1997 Jaguar XK-Series Consumer Reviews

XK8 Convertible

Written by: M. Coggins on 01/13/2005

Vehicle

1997 Jaguar XK-Series 2 Dr XK8 Convertible

Review

I have always loved Jaguars, and have owned an XJS V-12 coupe before this car. The quality has really improved since Ford became the owner, bringing the factory and technology up to date. The cars have always been beautiful to look at (my first love was the E-Type coupe in 1961), but the reliability was less than ideal.That is no longer a problem. This vehicle has had only a few minor issues, including the CD changer, and requiring an adjustment on the latch mechanism for the convertible top. It still draws many stares and comments even today. This car is a classic. The new BMW's and others are too radical in their design. Sensual is the best word to describe Jaguars. I love them.

Favorite Features

Both the exterior and interior design, the sound of the car when the accelerator is pushed to the floor, and the power. You can't tell this car is a convertible with the top up. It doesn't have the typical wind noise and squeaks and rattles of the other convertibles I've owned. It really handles!

Suggested Improvements

Consider having adjustable suspension that would allow the tight Sport mode for me, but also have a plush mode for when we want a softer ride.

8 out 8 people found this review helpful

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Automotive art

Written by: geffel on 08/27/2004

Vehicle

1997 Jaguar XK-Series 2 Dr XK8 Coupe

Review

This car has been a joy to drive for over two years. It has had its fair share of mechanical problems, and it does have some quirks (stalling at 90mph on the freeway once!), which are largely down to user error e.g. you should wait for the car to complete its diagnostics on start up before engaging a gear, otherwise you get an erroneous error message. There is nothing like an XK8 for getting admiring glances from those in the know, and from people who just love the classic lines of the beautiful cat. Despite the fact that I am trading mine in for something much more practical, I will always love the luscious feline with its muscular physique and energy.

Favorite Features

The looks

Suggested Improvements

Make it lighter, improve the handling, but otherwise leave it alone.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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xk8 coupe

Written by: jaguar52662 on 02/27/2004

Vehicle

1997 Jaguar XK-Series 2 Dr XK8 Coupe

Review

my 3rd jag, tis one is very fast at low speeds . it is not as warm as the xj6 or xjs it seems to have a cold almost german car feel to it , the perfomance is great, the suspension holds the road like no other car ( the factory tires are 12.5" wide) no out side noise but you can hear the exahust at low speeds, not a bad thing

Favorite Features

the windows lock in place when the doors are closed for a better wind seal

Suggested Improvements

soften the interior

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Black Lemon

Written by: Art De Tomaso on 11/19/2003

Vehicle

1997 Jaguar XK-Series 2 Dr XK8 Convertible

Review

I purchased this car less than a year ago with less than 50,000 miles and replaced the front bushings, the steering rack and cylinder, the water pump, and now the engine cover gaskets. The inside mirror that has a photo cell inside also has failed and will cost me over $200, and I have been told that all XK's of this year have chain tensioners that are prone to failure.

Favorite Features

The ride and handling are excellent, and the convertable top is real poetry in motion.

Suggested Improvements

I'd say that you're lucky if you have over 50,000 miles on this car and have had no major problems, but I'd like to see a little more headroom.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Top Notch Rag Top

Written by: Mr Hooker on 10/27/2003

Vehicle

1997 Jaguar XK-Series 2 Dr XK8 Convertible

Review

The latest Rag Top Cat is a wonderful car, with a little something for everyone. It's the very definition of "smooth" -- it drives like silk. There's lots of power, but it could use more low end torque. The suspension provides a very smooth ride, but it could stand to corner a bit better. The no-latch top raises/lowers quickly (you can drop it at a red light and not keep the folks behind you waiting) but the lack of automatic boot cover detracts. Special touches such as radio volume increasing with speed are excellent.

Favorite Features

Self latching top is fantastic. Wood dash is gorgeous, and wood shifter knob makes you feel like royalty. Pretty good mileage (avg 19mpg) for almost 290hp. Excellent trunk space for a convertible.

Suggested Improvements

Hope next version has a retractable hard top. Needs a little more legroom, even for me at 6'1". Could handle a little tighter in curves.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Chicks Love Cars

Written by: So Cal Lady on 10/15/2003

Vehicle

1997 Jaguar XK-Series 2 Dr XK8 Convertible

Review

I fell in love with this "factory special" 2 years ago. It is colour-change blue, with a subdued green/grey interior. Form not only follows function, but establishes equal playing ground. The car is absolutely beautiful, aggressive, & handles well in the L.A. traffic! Truly a timeless, minimalist design, it can "bust a 1/4" with the best of 'em while still maintaining class. 56,000 mi & no

Favorite Features

Washing it, vaccuuming sand out of it, taking it to class reunions, passing boys, waxing it, having to keep sunscreen in the glove box, slowing down to pass the boys again, the sport-shift button, forgetting I have it then remembering ag

Suggested Improvements

I know it's purposeful, but for a musclecar, it hardly makes a sound...I know, I'll put on a catback exhaust, & let that kitty roar! I wish they made a manual. P.S. Watch out for that bird

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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best hi-performance car buy

Written by: tlee on 08/26/2003

Vehicle

1997 Jaguar XK-Series 2 Dr XK8 Coupe

Review

Replacing my Benz, I wanted a hi- performance, unique automobile that did not make me look like a middle aged old fool in a fast car (I'm 44). The Jaguar XK fit the bill. There are tons of bmw's, vette's, Z's and porsche's on the road, but few XK's. I feel great every time me and my '97 blue XK with only 27k drives up and by those 'other' cars, looking pretty and sophisticated. Ford has done a superb job improving upon Jag's reliability without ruining the styling, but few know it, making the XK the best hi- performance used car on the market today.

Favorite Features

body style borders on exotic. car is fast yet refined. I can get my three young boys in it!

Suggested Improvements

leather on driver side wears out too fast

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xk nice to look at ,hope it doesnt break

Written by: kasalimeno on 08/11/2003

Vehicle

1997 Jaguar XK-Series 2 Dr XK8 Convertible

Review

this car is by all means georgous ,but the reliabity is terrible . it hit 50000 miles and is falling apart. the trani dropped and is costing $7500 out of warranty . i thought jaguar was trying to improve thier reputation ...? i will not have another one .

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Fine car

Written by: RMason on 06/19/2003

Vehicle

1997 Jaguar XK-Series 2 Dr XK8 Convertible

Review

I love this car. The sleek design is very pleasing. It's fast, responsive, corners well and has a beautifully finished interior and exterior. Have driven the car in southwest Florida since 1997. The only negative is the bushings in the front have needed to be changed twice. Now I'm told the new bushings are much better than the original. All in all, a world-class car.

Favorite Features

Design, performance, reliability.

Suggested Improvements

Fix the front bushings so they last longer than a few years.

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1997 Jaguar XK8 Convertible

Written by: Skipper on 05/23/2003

Vehicle

1997 Jaguar XK-Series 2 Dr XK8 Convertible

Review

I bought the car used and got quite a bargain. I cannot imagine buying one of these new! The reliability has been excellent.

Favorite Features

The interior. The burled walnut dash is second to none.

Suggested Improvements

The way the convertible top sticks out when the top is down. The boot does not look as polished as a BMW or MB convertible

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