2002 Jaguar XJ Review

In 2002, Jaguar offered a new XJ Sport sedan which combines the standard XJ8 powertrain with a sport-tuned suspension, sport seats and Pirelli P Zero tires on 18-inch wheels. Formerly available by special order only, the extended-wheelbase Vanden Plas Supercharged sedan becomes a regular production model for 2002 and is called the Super V8. The long-wheelbase XJ8L was been dropped. Jaguar's DVD navigation system became standard in the supercharged XJR sedan. Furthermore for this model year, a new, limited. These limited production models feature 19-inch BBS modular wheels, Brembo brakes, Anthracite paint and a red-stitched charcoal interior. Jaguar's XJ cars are fast, stable, and surprisingly nimble. The XJ models are Jaguar's largest sedans, and compete against the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Infiniti Q45, and Lexus LS 430. Yet in many ways a Jaguar has no competition at all.

XJ8 Power and Drive

 Jaguar's 2002 XJ is powered by a 4.0-liter V-8 engine which is mated to a five-speed-automatic transmission and is rated at 290 horsepower in the XJ8 and Vanden Plas models. In the sporty XJR and Super V8, the supercharged 4.0-liter V-8 cranks out 370 hp. Few automobiles come across as smoother on the road, more refined overall or more luxurious in texture and detail.

For buyers who appreciate owning an exquisite machine, these top Jaguars are almost worth their breathtakingly high prices. Passing and merging situations are handled with refined ease, and the automatic transmission reacts with exceptional smoothness. Handling is top-notch for a luxury sedan, making the XJ a beautiful car to drive down the highway, where it behaves with suitable British manners. It also maneuvers well in urban driving. The ride is utterly superior. Visibility is excellent all around, and that makes the XJ easy to judge. Jaguar's five-speed automatic transmission is silky smooth, even at full throttle. You can almost feel the transmission signaling the engine to reduce power slightly because a shift is coming. There's a nearly imperceptible pause as the gear is changed, then the surge ahead continues.

Design of the Jaguar XJ8

 The XJ offers a low profile, with four round headlights and the signature Jaguar vertical-bar grille up front. Alloy wheels hold standard 16-inch tires, but larger tires are installed on higher-end models. A power sunroof tops the long list of standard equipment, which includes front and rear fog lamps. The XJ for 2002 comes as the base XJ8 and XJR models, which ride a 113-inch wheelbase and measure 197.8 inches long overall. The Vanden Plas and Super V8 sedans are 4.9 inches longer in both dimensions, and both versions are 81.7 inches wide. The XJ continues a design theme set back in the 1960s.Jaguar tried horizontal, contemporary-looking headlights in the 1980s, but they were so universally assailed that the company returned to the round lights that are critical to the car's overall look. The current design still looks good and has held up amazingly well.

Jaguar XJ8 Cabin

The cabin space of the 2002 XJ carries out Jaguar's reputation for luxury. The seats are lushly comfortable and supportive in the spacious interior. Assembly quality is excellent, and an XJ gives the impression of being formed as a single, solid unit. The XJ8 includes a six-CD changer, three-position memory system, 12-way power front seats, rain-sensing windshield wipers, automatic climate control and a remote keyless entry system with an immobilizer. Posh comforts in Vanden Plas and Super V8 sedans include a wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel, premium Connolly Autolux Recaro leather upholstery, lamb's wool floormats and burl walnut wood trim inlaid with Peruvian boxwood. Jaguar's traditional walnut picnic trays fold out from the front seatbacks.High-grade leather and generous amounts of burl walnut wood trim combine to create an elegant motoring abode for five occupants, who also benefit from quite an array of comfort and convenience features. Most of the extra length on the long-wheelbase models is evident in the backseat, which qualifies as huge compared to standard-size XJs. Adults actually have room to cross their legs in the back of a stretched sedan, and wider rear doors ease entry and exit.

2002 Jaguar XJ Models

Jaguar's XJ Series includes six models. XJ8 comes with nearly every luxury item known. Vanden Plas rides on an extended wheelbase for increased rear-seat legroom. It trimmed in elegant Autolux leather and inlaid walnut burl. Heated mirrors, heated seats, traditional British picnic trays, and a six-disc CD changer contribute to interior ambiance.

XJR comes with a supercharged and intercooled version of Jaguar's AJ-V8.To support its increased performance, the XJR comes with a firmer version of Jaguar's Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS) plus sticky P255/40ZR-18 Pirelli P-Zero tires, and special sport seats. For 2002, the DVD navigation system comes standard on the XJR.

The Super V8 is a supercharged Vanden Plas; it combines the long wheelbase and interior luxury of the Vanden Plas with the supercharged engine and tighter suspension of the XJR.

The XJ Sport shares its shorter wheelbase and naturally aspirated (i.e., non-supercharged) engine with the XJ8, but borrows the XJR's sport seats and more aggressive suspension and tire package.

The limited-edition XJR100 adds 19-inch BBS modular wheels and Brembo brakes with cross-drilled rotors to the standard XJR's qualifications.Special Anthracite paint lends a unique appearance, offset by charcoal leather with red stitching.The XJR100 is named for the 100th anniversary of the birth of Jaguar founder Sir William Lyons.Only 240 examples will be sold in all of North America.

Conclusions

Traction control, antilock brakes and side-impact airbags for the front seats are standard on all models. Automatic Stability Control is standard on all Jaguars. ASC operates at all speeds, easing back on engine power to reduce wheel spin on slippery roads. If a rear wheel starts to spin, the anti-lock brake (ABS) sensor signals a computer, which then reduces the throttle opening, retards the ignition timing or cuts fuel to the cylinders. For more research, read another 2002 XJ review by Automotive.com. Jaguar's traction control system includes all ASC functions plus brake intervention. Both types of traction control can be switched off. The brakes work well on the XJ models and are easy to modulate.