2001 Jaguar S-Type Review
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By John Rettie and Mitch McCullough

Overview

Jaguar's S-Type is a sleek, thoroughly modern luxury car. But it has heritage. Jaguar resurrected an old nameplate from the mid-1960s for this car and took many styling cues from the original S-Type and Mark II.

It's a beautiful car, arguably the prettiest in this class. It's equally beautiful inside, finished in light-colored woods and fine leather. It rides well and gets strong power from the available V8 engine. Though it shares basic underpinnings with the highly rated Lincoln LS, careful tuning and fine engineering work make this car feel like a true Jaguar.

Model Lineup

Two models are available: 3.0L ($43,655); 4.0L ($49,355).

Both come fully equipped with Connolly leather upholstery and all the other features associated with a premium luxury car. The only way to differentiate the two models is by the small badges on the rear trunk lid and by the number of spokes in the alloy wheels: the 3.0-liter model has eight spokes while the 4.0-liter has 10 spokes.

The 3.0L gets a 3.0-liter V6 under the hood producing 240 horsepower, along with a five-speed automatic transmission. Options include a Power/Memory Package ($2000), which includes memory system for driver's seat, steering column and outside mirrors, dual power lumbar supports seats, and power glass moonroof. No options are really necessary, however, as the 3.0L includes all the features one expects in a luxury car.

The 4.0L gets a 4.0-liter V8 producing 281 horsepower. It comes standard with the moonroof and memory system, a six-disc CD changer in the trunk, a premium radio/cassette, and an integrated garage door opener.

A Sport Package ($1100) comes 17-inch wheels and Jaguar's Computer Active Technology Suspension, or CATS. There's also a Weather Package ($1200) with dynamic stability control, heated front seats and rain-sensitive wipers. An optional Communications Package ($4300) includes voice activation for the radio and telephone along with a navigation system and a four-year subscription to Jaguar's emergency messaging system.