MSRP: $74,835 - $92,035
Invoice: $68,100 - $83,752
MPG: 16 City / 25 Hwy
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U.S.News Scores

Overall:8.4
Performance:8.5
Exterior:8.2
Interior:7.7
Safety:NA
Reliability:4.0
Research we analyzed for this review
Pros and Cons
  • Excellent handling with a smooth ride
  • Comfortable front seats and driving position
  • Sleek exterior styling is sure to turn heads
  • Redesigned interior features easy-to-use touch screen
  • Slower straight-line acceleration than some competitors
  • Poor sound quality from standard audio system
  • Small rear seats can't fit much more than cargo
  • Value over time is poor compared to rivals

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Jaguar XK

Overall Score - 8.4 (Very Good)

The XK coupe is a smooth-riding sports car that values comfort and luxury over power. Consequently, it can't match the 0-to-60 times of several rivals. It's handling dynamics, however, are exquisite.

The 2008 Jaguar XK coupe offers sports-car performance along with equally luxurious appointments, plenty of hi-tech goodies, and striking looks. Formerly the XK8, the XK was redesigned in 2007. The 2008 model is a carryover, with the exception of a new hidden audio antenna on the spoiler.

Though alluring, this new XK is far from perfect. Among the common complaints are cramped rear seats, a V8 engine that pales in comparison to some rivals, and questionable quality and reliability. With a base price of $75,500, the XK coupe isn't cheap either.

The 2008 Jaguar XK comes with a 4.2-liter V8 engine and six-speed automatic transmission. Though this review only addresses the two-door hatchback coupe, the XK is also available as a convertible and performance-tuned XKR trim.

XK Performance - 8.5 (Very Good)

Test drivers say the 2008 Jaguar XK coupe has excellent road manners, even if acceleration falls shy of competitors. "For a sports car, it is powerful and very easy to drive, gets decent fuel economy and proved to be a wonderful companion on long trips," says Automobile Magazine. Read More

XK Exterior - 8.2 (Very Good)

Most critics like the XK's muscular design. In fact, CNET calls the Jag "heartbreakingly gorgeous. Flared rear haunches, a short snout, and an arcing hood that goes on forever combine to give the XK a character of brawny elegance." Even so, its front end raises much controversy. Read More

XK Interior - 7.7 (Good)

Reviewers generally like the 2008 Jaguar XK coupe's cabin, thanks in large part to the 2007 redesign, which created "a new standard for modern Jaguar interiors," according to Automobile Magazine. This translates to simpler controls, higher-quality materials, and a more contemporary look. Read More

XK Safety - NA

Though the XK has yet to be tested by the federal government or insurance industry, it does come equipped with an impressive list of active and passive safety features -- including a standard Reverse Park Control system and seat-mounted side-impact air bags. Read More

XK Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)

The 2008 Jaguar XK reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Though Jaguar offers a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, some reviewers question the XK's reliability. Read More

Review Last Updated: 2/27/09