2005 Jaguar XJ-Series Review
Fuel Economy
18 - 19 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
An all-aluminum body and high-tech air suspension combined with classic Jaguar styling give the XJ a fighting chance against its German rivals.
Pros
Supple ride quality, powerful V8 engines, roomy interior, more athletic than you might think.
Cons
Fussy interior controls, clumsy transmission shifter, CD changer is still in the trunk.
What's New for 2005
Long-wheelbase models are added to the lineup in standard, Vanden Plas and Super V8 trim.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
The Un-M5
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
2005 Jaguar XJ-Series XJR 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl S/C 6A)
Review
Looking for a fast, comfortable, and unique car is difficult in today's car market. When you nail the throttle and the supercharger responds with rrrrooowwwooowwh! All you need to do is lay into the accelerator, invoke its supercharged 4220-cc V-8's 390 bhp and 399 lb.-ft. of torque and hold on! The suspension is not 'Track Day Lotus' but it's also not Brougham DeVille. Jaguar was able to find a happy medium between the two. As far as the interior goes, you always feel like first class British Airways in the front or the rear seats. Set the desired gap and speed on this radar-based system, Jaguar's ACC adjusts itself to maintain a safe combination of both. All in all a fantastic car!
Favorite Features
Supercharger, top notch build quality, and striking body lines. Oh yeah, and the ability to embarrass STI's and EVO's.
Suggested Improvements
N/A
XJ8L
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 L 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
Review
This is my second XJ8L and the body design is a blend of the lower height 2003 and front grill of the X-Type. I'm a fan of the performance. The car is very quiet and on two extended trips of 2,000+ miles I averaged 29 and 28.5 mpg respectively. Portions of the trip exceeded 30 mpg at 65 mph. The driver seats are amazingly comfortable with excellent lumbar support. As a musician, the Alpine stereo system delivers a very rich and neutral sound across the EQ spectrum, with the base being very natural, not boomy.
Favorite Features
Styling, Comfort of front seats. Attention to detail on the leather piping. The transmission shifts effortlessly. Excellent and quiet acceleration.
Suggested Improvements
The wiper blade fluid is delivered via external tubes that are not attractive.
Dream Comes True
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 L 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
Review
The XJ was always a car I dreamed of owning, fell in love with the wooden dash and steering wheel back in the day. I love that I have this car but it scares me. I read lots of reviews before purchasing and felt confident in purchasing the '05 XJ8L. We started hearing a creaking noise overhead; it is now in the shop having the alumunium panels reglued, how scary is that. I have been reassured that this is minor but it sounds serious. Still in love and missing my car!
Favorite Features
I love the interior wood finishes, leather and the roominess of the XJ8L. This car is in a class of its own and you feel so special when driving it.
Suggested Improvements
Wider seats in front for increased comfort.
If you like Jags
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 5 | Build Quality: | 5 |
| Comfort: | 1 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Jaguar XJ-Series Super V8 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl S/C 6A)
Review
Folks I am 6'2 220lbs, if you have my dimensions don't buy - you will always be uncomfortable in the bucket seats. The car has a very attractive exterior, and the engine will blow anything away in its class, but lets face it folks this is a super ford, and everyone knows it. Remember folks if you drive, and spend time in the car, prepare to hire a massage therapist for your back and thighs. I can't wait to sell the damn car. Just my thoughts.
Favorite Features
The engine is remarkable, and incomparable to any car in its class.
Suggested Improvements
Get rid of the awful bucket seats.
0 out 1 people found this review helpful
2005 XJ8L Review
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 L 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
Review
This is my third Jaguar and by far the best. The quality of this car is outstanding. Owning a Jag always meant you had to have a back up auto to drive when your Jag was in the shop. But, not anymore. Class, comfort, reliability and prestige you can't get from a German or Japanese mark. Four good sized adults can fit easily in this car and everyone is happy. The aluminum body, V8 and six speed transmission are light years ahead of the previous design. I love this car. If you're looking for the whole luxury package in a full sized car, check it out.
Favorite Features
Six disc cd player, heated seats and steering wheel, amazing comfort and power in a big car without the heaviness of the older models.
Suggested Improvements
View Pricing for Other Years
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