7 of the Worst Jaguars Ever Made (And 7 of the Greatest of All Time)
For decades, Jaguar has been a symbol of British automotive luxury, performance, and style. However, the brand’s history has been a rollercoaster of brilliant highs and baffling lows.
While some Jaguars are rightfully celebrated as automotive royalty, others are remembered for all the wrong reasons.
This list reveals the best and worst Jaguars ever to hit the road.
1. Jaguar X-Type (2001–2009)
Hyped as the “baby Jag,” the X-Type was meant to compete with BMW’s 3 Series but ended up being a rebadged Ford Mondeo with wood trim. Underwhelming performance, cheap interior materials, and poor reliability plagued its reputation.
Purists hated it, and enthusiasts barely noticed it. It was supposed to bring Jaguar to the masses. Unfortunately, it brought down the brand’s prestige instead.
2. Jaguar S-Type (1999–2008)
Though it tried to invoke retro charm with its 1960s-inspired styling, the S-Type fell flat in execution. Mechanical issues, bland handling, and an awkward cabin layout made it feel more like a caricature than a classic.
Even the R variant couldn’t save it from becoming a second-tier luxury option. A classic case of style over substance, and even the style didn’t age well.
3. Jaguar XJ40 (1986–1994)
This car was supposed to modernize Jaguar’s flagship, but poor reliability, dodgy electronics, and quality control nightmares kept it in the shop more than on the road. The squared-off styling also failed to capture the elegance Jaguar was known for.
Even though it introduced some technological firsts for the brand, execution was everything, and this car didn’t deliver.
4. Jaguar XJS Early Models (1975–1981)
Following the legendary E-Type, the XJS had impossibly big shoes to fill, and it stumbled hard. Early models were plagued by overheating V12s, inconsistent build quality, and a design that divided fans.
Though it eventually found its footing, its rocky start makes it one of Jaguar’s most disappointing launches. Fans of the marque were left scratching their heads.
5. Jaguar E-Pace (2017–Present)
The E-Pace promised Jaguar performance in a compact SUV package, but the reality felt more like an overpriced crossover with vague handling. It lacks the refinement and identity of larger Jaguar models.
With underwhelming powertrains and subpar fuel economy, it struggles to justify its badge. It’s Jaguar in name, but barely in spirit.
6. Jaguar XKR-S GT (2014)
Intended as a hardcore track machine, the XKR-S GT was ridiculously expensive and questionably styled, with that massive wing and aggressive body kit turning heads for all the wrong reasons.
It was limited in number, yes, but also in practicality and appeal. Many buyers felt it tried too hard to be something it wasn’t. Jaguar has done better track cars but this wasn’t it.
7. Jaguar Vanden Plas (U.S. Market)
This badge-engineered luxury sedan was meant to wow American buyers with high-end interiors, but came off as outdated and overpriced. Based on the XJ platform, it offered little more than extra chrome and confusion.
Build quality was inconsistent, and many considered it more gimmick than grand. A marketing exercise gone sideways.
8. Jaguar E-Type (1961–1975)
Enzo Ferrari famously called it “the most beautiful car ever made,” and who are we to argue? The E-Type combined stunning design with real performance, making it an icon of the 1960s.
Its inline-six engine purred like a dream, and the long hood and curvy profile turned heads for generations. Today, it’s a crown jewel in any collector’s garage.
9. Jaguar D-Type (1954–1957)
Built for racing, the D-Type won the 24 Hours of Le Mans three times and cemented Jaguar’s place in motorsport history.
Its aerodynamic design and cutting-edge engineering were decades ahead of their time. Only a handful were made, making it one of the most coveted Jags ever.
10. Jaguar XK120 (1948–1954)
When it launched, the XK120 was the fastest production car in the world, and it looked the part. Sleek, powerful, and beautifully built, it helped reestablish Jaguar after WWII.
It became a hit on both road and track, loved by movie stars and racers alike. This was the car that put Jaguar on the global stage.
11. Jaguar F-Type R (2015–2020)
A modern homage to the E-Type, the F-Type R blended old-school aggression with modern tech. Its 5.0L supercharged V8 roared like thunder, offering over 550 hp in a tight, sleek package.
With sharp handling and beautiful proportions, it became an instant favorite among performance fans. A true modern Jag with soul.
12. Jaguar XJR (1994–1997)
The XJR took Jaguar’s flagship sedan and gave it a performance edge, thanks to a supercharged straight-six engine. It looked understated but packed a surprising punch: kind of like a British James Bond in business attire.
It quietly helped redefine Jaguar’s image in the ‘90s. Reliable, fast, and elegant, this car aged incredibly well.
13. Jaguar I-Pace (2018–Present)
Jaguar’s first all-electric car won multiple Car of the Year awards and shocked the EV market. With sports-car dynamics and a luxurious cabin, the I-Pace proved Jaguar could innovate beyond gas-guzzlers.
It’s a glimpse into the brand’s electrified future, and a very promising one. One of the boldest moves in Jaguar’s modern era.
14. Jaguar XKR (1998–2006)
Combining British charm with muscle-car performance, the XKR brought supercharged V8 power to Jaguar’s elegant coupe. It looked the part and played it too, perfect for grand touring with a side of tire smoke.
Its timeless design and reliability helped it become a used car favorite. Sophisticated, but with bite.