2000 Jaguar S-Type One-Year Test Review Update

Jag, yes? No. The design team was trying to break away from a "traditional Jaguar" cabin look, but goes back to it for '03 with higher-quality materials, more storage, and improved ergonomics.

Throughout the '90s, Jaguar loafed along as a two-model marque. Its German and Japanese rivals had expanded their lineups -- and were scoring sales and profit increases because of it. Jaguar (and Ford) management elected to "grow the brand," hoping to cash in accordingly. The first step in Coventry's plan to go from two-car lines to five was the new-for-Y2K, midsize S-Type sport sedan. Available in both 3.0L V-6 and 4.0L V-8 forms, the S-Type shares a great deal of its underpinnings with the Lincoln LS, but in this case, that's no bad thing. The cars don't look or feel the same, even when parked next to each other. Many factions of the automotive press got all frocked up over the notion of so much intersquad parts sharing, but buyers appeared to care little, as both models sold well, and continue to do so.

Even though the S-Type shares the basics of its 4.0L DOHC V-8 with the Lincoln LS, it-s an all-Jag engine. Size goes to 4.2L for the '03 model, with horsepower increasing to an even 300.

Since the all-alloy 281-hp V-8-powered model was the obvious performance choice, we went for it. Our Mistral Blue over Almond Beige S-Type 4.0 based at a reasonably well-equipped $48,000 -- about the same MRSP as a six-cylinder E320. But it didn't take long to crank up the tab: The Deluxe Communications package, including nav system and integrated cell-phone, cost an eye-opening $4300; the Premium Sound Package added another $1500. The reverse-parking system was $400, and the Weather/Sport Package (including 17-in. alloys and performance-oriented Pirelli PZero rubber) contributed another $2300. Add $595 for destination charges, and the total swelled to $57,095. Even though a comparably equipped 540i or E430 cost nearer $60K, most editors felt the Jag was priced a little strongly for a newcomer. At least the leaper on the hood was standard.

Not everyone was initially impressed with the S-Type's exterior design, though most warmed to it after a while. Its shape is certainly heritage inspired, and its elegant face could be nothing but a Jaguar's. The quality of the chrome, trim, and paint on our tester was outstanding.

Nor was everyone initially impressed with the interior design -- but in this case, nobody ever warmed up to it. The half-moon-shaped portion of the instrument panel won no design awards. The nav screen is small and placed too far to the right to see easily while driving.

Furthermore, the interior plastics and vinyl-like leather fell short of the car's $57K pricetag. One editor noted, "The lack of storage space in the cabin is inexcusable; the door cubbies are shallow, there's but one cupholder, console space is eaten up by the phone, and the glovebox is similarly squeezed by the CD changer. Even the little spring-loaded coin holder is just about useless." It's no wonder the S-Type earns a complete interior redesign for '03 (plus a lot more; see "What's New, Changed, Different"). That said, it proved reasonably roomy and comfortable for four, if not all five, passengers, and the 13.1-cu-ft trunk would hold most everything they'd bring along.