It is a stereotype, but vehicles produced by Jaguar have a poor reputation for reliability and build quality. I have no idea if this is true, as I have never owned one, but a Jaguar with some mechanical issues seems to be a common refrain amongst car lovers. Most of my ideas about occasionally reliable Jaguars are from previous centuries and I figure those gremlins have long been resolved and consumers no longer need to look at a Jaguar with a healthy dose of trepidation.
It can take a while to change public perception and often no amount of marketing can offset previous issues, the Ford Pinto comes to mind in this scenario.
Things changed when Ford bought Jaguar in 1999. The outcry of an American company taking over a decidedly English institution was strong, but despite a lack of panache from the Blue Oval build quality improved, or at least that’s how I perceived it.
The Pick of the Day is a 2005 Jaguar S-Type listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in O’Fallon, Illinois. (Click the link to view the listing)
Now the S-Type is an odd duck, actually a duck-billed platypus is more apt as the newest Jaguar offering was powered by a Ford-based engine, built on the Ford DEW platform but ultimately has a Jag hood ornament and style.
The DEW platform is the same foundation for the Ford Thunderbird and Lincoln LS. Those cars don’t conjure up images of English aristocracy, but a well-developed vehicle is a good starting point for a product that has a history of negative public perception when you mention build quality.
“For 2005, Jaguar has updated the styling such as an aluminum hood with a more pronounced vee shape, a revised grille that is slightly lower and broader, a smoother, less bulky shaped front bumper, new taillights and twin headlights that are now slightly recessed, revised the interior, and retuned the suspension,” the listing states.
This Sea Foam Green example is powered by a 3.0-liter V6 engine paired with an automatic transmission. Based on the pictures from the listing the exterior appears to be in great shape and this Jag wears its years well with 44,963 miles.
The seller is asking $9,000 for this Jaguar S-Type. To some detractors it might not be a “true” Jaguar due to its Ford foundation, but the hood ornament and overall essence say otherwise.
I’m a fan of the S-Type line during the Ford era, despite being a vehicle hodgepodge from the Ford and Jaguar parts bin. Call it a travesty or Frankenstein’s monster, but I consider it akin to a duck-billed platypus: a mishmash of parts that mesh for a cool animal. A platypus isn’t an exciting animal, but the S-Type has the Jaguar hood ornament and that provenance offsets a Ford engine.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
I owned a Jag S-Type 4.0 V8 (Jaguar engine, not Ford) for four years and never had a moment’s trouble with it. One of the coolest and best cars I have ever owned. Don’t take my word for it. As a wizened and white-bearded old gentleman, smoking a cigar on a bench in Jerome, AZ, said to us;: “That’s the purrtiest vee-hicle I ever seen”.
I have a 2000 S-Type 4.0 that I purchased new… it has been absolutely flawless… Build quality is great- no issues with fit/finish… The 4.0 is smooth and strong! Aside from it’s substandard stereo- no complaints. !
Please check your facts before writing an article like this. Ford purchased Jaguar in 1989, not 1999 as you state in your article. I know, I was there when the transaction occurred.
2000 Jaguar s-type 4 and I love it.the name speaks for itself .no problems at all.