Jaguar S-Type Overview and History

The Jaguar S-Type was introduced in spring 1999 as an early 2000 model, Jaguar's smaller rear-drive luxury sedan shared its platform with the Lincoln LS, but the S-Type was built in Britain using mostly Jaguar-specific components. This four door sedan seats five, and came in two versions, with two different engines.   With its last production year in 2008, the S-Type was replaced by the Jaguar XF.  The S-Type is known for its styling and features and has been criticized for its small trunk and the poor shift quality in earlier cars. Competitors included the BMW 5-Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Lexus GS 300/400.  

Jaguar Power

Originally, Jaguar rated the S-Type's 3.0-liter V6 at 240 horsepower and the 4.0-liter V8 at 281 hp.  A five-speed automatic was at first standard, but for 2003, Jaguar replaced it with a six-speed and made a new five-speed manual transmission standard on the 3.0 trim. It was never popular with consumers, however, and Jaguar dropped it two years later. For 2004, the optional V8 was upped to 4.2 liters and 293 hp. The most important addition to the Jaguar S-Type came in 2003, when the 390-hp supercharged R trim was released. From 2004 to its final year, the S-Type R produced 400 hp. It was an all-around performer, equipped with larger disc brakes, and an adjustable sport-tuned suspension system. Still, the S-Type R could never stand toe-to-toe with the best high-performance sedans from Germany.   

Driving the S-Type

Despite the light steering and a soft suspension, all S-Types feel stable through tight turns. The base suspension delivers a supple ride with excellent bump absorption and little tire rumble.  Quick, informative steering is helpful; though a more effort might achieve better high-speed control. The Sport Package sharpens most other reflexes and its wider tires yield still more grip. Both engines are smooth and hushed, rising to a muted, appealing growl when pushed hard. Performance is satisfying, too. Both engines take premium fuel, and an S-Type with the V6 averages 19.5 mpg. Most of the time the automatic transmission shifts promptly and smoothly enough, but in hard driving, it seems to change gears illogically.

Cabin Features

At first, the S-Type's cabin was widely thought of as falling short of the Jaguar name. For 2003, the interior received a thorough overhaul, bringing it more in line with the pricier XJ in terms of design and luxury. Passenger and cargo space could be better.  The cabin is too narrow to fit three adults in back. Up-front ambiance is cozy, but comfortable.  Rear visibility isn't the best, but big mirrors help. All-button audio and climate controls are handy but "busy." The glovebox is tough to access. The trunk is rather small, though usefully shaped and easy to load. Despite leather and wood, the interior's plastic trim imparts a generic feel that's not found in other Jaguars.  Equipment levels were also increased as the many years went by, from the optional CD changer when introduced to Bluetooth phone connectivity in its waning hours.

S-Type Style and Design

The Jaguar S-Type was always a bit of a throwback. Stately and posh, the S-Type's exterior design showed shades of the '60s Jaguar.  The distinct styling also distinguished the S-Type from other luxury sedans on the market, which more typically feature sharp edges and angled surfaces.

At its debut for 2000, the Jaguar S-Type signified the first real achievement of the Ford-Jaguar partnership.  The S-Type was the brand's first true competing model in the modern midsize luxury segment. However, any sort of dynamic excellence exhibited by that platform faded quickly and the S-Type lived long past its expiration date. Its once-novel retro styling eventually became synonymous with a brand known for being stuck in the past.

Changes from Year to Year

2001 Jaguar S-Type: Jaguar's Reverse Park Control warning system became standard for 2001. The 4.0 sedan gained a new premium audio system with a six-disc CD changer, mounted in the trunk rather than the glovebox. The Communications Package now included a Motorola digital phone with in-dash keypad dialer. Both models now were rated as Low Emission Vehicles, and gained rear child-seat safety anchors. The 4.0 sedan also got new 10-spoke alloy wheels.
2002 Jaguar S-Type: A new Sport edition for 2002 used the previous Sport option as its foundation. Available with either engine, the Sport version had body-color exterior trim and sport front seats, plus the previous package's computer-controlled shocks and 17-inch wheels with high-speed tires. All S-Type sedans added rear cupholders. Jaguar introduced a redesigned S-Type sedan for 2003.

2003 S-Type: The second generation Jaguar S Type made its debut in 2003. The S Type came in three models - the entry level that was powered by a 3.0 liter V6 engine, an all new 4.2 model that was powered by a 4.2 Liter V8 and an R model powered by a supercharged 4.2 Liter V8. The new generation S Type got a re-tuned suspension, a system to prevent the vehicle from skidding and traction control and disc brakes for all four tires. The entry level had 16 inch tires, the 4.2 Liter 17 and the R 18 inch tires. Airbags on the side and a telescopic steering wheel were added to the S Type.  The supercharged S-Type R first joined the lineup in 2003, and the hope was that it would compete with BMW's M5 and the Mercedes E55 AMG.  It included 18 in alloy wheels, wire-mesh grille and dramatic monochromatic paint. The "R" also has a sportier rear apron, side-skirts, and front apron with built-in fog-lamps, a rear spoiler, a brace located near the rear subframe, and "R" badging on the boot lid and both front wings. It was the most expensive S-Type, with a base price of $58,995 in the United States.

In 2004, only the engine got more power. In 2005 a VDP edition was added to the option list for the 4.2 Liter model. Also for 2005 S-Type's overall appearance was improved further, with the addition of redesigned standard front and rear aprons, slightly modified grille, remodeled rear light clusters, an aluminum bonnet, and a new 2.7 L V6 diesel engine. The entry level got a new automatic gear system plus 17 inch tires. No changes were made to the car design or body in 2007 or 2008. For more research on this Jaguar model, read a review of the Jaguar S-type by Edmunds.com.

 
The Jaguar S-Type, introduced at the 1998 Birmingham Motor Show, was a mid-size luxury/executive car. The car went on sale 1999. The name was a revival of a previous Jaguar model, the S-Type introduced in 1963, while the bodywork appeared to have been inspired by the Jaguar Mark 2 of the same period.  The S-Type was discontinued in spring 2008. Blending traditional Jaguar charm with modern engineering, the S-Type ranks as good value in an upper-crust sedan, though it's not as sporty as BMW's 5-Series. Reliability under Ford's jurisdiction should be better than Jaguars of the past. For more specifications of the S-Type, read here.