or another. Front breaks lock up defect in design after usage for a while. To many other very expensive problems to list. THINK HARD BEFORE BUYING!!!!!!!
Favorite Features
Interior and Exterior style just oozes class and luxury. Real Head Turner. Harmon Kardon Sound System is beautiful, ride is luxury, feel like a Million Bucks with this car.
Suggested Improvements
Transmission is too electronically smart for its own good, Redesign the entire electronics on this whole car. Front brake assembly needs help.
1 out 3 people found this review helpful
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