1997 Jaguar XJ-Series Review

Name: 1997 Jaguar XJ-Series Review
Brand: Jaguar
Price: 2051 USD
Rating: 4.8 (29 reviews)

1997 Jaguar XJ-Series 4 Dr Vanden Plas Sedan

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Jaguar XJ-Series model years

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Edmunds' Expert Review

by the Edmunds Experts

Pros

Beautiful lines, a luxurious interior, Jaguar prestige, and exceptional passenger comfort.

Cons

Quirky interior makes it difficult to reach some controls.

What’s new

The 1997 XJ-Series loses the V12 model that has been a mainstay of the Jaguar lineup for so many years. A long-wheelbase model becomes available this year, filling a niche between the XJ6 and the Vanden Plas. All models receive a contoured bench seat and three-point seatbelts for rear occupants. The XJ6 replaces last year's chrome-vane grille with a black-vane grille, and the convenience group becomes optional on this model.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 1997 Jaguar XJ-Series Vanden Plas 4dr Sedan and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.03 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$214/mo

$204/mo

Avg. Large Car

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Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 1997 Jaguar XJ-Series.

5 (76%)

4 (24%)

3 (0%)

2 (0%)

1 (0%)

4.8

29 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

Very Satisfied

chris, 03/26/2007

1997 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ6 L 4dr Sedan

I did a lot of research and it all pointed to the 1995-1997 XJ6. Being in the car industry and never having owned a Jaguar before, I talked to as many foreign car mechanics and Jaguar owners as possible. I bought the 1997 XJ6L with 97000 miles and had it checked out. The mechanic said it was excellent. My wife, who has had 3 new mercedes benz in a row, drives it and loves it. No more …

Best thing from Jaguar ever

solarus, 03/01/2011

1997 Jaguar XJ-Series Vanden Plas 4dr Sedan

When I bought my 1997 VP, it had 96,000 on it. Purchase price from a dealer was right around $6,000 - don't ask why they go so cheap, I think American buyers have been so scared by previously poorly built Jags that cost tons to repair that only daring souls (like me) buy these things. What can I say, this particular model is simply exceptional - as long as you follow the maintenance …

165,000 miles

marty, 08/29/2010

1997 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ6 L 4dr Sedan

I had always wanted a jag, and I finally got one. It has 165,000 miles and it still runs great. One of the factors in buying such a high mile car was the straight 6. It seems to me that most of the old jags still on the road are xj6s. I love to drive this car more than any I've owned. Buying such a car is not without some troubles, it needed an alternator.

Destined to be a true classic

XJ 4Ever, 09/12/2017

1997 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ6 4dr Sedan

This one of those cars you wish later you had bought when you had the chance. I got the chance and have been falling in love ever since. I love how this Jag rides, drives and feels oh so solid. The engine took a little getting used to as it is the last of the straight six 4.0 (USA), and feels (and sounds) like you are starting up a WWII warplane. Once running it is pretty smooth but not … buttery and revvy like the V8 that replaced it or the other typical competition. Instead is feels solid and reliable, which it happens to be in spades. If you get a chance to pick up one of these gorgeous cars, you will never want to let it go. With the forward hinged hood, single windshield wiper, J-gate shifter, full-sized spare tire, monstrous battery in the trunk, fuel tank behind the back seat, leather everything, real birdseye maple wood coddling you, and a windshield you can actually reach from your seat, this is a unique car to be certain. UPDATE: My first 10k miles went by quickly, as it is a commuter car for me. Not a single problem encountered. These Jags are made fun of for being less than ideal in the snow, but I put Michelin X-Ice Xi3 tires on her, and managed my way without trouble through 4 inches of snow. The heater is superb and warms quickly, having an auxiliary heating pump, which facilitates quicker defrosts as well. I also love the unique single windshield wiper, which cut that cost in half. UPDATE: Another 10k miles and still no issues at all. I am surprised at the passing acceleration of this 4000 pound car. A new Dodge Challenger SRT8 pulled in front of me from an on ramp and we both "got on it" at the same time. Somehow the Challenger had a hard time pulling away from me, though of course I wasn't going to be able to stay with it too long, the Jag held it's own well up to 100 :-) UPDATE: I now have 175,000 miles on the Jag and still have had no major issues. I just had the windshield replaced from a rock crack, and got a 1998 version with the same green tint plus a blue sunshade tint along the top, a welcome upgrade. I am averaging close to 23 miles to the gallon, 90% being highway miles. It is still driving as well as when I got my Jag at 129,000 miles. The air conditioning is also still ice cold, actually had to turn it up a little higher this summer even at 103 degrees (F of course) outside. The heating/cooling of this car is awesome. UPDATE: The miles just keep coming. Now at 185,500 and STILL no major issues. I have done nothing but change the oil and wash Baby since the last update. It uses very little oil (one additional quart added in last 5k miles), has never needed coolant EVER (tight sealed system apparently), and the power steering reservoir has not leaked since I cleaned it up and tightened the hose connections since the last (and only) fluid change on it about 5k ago. Fabulous car. UPDATE: Another 10,000 miles of trouble free driving, now at 195,777 miles. Have been running Nokian WR G4 tires this time, starting in November 2019. EXCELLENT tires. Truly all-weather, unlike the all-season tires. These have the triple-peak snowflake rating for winter, and are the best all-around tire I have ever driven. UPDATE: "Baby" now has 227,000 miles on her, still all original except wheel bearings and brakes. Still running strong with no issues! She now wears Nokian One tires, which replaced the excellent WR G4. Those Nokians ended up getting 36,000 miles of wear. The One tires are rated 80k , but I expect to get only around 50k tops. Excellent all season tires, especially rain. Snow not so much, but doable and predictable. The only broken item was the power antenna mast, which is typical, and only cost $20 and an hour or so of work to replace. **UPDATE: Sept 22 2022 Baby hit 235,700 miles today, and is STILL running as strong as ever! ZERO failures of any kind to reports since the last update at 227k. The Nokian ONE tires are not holding up as well as advertised, but they are wearing evenly and have given me no troubles. I can feel that they are not so good on rain anymore, and likely not going to be easy through winter, now at 50% tread at only around 10k miles. I can say these will not be purchased again. **UPDATE: 4/6/2023 Baby now has 243,000 miles on her, and going strong! Just did the rear dif fluid, an oil change, and will update the instrument cluster to LED bulbs this weekend. The Nokian One tires are actually doing fine, and after having been through more snow and ice, I believe they are a good tire after all. Treadwear is slowing down and wearing evenly. This Jaguar is still the most reliable car I have had, with no hiccups in the drivetrain or electronics, as older Jags may have had. I would feel comfortable taking it anywhere. Solid piece of engineering. I also find it endearing that the hood sits lower than most modern cars, giving it a more sporting feel, and though the car looks big, it really isn't. UPDATE: With 249,000 miles, the XJ6 just keeps going! The wheel bearings are all in need of replacement, but that's it! Nothing wrong or broken otherwise. There are only a couple instrument lights on the gauge cluster that have burnt out, but they aren't enough to warrant replacing them just yet. Will use LED when I do, which I have a handful ready.

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1997 XJ-Series Highlights

Trim:

Vanden Plas

Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	18 MPG
Cost to Drive	$214/month
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	11.1 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive

See all features & specs

Safety

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Not Tested
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
0
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Not Tested

1997 Jaguar XJ-Series Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 1997 Jaguar XJ-Series Vanden Plas 4dr Sedan and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.03 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 1997 Jaguar XJ-Series.

Trending topics in reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

Very Satisfied

Best thing from Jaguar ever

165,000 miles

Destined to be a true classic

1997 XJ-Series Highlights

Safety

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1997 Jaguar XJ-Series Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1997 Jaguar XJ-Series Vanden Plas 4dr Sedan and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.03 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.

Most helpful consumer reviews

Very Satisfied

Best thing from Jaguar ever

165,000 miles

Destined to be a true classic

1997 XJ-Series Highlights

Safety

Related Used 1997 Jaguar XJ-Series info

Vehicle reviews of used models

Popular new car reviews and ratings

Research recent models from same make

Other models

Join Edmunds

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 1997 Jaguar XJ-Series Vanden Plas 4dr Sedan and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.03 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}