2004 Jaguar XJ-Series Review

Name: 2004 Jaguar XJ-Series Review
Brand: Jaguar
Rating: 4.8 (145 reviews)

Price Range: Not Available

2004 Jaguar XJ-Series XJR Sedan Exterior

2004 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 4dr Sedan Shown

+91

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Jaguar XJ-Series model years

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Jaguar XJ-Series types

Sedan
XJR

Edmunds' Expert Review

by the Edmunds Experts

Pros

Supple ride quality, powerful V8 engines, roomier interior.

Cons

Fussy interior controls, clumsy transmission shifter, CD changer is still in the trunk.

What’s new

Although the exterior styling may look familiar, Jaguar's historic sales leader, the XJ, has been completely redesigned for 2004.

Edmunds says

The styling may not break any new ground, but an all-aluminum body and high-tech air suspension transform this former fat cat into a friskier flagship.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2004 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6A) 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 $3.79 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$236/mo

$188/mo

Avg. Large Car

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Jaguar XJ-Series Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.8

145 reviews

5(86%)

4(9%)

3(2%)

2(2%)

1(1%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Nice Kitty

Jim K, 11/30/2015

2004 Jaguar XJ-Series XJR 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl S/C 6A)

I have now owned my 2004 XJ8 for 9 years. It has proved to be a very satisfying car to drive and to own. The reliability so far has been excellent. I have presently approximately 90 K miles. I do not drive it in snow as it has very poor traction and I don't want to expose it to salted roads. The comfort on long trips is exemplary except that it is slightly cramped in comparison with … other sedans of this level. Trunk space is also limited-better than the older model but still fairly small. The gas mileage on highway driving is very, very good. The seats are very firm which means they are comfortable on long drives. I recently drove mine from New England to South Carolina (about 850 miles) and was impressed with the long haul comfort of this cat. Resale value is unfortunately pretty dismal but if you are buying one you can buy one cheap. They always turn heads with their classic looks. Update: the Kitty is still going strong now in 2016. No major repairs-just routine maintenance-brakes, tires, oil and scheduled adjustments. Update: 12/01/2016-the Cat is still going strong. The only repair since my last post was a blower fan for heat/AC. Reason: mice got in and made nest-and fan got ruined in the process. So still going strong and no reason to change my previous glowing review. Update:12/2018. My Jaguar is still running strong. The headliner, of course, is sagging now and I am probably going to address it in the spring but other than that no issues. The car still runs and feels as new. I am appreciative of the classic look more and more as I see all the cookie cutter cars out there. Update: 12/02/19-nothing new to report -the car is still running strong and continues to be a comfortable, sporty, reliable daily driver. I replaced the thermostat during routine oil change and radiator flush. I do not run it in snowy conditions which Helps keep it in good condition. The brake lines are still original and undercarriage looks clean. I think the air suspension will be needing attention but still not throwing warnings other than severely cold days( which is par). Update: 6/2020: Still driving and enjoying this lovely car. Oil changes and new thermostat since last update. Car showing check engine light but starts and runs normally-I will bring it in shortly to check and get oil change. I drive the car all winter other than a few days as we had no real snow after December. Still love this car-it will be a family heirloom. Update: 6/2/23: The XJ8 is doing duty as our available car at our vacation home out of state in order to avoid the high cost of rental cars. Update: 12/05/23: the Jag is our car away from home at our vacation condo in SC and is still giving us good service. Due for oil change service and new tires soon.

Best Luxury Car Value You'll Find

Mark Olsen, 10/25/2015

2004 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6A)

Go to any website and look up the reliability and handling of the 2004+ Jaguar Xj8 and you'll find owners LOVE these cars. For the money they are the most luxurious, best handling, greatest looking, and distinctive luxury cars on the planet. The 2004+ models were the result of over a billion dollars spent by FORD in improvements to the Jaguar range. These cars are never mistaken for … anything but a Jaguar. I have owned two of the 2004 models (and drive one currently) and they both provide outstanding handling, value, and the kind of driving experience that gets your heart beating when you turn the key. As far as I'm concerned, when friends ask me if I like my Jaguar luxury/performance car, I just say there is NO OTHER CAR. I just can't say enough about the experience of owning a Jaguar. It is a singular pleasure unmatched in the motoring world. Update: Two years later not a single problem. Car is a dream. Buy one. Update after two years: Car is fantastic. Still no issues whatsoever. Only maintenance is changing fluids. The 2004-2009 Jaguar XJ8 (350) are the last, repeat last, of the traditional Jaguars in terms of styling and traditional luxury interiors. I'm convinced these cars will or are becoming modern classics. A 3004-2006 with under 45000 miles can still be had for under $15k and probably will never depreciate any lower than that. Care for one and drive it sparingly and you'll probably see an actual increase in what you paid in about 5 years from now. That fact pales in comparison to the smiles on your face as you turn the key in this magnificent motoring machine...as Sir William Lyons said, "The closest machine you can get to something that's actually alive." The 350's are like rare fine wine, meant to age well and be enjoyed for years to come. UPDATE AS OF 7/2019: In July 2019 I purchased a 2008 XJ Vanden Plas from a dealer in Palm Springs. Car had 29k miles and I paid $17.8k for a car that originally sold for $84k at Desert European Jaguar in Rancho Mirage. This further backs my claim that these are one of if not THE best luxury car value to be found. As stated before, the ride, handling and luxury amenities of the XJ8 (X350) series cars is superb. The 2008 and 2009 models feature restyled front and rear elements, and were the last years of the 1968-2009 XJ series cars. For specific research on these cars I highly recommend "The Essential Buyer's Guide" by Nigel Thorley. Good luck searching. It took me about three years to find this car but well worth the dilligence!

My 7th Jaguar

ruyg7, 07/15/2013

2004 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6A)

I have never owned more than three of any brand in succesion, but my Jaguars have been an exception. My current 2004 XJ 8 was purchased with 73000 miles 18 months ago, it now has 114000 miles on the odometer It is the MOST dependable used car i have ever owned, except for my new Dodge trucks. This Jaguar routinely gets 28-30 mpg at highway speeds, and 20 mpg in city driving. It has been …

A Gem

orjohn, 12/07/2013

2004 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6A)

I have owned my XJ8 2004 for 3 years and I still love every time I drive this car. It is truley a wonderful design and very well built and for me has been one light bulb reliable. I may get another one for my family, its that good. Price is almost too good to comprehend. The aluminum chassis and body makes it great on gas with 28-30 on the highway. For a V8 - really? - yes it is …

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2004 XJ-Series Highlights

Type:

Sedan

Trim:

XJ8

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$59,830
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	19 MPG
Cost to Drive	$236/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	16.4 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

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Safety

Key safety features on the XJ-Series include:

Alarm
Stability Control

2004 Jaguar XJ-Series Review

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2004 Jaguar XJ-Series
Vanden Plas Sedan

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Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2004 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6A) 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 $3.79 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}

Jaguar XJ-Series Reviews

Owner Reviews

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2004 Jaguar XJ-SeriesXJ8 Sedan

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Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2004 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6A) 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 $3.79 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.

Jaguar XJ-Series Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Nice Kitty

Best Luxury Car Value You'll Find

My 7th Jaguar

A Gem

2004 XJ-Series Highlights

Safety

Related Used 2004 Jaguar XJ-Series info

Vehicle reviews of used models

Shop used vehicles in your area

Popular new car reviews and ratings

Research other models of

Other models

Join Edmunds

2004 Jaguar XJ-Series
XJ8 Sedan

2004 Jaguar XJ-Series
Vanden Plas Sedan

2004 Jaguar XJ-Series
XJ8 Sedan

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2004 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6A) 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 $3.79 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}