Jaguar X-Type
The baby Jaguar, built on Merseyside to take on the BMW 3 Series.

The story
Ford wanted Jaguar to sell in far bigger numbers, so it funded a compact saloon using parts from the Ford Mondeo. Critics never let it forget that, though the car was pleasant to drive and well made. It sold more than any Jaguar before it.
Inside
A scaled-down XJ cabin, with wood across the dash and leather seats on most versions.
In period colours
Tap a colour to respray the drawing.
It gave Jaguar its first estate car, its first diesel and its first four-wheel-drive saloon.
Meanwhile, in 2001
A new style of number plate arrived in September, with two digits to show a car's age.
Best-selling single of 2001: It Wasn't Me by Shaggy featuring Rikrok
Before you buy a 2000s car
- Check the service history, especially for timing belts, clutches and cambelts where fitted.
- Electronics, air conditioning and suspension repairs can be expensive.
- Many parts are still made, but some low-volume models rely on specialists.
General notes, not specific to this model. Check the model's own history before buying.
Rivals of its day
Picked automatically: cars on sale at the same time with similar size, speed and price.
See the real thing
These open in a new tab: the car on Wikimedia Commons, the interior and the badge as Google image searches.
Today's money: the launch price adjusted for inflation to 2026, using the Office for National Statistics price index.