03 Jan 08
4. Jaguar XJ (1994-2003)
It's rather unfair to focus on the XJ's patchy record for reliability - it's not been as bad as generally assumed and it has scored well in a number of owner satisfaction surveys.
Think instead of its heritage, its wonderful floating ride and its smooth, powerful engines. Thankfully, the XJ's ownership profile is diversifying from sheepskin-coated Del Boy types and it's now popular with younger nostalgics - though not everyone will want to emulate the likes of Pete Doherty.
The 6.0 V12 really is for masochists only. Speed-freaks love the supercharged XJR (370bhp) but in truth, all XJs offer an authentically Jaguar experience. Even the six-cylinder XJ6s are lovely, as long as they have leather upholstery and air conditioning - unless you have a thing for cheapskate cabins, of course.
Road Test: Jaguar XJ
Retrospective: Jaguar XJ
