2005 Jaguar S-Type Review
Price Estimate: $3,687 - $5,972
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
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
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.
Edmunds 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.
For sale near Ashburn, VA
13 listings
- 119,698 miles
- 15 City / 22 Hwy MPG
- 91 mi away
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Upgraded Headlights
- Power Driver Seat
- Parking sensors
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Located in Harrisburg, PA
Guaranteed Credit Approval! WE FINANCE!!! Good Credit/ Challenged Credit/ No Credit - ALL Trade-Ins Welcomed!!! APPLY ONLINE or CALL us TODAY ;) Pleas...
- Features and Specs:
- 18 Combined MPG (15 City/22 Highway)
- Listing Information:
- VIN:
- SAJWA03V551N16176
- Stock:
- 13347
- Certified Pre-Owned:
- No
- Listed since:
- 04-07-2026
- 93,500 miles
- 16 City / 25 Hwy MPG
- 148 mi away
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Power Driver Seat
- Parking sensors
- Multi-Zone Climate C...
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Located in Quakertown, PA
- Features and Specs:
- 19 Combined MPG (16 City/25 Highway)
- Listing Information:
- VIN:
- SAJWA01U55HN32430
- Stock:
- N32430
- Certified Pre-Owned:
- No
Owners' Opinions
What Owners Like
The 2005 Jaguar S-Type commands admiration for its distinctive styling and the blend of luxury and performance it offers. Owners frequently highlight the car's smooth, comfortable ride, which is particularly suited for long-distance travel, providing both power and grace. Fuel efficiency, especially at highway speeds, surprises many, with reports of impressive mileage figures. The interior earns accolades for its elegant design and high-quality materials, often mentioned alongside the vehicle's strong sense of style. In terms of driving experience, the S-Type is applauded for its handling dynamics, which deliver a sportier feel while maintaining luxury sedan comfort. Classic design touches, like the interior wood and leather finishes combined with modern amenities, resonate well with drivers seeking a unique blend of traditional and contemporary elements. Additionally, the exclusivity of driving a Jaguar and the attention it draws on the road add an intangible sense of prestige that many owners find irresistible.
Common Issues
The 2005 Jaguar S-Type is not without its frustrations, particularly concerning its reliability. A recurring issue for several owners is the parasitic battery drain, often traced to a fault in the GECM, which can lead to frequent dead batteries. Electrical problems seem to be a significant concern, with various drivers encountering issues such as temperamental window operations and fluctuating temperature readouts. Transmission troubles also emerge, with some experiencing jolts that are difficult to fix reliably, even after multiple service visits. While the interior is generally praised, seat comfort over long periods can be problematic for some, leading to discomfort on extended journeys. In snowy conditions, the vehicle struggles, even with efforts to improve traction through alternative tire options. Despite its luxury appeal, these persistent mechanical and electrical problems often necessitate frequent visits to the dealership, impacting the overall ownership experience negatively.
Final Takeaways from Everyday Drivers
The 2005 Jaguar S-Type attracts drivers with its blend of luxury and performance, but its allure can be tempered by issues that emerge with regular use. Those enjoying the distinctive style and smooth ride find themselves drawn to this vehicle, appreciating its ability to deliver both comfort and a sporty drive. Despite this, frequent mechanical issues, particularly with the electrical system and battery, prove to be common interruptions for many owners. These problems sometimes detract from the overall enjoyment of owning such a stylish vehicle. However, in terms of fuel efficiency and long-distance comfort, many drivers find the S-Type compelling, satisfying their need for both practicality and elegance. The plush interior, coupled with its eye-catching design, often instills a sense of pride in ownership, even if reliability can be a caveat. Day-to-day driving can evoke mixed emotions, balancing the joy of a prestigious brand with the unpredictability of potential maintenance.
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$305/mo for S-Type 3.0
S-Type 3.0
vs
$211/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Reliability
The 2005 Jaguar S-Type has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 3 recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Recalls
3 recalls foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:
- 06V418000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- R176
- Manufactured from:
- 2004-01-01 to 2005-06-30
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 13655
- Defect Description:
- SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY HAVE FUEL TANKS IN WHICH THE FUEL DELIVERY MODULE (FDM), JET PUMP MODULE (JPM), AND/OR CLUSTER VALVE (CV) SEALS ARE NOT PROPERLY RETAINED IN THE FUEL TANK. THIS MAY RESULT IN ILLUMINATION OF THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL), OR A FUEL ODOR.
- Defect Consequence:
- IF THE AMOUNT OF FUEL IS ABOVE THE FDM, JPM, OR CV APERTURES, FUEL MAY BE DISCHARGED ONTO THE GROUND. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
- Corrective Action:
- DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL TANKS TO DETERMINE IF REVISED SEALS MAY BE USED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. IF NOT, DEALERS WILL THEN REPLACE THE ENTIRE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY. DUE TO PROBLEMS IN OBTAINING THE REPLACEMENT FUEL TANKS, THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 29 THROUGH MARCH 30, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT JAGUAR AT 1-800-452-4827.
- Recall Number:
- 06E056000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 58640
- Defect Description:
- CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.
- Defect Consequence:
- FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
- Corrective Action:
- UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.
- Recall Number:
- 04V484000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- R171
- Manufactured from:
- 2002-01-01 to 2004-09-28
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 50000
- Defect Description:
- CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 135, "PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEM." THE BRAKE FLUID MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR IS RECESSED AND ORIENTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BENEATH A LEAF SCREEN, SUCH THAT THE BRAKE FLUID WARNING STATEMENT EMBOSSED ON THE TOP OF THE RESERVOIR BODY IS NOT VISIBLE BY DIRECT VIEW.
- Defect Consequence:
- THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE STANDARD.
- Corrective Action:
- OWNERS WILL BE SENT LETTERS WHICH WILL INCLUDE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS AND LABELS CONTAINING THE REQUIRED WARNING STATEMENT. IF THEY PREFER, OWNERS MAY CONTACT DEALERS TO HAVE THEM INSTALL THE LABELS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 25, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT JAGUAR AT 1-800-452-4827.
Warranty
4 years / 50,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 6 years / unlimited miles
- Roadside assistance Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
- Free maintenance Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
Jaguar S-Type Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(90%)
4(7%)
3(3%)
2(0%)
1(0%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Great Car... Love My Jag!!
5 out of 5 starsCal Zombie, 05/28/2008
2005 Jaguar S-Type 3.0 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6A)
I always wanted a Jag but had heard ALL of the horror stories (electrical/cost to fix/etc etc). Read hundreds of reviews about the '05 (a great year for this car), and went looking for an "S Type". Found one with 30K and was certified. Bought it and never looked back. Ride is smooth and the the pick up with the 6 cyl is like a rocket. City driving I get 22 MPG, and freeway I have gotten … between 28 and (I know this may be hard to believe) 32 MPG. I got the 32 MPG going 70 mph on the "coast" from LA to San Diego w/no A/C. On a "Vegas" trip I was cruising at 85/90 with no problem. This feline can do more if asked to! Wonderful, smooth, powerful ride. Engine purrs like a cat!!
S type - Stand out from the crowd
4.88 out of 5 starsTony, 05/11/2007
2005 Jaguar S-Type R 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl S/C 6A)
I have owned my S type R for quite some time now and I have to say it's a pleasure to drive. The looks alone make it stand out from the masses but the performance is sensational. Jaguars of old have had some bad press, I'm here to say that's all changed. What other performance sedan can you buy used with a 400 hp engine for under $40k? These cars are classics in waiting and represent … fantastic bang for your buck.
Wow, what a great car!!
5 out of 5 starsbill, 07/09/2009
2005 Jaguar S-Type 3.0 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6A)
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.
Wonderfull Auto
4.75 out of 5 starsao145, 01/06/2011
2005 Jaguar S-Type 3.0 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6A)
I have owned 3 Jags, 1960 MK ll. 1965 3.8 S, and now a 2005 S Type. The last was purchased off a three year
lease , 27K miles in Sept 08.08. Present 63 K miles. Maintenance at 30K 40K by dealer at no charge .
Only repair was to a rear disc break $214.00.
At 65 MPH . average MPG is 26.1.
I have owned or leased 14 autos, German , US and
Japanese.
This has been a joy to own.
2005 S-Type Features & Specs
Sedan
3.0
| MSRP (New) Excludes Destination Fee | $44,230 |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Gas |
| Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
| Cost to Drive | $305/month |
| Seating | 5 seats |
| Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 12.0 cu.ft. |
| Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
| Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the S-Type include:
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover5 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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