2003 Jaguar XK-Series Review
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Smooth, sleek and sexy, the XK is more of a gran turismo than a true sports car.
Pros
Divine exterior shape, supercharged V8 engine, good balance between luxury and performance.
Cons
Cramped interior space, cheap-o plastics, fussy GPS system.
What's New for 2003
Trying hard to keep up with blossoming competition, Jaguar makes significant modifications to its sports car. Changes to the exterior are limited to different wheels, slightly different badging, available (standard on the R) xenon headlamps and some new colors, including a lovely Jaguar Racing Green. The most important alterations lie under the hood, with two new engines managed by a six-speed automatic transmission. Standard safety equipment now includes a stability control system and BrakeAssist. In all, there are 900 changes to Jaguar's beautiful XK.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Know what it is.
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Jaguar XK-Series XKR 2dr Coupe (4.2L 8cyl S/C 6A)
Review
The XKR is a touring car, not a race car. People often get caught up in statistics when evaluating cars in this category. The XKR is heavier than other sports cars so it is slower in 0-60 times and around a track. You do get something though from the weight - leather and wood everywhere. Sitting in an XKR is a thrill in itself let alone driving it. And it is plenty fast with 400bhp. There are some quirks and design flaws on the XKR that you wouldn't find on a German car but the XKR seethes passion unlike its rivals. It is gorgeous to look at and a very rare car, the coupe especially; people will stare. In short, when I feel like getting out of town for a weekend, this car is perfect.
Favorite Features
Styling. 4.2 liter supercharged engine.
Suggested Improvements
Some minor quality issues.
1 out 2 people found this review helpful
Wife Loves It (so do I)!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
Review
Wife's Xmas present 12/05. She said she always wanted one, and she couldn't believe it when it "appeared" in the driveway 2005 Xmas a.m! She drives it everyday. This is "our" 2nd Jaguar; had an '89 XJS coupe (V12) previously - what an improvement since Ford took over. The '03 is wonderful: 4.2 engine is buttery smooth, and not as fragile as former 4.0 of earlier years' V8s. I put the XK-R wheels on it with all-season Michelins, and these work much better in winter than the 19s with Pirrelli summer/snows -- we have a lot of rough roads in Michigan. KNOW your mechanic, even if just warranty stuff. Not all dealers have "Jaguar certified" ones do work (some go out on own).
Favorite Features
Looks/styling, performance (for a grand tourer), prestige, and features. Wife's "blue baby" is unique in our area, and she sure has fun with that.
Suggested Improvements
For what one looks for in a vehicle such as this, not much can be done to improve it. "Nitpicking" items: cup holders, convertible boot cover, and visibility to the rear (although not much catches up with her!).
2 out 2 people found this review helpful
excellent xk8
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Jaguar XK-Series XK8 2dr Convertible (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
Review
Love this car for the fact that my father had a e-type back in the 60s and these bring me back to those days. Jag has wonderful services and excellent reliability.
Favorite Features
Love the styling and reverse park control. Also Alpine sound system sounds great.
Suggested Improvements
A retractable hardtop.
4 out 5 people found this review helpful
THE MOST FUN YOU CAN HAVE
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
2003 Jaguar XK-Series XKR 2dr Convertible (4.2L 8cyl S/C 6A)
Review
THIS CAR IS THE MOST EXCITING CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED AND WILL CONTINUE TO TURN HEADS EVERY WHERE I GO! THE FUNNY THING IS MOST PEOPLE HAVE NEVER REALLY SEEN ONE AND I LOVE IT!
Favorite Features
STYLING IS EVERYTHING
Suggested Improvements
MAKE IT EVEN FASTER
Singing in the Rain with my Top down!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Jaguar XK-Series XKR 2dr Convertible (4.2L 8cyl S/C 6A)
Review
This car has changed my life,liturally! I no longer stress in traffic jams, I have the convertible top up or down with ONE touch of a button,I feel safe and it almost drives itself. Their are features to let you know how far you are behind and in front of and obstacle with a ring of a ascending bell. My trunk is HUGE, holds 2 sets of golf clubs and ALL the Holiday Shopping I can do in one day! I look forward to going to the store a quick errand. When I drive I am wrapped in Performance and Luxury.
Favorite Features
I love all the toys, gadgets, buttons and the sound system. I feel like I'm at a concert in Carnegie Hall. The body style is sleek and unmatched by any other automobile. I truly LOVE it.
Suggested Improvements
CD player inside car. It is so inconvenient in the trunk.
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