Used 2004 Jaguar XJ-Series Consumer Reviews
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Drives Nicely, but a piece of junk!!
The XJR drives nicely and is very quick. However, it is a poorly built hunk of junk. My car spends almost as much time at the dealership as it does in my garage. The quality is very poor, and it is unreliable.
one dentist's second jaguaar
This is the most relaxing car I have ever driven. It also is such an inconspicuous luxury car that you feel incognito. Powerful sedan, smooth power delivery. Beautiful inside and out. Could not wish for a more complete package.
No Less than brilliant!
XJR is very low key and understated and yet..WOW..faster than my Porsche 911 which I traded it in for!!The acceleration is awsome and combined with the road handling and braking make this a one of the fastest cars of its kind on the road. It is easy and fun, fast and safe, quiet and yet has a performance that few people get to experience. Jag need to promote it a little more!
Jaguar XJ-R 4.2L Supercharge
The swift executive. Poise and handling- just as one would expect from an all aluminium rivited body and over 220lb lighter than the X308 4.0L SC.
xjr
this car is very stylish.. very fast for a big sedan.. all aluminum gives it better performance.. turns heads.. supercharged engine sounds nice at high rpms.. great overall vehicle..
Best Car in Sight.
When driving my newly purchased used Jaguar XJ8 I feel like I am driving the best car in sight, no matter where I am. It has a combination of speed, comfort, agility, style, reliability, and economy that makes it the best car on the road in America. The interior has features similar to the Bentley and Rolls Royce, also designed by Van den Plas, the man who worked on the interior of this Big Cat Jaguar. The full power of the car is felt in the passing lane acceleration, when it pushes you back into the seat. The eye catching looks when you pull up in front of the finest hotel in town, or the great admiration of all the people who simply root for Jaguar owners is not to be missed.
living the fanatasy
Some times fantasy is fulfilled. The new XJ-8 is comfortable, quick and well styled. The constant complements and smiles keep coming. Great pick-up and cornering and much better traction in a Chicago winter than I ever imagined. I feel great when I drive this car.
THIS CAR ROCKS!
I feel the overall review of this car is excellent! It is a classy looking car but yet portrays the characteristics of a sports car. I feel the build quality is far superior to any American brand luxury car. Although the car is 7-10 thousand dollars cheaper than comparable sedans from Mercedes & BMW, I feel it still gives the customer a bang for his or her buck! I feel this car has a nicer interior compared to the German cars. Jaguar I feel has landed right on the spot when they introdused this car last year (2003).
xjr 2004
Perfection, need say nothing else
great car
If you like a big comfort type of ride the XJ Jag is top of the line. It's not as tight or quick as a Bemer, but not nearly as expensive and a whole lot better looking. Gas mileage sucks.
Silver Cat
I have owned my 2004 Vanden Plas for 6 years. Recently drove to California from Georgia and also did Route 66 in mid 2021. Love this car. 28 MPG on the highway. (yes I know premium gas) I did replace the air bags with Strutmaster coil overs when I first purchased the car. Other that that, the maintenance is in line with any other 18 year old car. I have 180K miles on it now and plan to keep driving until the wheels fall off.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Let Jaguar Work the Kinks Out
A beauty, quick, fun to drive. Easily fits my 6'3" frame. But, at 100 miles an emergency brake warning came on. Took 3 weeks waiting for parts and an overnight in the shop before problem was solved with a new brake from England. I had to keep calling for latest updates; Jag customer Relations was no help. Also, 1-touch up for all windows are erratic, and don't work at all after visit to shop. Service manager observed this problem on several new XJs, but does not yet know the solution.
More than pleased!
It has exceeded my high expectations and I must say, is the automotive bargain. Nothing surpasses it distinctive appearance and style and luxury. The performance is amazing - we find ourselves just looking for "errands to run" just so we can drive it. I have never felt that way about a car and we have enjoyed some high end autos over the years. I am wishing I would have bought it sooner, but must add that purchasing it CPO with 19,000 miles has saved a bundle and it really is under priced for the value received.
Bigger But Better
At first I was not crazy about the larger and taller exterior size but am now happier about it. The car is faster, quieter, handles much better, and is more comfortable than my 1999 XJR. Don't hit my head when entering anymore. Fuel consumption excellent for a car this powerful - average 17.4 so far, mostly in town. Easier to wash and wax with fewer sharp corners and seams. with fewer seams and sharp corners.
Amazing!
This car has amazing fuel economy for a 300HP V8, is deceptively light on its feet, and is light years ahead of its predecessor - all while retaining a characteristically Jaguar design. The downsides - the seat cushions are uncomfortable for my slender 6'2 frame, the automatic climate control seems to take too long to kick into gear, and the paint quality is sub par (worth noting is that mine is a black car that spent its first four years in Columbus). I bought a warranty with mine but question whether I really need it.
Love it.
This is my second Jaguar, having owned a 2000 Vanden Plas, before this one. If they hadn't changed the body style I would still be driving that one. But I'm glad they did, the acceleration on this one is great and the gas mileage is over 28 on the highway. Love the new nav system, much better than the old one.
Galpin not up to the level to do the job
i am tire of getting my car not fixed and the job not getting done correct and most of all dirty and oil in the interior i have spent alot of money over the years and Galpin does not respent the car owner and i will not buy a car from them again i have to drive to LA to have my 3 jaguars fixed when i talked to the owner they said well we are makeing money so we are doing something right they never seem to call me about the service when i have a problem ???? so Jaguar does not know
OMG - What a car !!
Well, I have had my 2004 XJ8 for a week now and I cannot believe how awesome this car is. Full disclosure - I an 49 and waited a long time to drive the perfect car, I found it in the XJ8 I could not afford a new one and this 2004 is a close second best. I have a mercedes C320 ($58k new) wagon sports which I like, but the jag has it beat Anyone in the market for a 2004 with some low-med miles can expect a truley great car John beat Good news for those of us looking for a used Jag is there aint a lot of folks looking so proices are lower that Merc or BMW wagon sports with all bells and whistles and sports package 20 2002 and I like it
Not worth the money
This particular XJ8 is the XJR version, so performance is amazing and fun. However, the interior is dismal. The buttons fall off the airvents, the driver-seat is worse than a wooden bench, and the ignition is placed in a way that we tend to accidentally brush the key with our knee and shut the car off. Trunk space is small for a model like this. Headroom is minimal. Backseat is cramped for a car this size. I am not impressed.
Big Cars mean Big Bills
Had it for one year (18,000 - 32,000 miles), solid & responsive car to drive, firm seats stand up to wear from 4th & 5th graders. Unexpected maintenance & problems as follows: 1. Complete failure of battery & remote entry system ($1,800); 2. Worn front tires, replaced all (28,000 miles, $600); 3. Complete brake job (28,000 miles, $800); 4. Car alarm goes off unprovoked at least twice weekly, still uncorrected; 5. Radio jumps to different band on its own; 6. Had minor wrinkle in front fender over wheel, didn't break the paint, est. to repair was $3,000 (aluminum unibody, I think), I had dent guy fix it for $200, looks ok.
ME AND MY JAG
ACTUALLY THE 2004 XJ-8 IS MY WIFE'S DAILY DRIVER BUT IT IS A THRILL TO DRIVE (WHEN SHE LETS ME). ROCKET LIKE ACCELERATION AND BRAKES THAT BRING IT TO A HALT WITHOUT BRAKING A SWEAT, FAST. THE ACCELERATION IS SO FLUID AND THE TRANSMISSION IS SO SMOOTH, IF YOU ARE NOT PAYING ATTENTION, YOU'RE EASILY DOING 90. WE HAD CONSIDERED THE 745 BUT HAD HEARD A LOT OF NEGATIVES REGARDING THE "I" DRIVE, ITS LOOKS AND ELECTRONIC "GREMLINS". THE JAG HAS IT ALL OVER THE 745 IN LOOKS, PERFORMANCE AND LUXURY. THE INTERIOR IS LUSH AND COMFORTABLE. THE EXTERIOR IS UNMISTAKABLY JAGUAR AND ENGLISH. WE ARE THRILLED TO OWN THE XJ8.
My 3rd Jag
Have an xk8 and traded an 1999 xj8 on this new design xj8. It drives better than an audi a8 I was considering...and better than BMW...besides the Brits always support us.
Finally, A Real Luxury Car!
This is simply the best car I have ever owned thus far. I was to the point of debating if I would ever buy a new luxury car again. This car has the best ride, tightness, feel, music system, gadgets and workmanship of quality I have ever experienced. I was thinking about a Bentley and after test driving both cars, the 2004 Jaguar Vanden Plas won in all categories hands down accept in looks. The Bentley won on that. I am making up excuses to run errands so I can get in the car and drive. I traded a 1999 Vanden Plas and it was terrible from the day I bought it new. WELCOME BACK TO LUXURY JAGUAR!
2004 vanden pals: phenomenal
This is my third xj. The 2004 is exquisite in every detail, highly recommend the multi media package. Had a 2003 bmw 745, this car is just as fun to drive but the nav system and controls are very user friendly, unlike the i control in the bmw. they are pricey, but what a great ride!
Exellent Used Car Value
It's tough to beat buying a luxury car that sold for $65,000 for less than $30,000 with only 27,000 miles on it. I've owned 12 cars in my driving life and this is by far the nicest. It's quick and super comfortable. The ride is on the softer side however for every day driving and some fun on the weekends you can't beat it. The reliability has been great so far. Compared to the 745 from 2004 there are some definite differences in size and ride however they cost at least $10,000 more for a comparable car. Not worth it in my mind. All cars are worthless in the end.
What a wonderful machine
This car is without a doubt a truly wonderful machine to drive and to own. It's styling is exquisitely Jaguar and it's performance/handling is amazing. You can take Mercedes and BMW and show them the door - Jaguar has done it's job superbly with this car. I LOVE it.
One Year Later
I've owned the XJ8 over a year now, and am still in awe of this machine. My only problem was a noisy accessory belt that would chirp when the engine was cold. Jag fixed it with the one year service. Jag has built a high quality car with personality and every trip seems too short. The power from the V-8 is more than sufficient, with excellent fuel economy for a large luxury car. You will find it easy to drive the car very fast, with the CATS suspension changing its setting to keep you on an even keel and comfortable. At very high speeds (I wont say how high), the car will catch a bit of a cross wind. You will feel like royalty in this car, nothing can match it for the money.
better than beamer
Previous car was 740IL, and I was looking for something exciting (since BMW has ruined the 7 series from design and techno standpoints). My new Vanden Plas is all I could have wanted and more. Nimble, elegant, pretty and fast. Comfortable cabin, wizardry is functional for the most part, and truly fun to drive. Road feel a little squishier than 740, but still great!
This car is beautiful
This ride is fabulous and I can't stop playing with my GPS! I am suprised at how fast I am actually going sometimes!
Good car, Horrible buying experience
This is my second Jaguar. I like them because they are the most beautiful cars on the road. This model seems to be very good. Handles well and a lot of thought has gone into the interior design. The good things with this new car has been overshadowed by the HORRIBLE buying and delivery experience with GALPIN Jaguar, including but not limited to being treated poorly, car sold and delivered by someone who didn't know how to operate the car, the navigational system or program the radio, car not detailed properly, calls not returned in a timely fashion. Ruined the experience of enjoying a brand new car.
The Lightweight Cat is Great
This is the eighth Jag for me in the past 10 years (have had V12, Convertibles, XJR and XKR) and this is by far the best yet. Superb interior, fit and finish are exceptionally good and the ride is tops.
NOT THE SAME OLD JAG
HAVING SPENT A LOT OF TIME LOOKING FOR A LUXURY AUTO THE LAST CAR I THOUGHT I WOULD END UP WITH WAS THE 04 XJR BUT AFTER DRIVING IT THATS ALL I NEEDED AND I WAS READY TO WRITE THE CHECK I ENJOY POWER AND COMFORT AND IT PROVIDES BOTH AND FORD OWNERSHIP HAS MADE THE RELIABILITY ISSUE A NON ISSUE IF YOU ENYOY DRIVING THIS IS CAR IS THE BEST OF THE LOT
2004 Jaguar Vanden Plas
For the money the best car I have ever owned. Perfect ride for my wife, a little soft, but the kick in the engine is for me.
new jag
the best preforming jag sedan. the preformance and gas milage -very good. good styling but would prefer to be more distintive. seats are more comfortable than earlier models.
So Elegant
This car is so luxurious and the power is amazing. It looks very inocuous from the outside but you should have seen the look on the kids face driving the Mustang that I totally left flat at the stop light! The leather feels great and all the buttons and upgrades (I also have the GPS) are very nice. I am not a big fan of 4 door cars but needed one for hauling around my precious child. This is certainly a wonderful car to drive until I can get back into a sporty 2 door (can you say XJR??!!).
xj8 greatest car
the car is perfect in every way!
Class of the road
The 2004 Jag XJ8 looks great,and drives great.It has incredible pick up and speed and handles superbly.You feel like royalty behind the wheel.
In A Class Of Its Own
Best car I have owned !! Mercedes-s seris and BMW-7 seris cannot compare. Smooth and elegant and a great car to drive. Corners like no other car I have owned
Victoria and Albert
This car is so good we bought an identical certified used one. We call these fine cars Victoria and Albert. My initial 2004 review remains true. "I cannot quite believe that I am getting a Jaguar. My last 3 cars were BMWs. I do not like the design of the new BMW. The quality of the new Mercedes was inferior. The new XJ8 design, quality, performance, and value are clearly superior to BMW and Mercedes. My new XJ8 is extraordinarily comfortable. The performance is terrific. This is not your father's Jaguar. The new aluminum body is a leap ahead of the competition."
KABOOCH
You have to drive one to understand the appeal of this automobile. Ultra beautiful interior. Braking and power superb. Great fit and finish. Quiet.
#1
this is the number 1 car. it is very fast and it is not loud.
New Jag XJ8
Car handles beautifully, acceleration great and holds the road well. Interior room finally works for those of us over 6'. Fun to drive and much more class than a Mercedes or BMW.
shaguar
Sexiest car I will ever own, drives like a dream! I would recommend this car to anyone. Driven German cars for a few years now and I will never look back, I fancy an XJR one day!
The best I've ever had.
The design features make a truly better mousetrap. One word can sum it up: awsome!
aluminum road going spitfire
The "I Love to Walk Up to It, Get In, Drive it Everywhere All the Time And No Longer Rent To Cut Mileage On Frequent Cross-State Trips" factor is overwhelming! It is the World's Best Car, for me. It has dramatically ameliorated if not erased my life long "Bently Thing" (the dash especially is that fine --and fun). I took a leap of faith they have, in this ground-up new vehicle, erased the incontrovertable Jag demons; with 12,800 HARD miles in 7 months and nothing of consequence wrong, I believe they have. Its brilliant, tough, fun, luxurious, complex yet intuitive; and blisteringly fast! An Aston Martin with a baby seat next to the rear door!
CAN'T GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS SO FAR
HAD 1999 JAGUAR XJ8 THOUGHT WAS GOOD CAR BUT GAVE ME PROBLEMS TOWARDS END. TRIED XK8 FOR ABOUT A WEEK BUT WAS HARD TO GET IN AND OUT OF SO DESPITE MY LOVE OF IT'S APPEARANCE I TRADED 2005 FOR 2004 VAN DEM PLAS. IT RIDES AND FEELS SO MUCH BETTER THAN MY OLD XJ8 AND THEXK8. I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE A BETTER RIDING CAR BUT I HAD NO IDEA IT WOULD BE AS RESPONSIVE ON THE ROAD AS IT IS OR AS COMFORTABLE. HOPE I DON'T GET MECHANICAL PROB. BUT SO FAR COULDN'T BE HAPPIER
Best Jag Ever!
I've driven/owned all luxury vehicles and none have pleased me like the XJ series Jag. This is my fourth one, and I will continue to buy them. No faulting these cars any longer on quality and reliability. And, it's still exciting to drive and gets 18/29 mpg in city/highway driving. No BMW, Benz, or Lexus look-alikes for me.
seventh XJ since 1969
My most exciting XJ was 1973, series 2. The '04 revives the excitement. It is quick, quiet and comfortable. The competition was the '04 Audi A8L Audi hadmore rear room, but was not as cofortable nor as responsive on curves.
Happy customer
The car has pick-up and speed that match its styling. I love the car. I love how, unlike most other cars in this category, it doesn't look like a MB clone.
A Joy To Drive
Drove Lexus 430s and other cars and have not taken a look at the Jag for a long time. Finally got around to driving one and fell in love with the car, it's performance, and the style of the design. There is a quiet power about the Jag that is simply wonderful to drive and be a part of....and the looks you get when driving it are telling. This is a class car in every respect.