Used Jaguar XJ Pennsylvania
The Jaguar XJ has never really been considered the cutting edge
of full-size luxury sedans, but it has continuously been a niche
model for those who consider luxury to be the quintessentially
British look of abundant leather and veneered wood. A lightweight aluminum frame, powerful V8
engines, active damping suspension, adaptive cruise control and
high-tech features like navigation and Bluetooth keep this flagship
sedan in step with competitors from Germany and Japan. Yet Jaguar's
insistence on maintaining timeless styling has backfired, leading
to disappointing sales at a time when it can ill afford any false
starts. Although features like digital gauges and navigation systems
have been added over the years, the basic look has remained, even if
it has occasionally clashed with such newfangled technology.
Used XJ Models Over the Years
The current Jaguar XJ, which is the third generation, was introduced
for the 2004 model year, featuring an all-new aluminum chassis that
is significantly stiffer and lighter than the previous steel
structure. Changes to this generation have been minimal. For 2008,
the XJ was mildly restyled, adopting XK-style front fender vents and
a more aggressive front fascia. More standard features were added a
year later.
Performance of the 1995-2003 (second Gen) Jaguar XJs ranged from
swift for the six-cylinder cars to thrilling for the supercharged V8
versions. Ride and handling on this generation is composed but
biased toward plush comfort, as one might expect of a vehicle whose
cabin resembles an Edwardian parlor.
There were a number of
different engines offered during the second generation's lifespan.
The square-headlamp version came with a choice of either an inline-6
(3.6 liters and later 4.0) or a 6.0-liter V12. These models were
referred to as the XJ6 and XJ12, respectively. The engines carried
through the 1995 overhaul, with a supercharged, 310-hp version of
the six-cylinder engine first appearing in the new XJR in '95. The
V12-powered XJ12 was dropped in 1997. For 1995's midcycle makeover,
the round headlights returned, along with a sleeker, lower grille.
The interior was also significantly revised to bring it into the
1990s, with improved materials and more up-to-date electronics. The
traditional look remained, however, with radio and HVAC controls
contained in a pod under a large swath of wood.
The first Jaguar XJ debuted in 1968 and lasted through 1987, while
the second generation was on the prowl from 1987 (yes, both
generations were offered that year) to 2003. The second generation
started out with round headlights, but for 1990 adopted ungainly
rectangular units that were met with disdain by Jaguar enthusiasts.
For more research on used XJs, read a complete
2008 Jaguar XJ review.