2005 Jaguar XK-Series Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
The Jaguar XK-Series received some minor exterior styling updates for 2005, which freshened up a design that had been around since 1996....
The Jaguar XK-Series received some minor exterior styling updates for 2005, which freshened up a design that had been around since 1996. And even though the current generation was nearly 10 years old by the time the 2005 XK-Series rolled into showrooms, it didn't feel dated, because of its contemporary sports-car lines and luxury interior appointments. Some critics and reviewers even considered the XK-Series a work of art.
For 2005, the XK-Series consisted of the XK8 coupe and convertible and the XKR coupe and convertible. Jaguar dropped a 294-horsepower, 4.2-liter V8 under the hood of the XK8 models, while the XKR models received a supercharged version of the same engine, pumping its horsepower up to 390. All models were available only with a six-speed automatic, which limited the sportiness of the vehicles, according to some drivers and reviewers. A manual shifting option was provided by the transmission's J-Gate.
The interior of all XK-Series cars was definitely upscale, with lots of leather (seats and steering wheel) and burled walnut (steering wheel and interior trim). Some found the seats a bit flat and unsupportive, a criticism that dated back to this generation's introduction in 1996. In addition, a lot of interior refinements, like the steering wheel, shift knob, and dash, provided a more luxury than sporty feel, although upgrades were available to give the car a sportier look for those who preferred it.
Interior leg room was spacious in the front, according to many drivers, although the back seat could feel cramped for adults. Still, many drivers felt that the XK-Series, with standard features like electronic traction control, stability control, a brake assist system, heated leather seats, and an Alpine AM/FM stereo with a six-disc CD changer, compared quite favorably to the more upscale XJ-Series, and that even the supercharged XJR, with its significant price premium, represented a good value.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2005 Jaguar XK-Series are quite enthusiastic about its performance and striking design. Many applaud its acceleration, handling, and luxurious interior, while they also appreciate the car's rarity and aesthetic appeal. However, some caution that maintenance can be costly and that owners should be diligent about checking a vehicle's condition before purchase."
Parent owns it. It's FAST. Taken it up to 130 mph with the top up and down. The standard Pirelli P-Zero "Assymetrico" tires provide tons of grip, but a quiet ride as well. Alpine stereo is more suited for top-down motoring than top-up. Tape deck actually comes in handy for those of us with iPods, and maintains decent enough sound quality. Sound quality from 6-disc changer in the trunk is amazing. Only use the "back seats" from groceries or wind breakers or something; definitely not suited for people with legs. Front seats are soft and supportive, and stayed comfortable after a 5.5 hour drive between LA and Sacramento. Returned about 27 mpg on that same trip with the A/C on and speeds between 75 and 90 (accidental) mph. The cupholders are rather flimsy, so hold on to your Starbucks if you plan on taking off quickly from a stoplight. Brakes are excellent in performance, wear, and pedal feel. Power oversteering is rather encouraged by the dynamics of the car, and stability control is minimally intrusive when switched on. Be careful with it off, however, 320 lb ft is quite a lot to play with! The interior is completely crafted in Burl Walnut, leather, and softly padded surfaces. The top is triple sealed and very durable, and blocks out road and wind noise reasonably up to about 85 mph. Cowl shake is disturbingly present when the top is down, however the structure feels solid as a proper two ton coupe should feel with the top up. To boot, the car is definitely not as status quo as the Mercedes SL, and not as common as the Lexus SC430 or BMW Z4, which helps it maintain its classic and classy image longer than those choices.
July 6, 2008Drives great. A really fun car. Lots of accelerating power. Sticks to the curves at higher speeds. Body styling is gorgeous. I love it!
July 10, 2021its a 2005 jaguar XKR it has a 4.2L V8 engine which produces 400 BHP!!! it will do 0-60 in 4.9 sec and has a top speed of just under 170 MPH...(i think) its a british peace of ART for it is one of the best looking cars in the world as well... I love it!!!
September 6, 2008What owners say
Parent owns it. It's FAST. Taken it up to 130 mph with the top up and down. The standard Pirelli P-Zero "Assymetrico" tires provide tons of grip, but a quiet ride as well. Alpine stereo is more suited for top-down motoring than top-up. Tape deck actually comes in handy for those of us with iPods, and maintains decent enough sound quality. Sound quality from 6-disc changer in the trunk is amazing. Only use the "back seats" from groceries or wind breakers or something; definitely not suited for people with legs. Front seats are soft and supportive, and stayed comfortable after a 5.5 hour drive between LA and Sacramento. Returned about 27 mpg on that same trip with the A/C on and speeds between 75 and 90 (accidental) mph. The cupholders are rather flimsy, so hold on to your Starbucks if you plan on taking off quickly from a stoplight. Brakes are excellent in performance, wear, and pedal feel. Power oversteering is rather encouraged by the dynamics of the car, and stability control is minimally intrusive when switched on. Be careful with it off, however, 320 lb ft is quite a lot to play with! The interior is completely crafted in Burl Walnut, leather, and softly padded surfaces. The top is triple sealed and very durable, and blocks out road and wind noise reasonably up to about 85 mph. Cowl shake is disturbingly present when the top is down, however the structure feels solid as a proper two ton coupe should feel with the top up. To boot, the car is definitely not as status quo as the Mercedes SL, and not as common as the Lexus SC430 or BMW Z4, which helps it maintain its classic and classy image longer than those choices.
July 6, 2008Drives great. A really fun car. Lots of accelerating power. Sticks to the curves at higher speeds. Body styling is gorgeous. I love it!
July 10, 2021its a 2005 jaguar XKR it has a 4.2L V8 engine which produces 400 BHP!!! it will do 0-60 in 4.9 sec and has a top speed of just under 170 MPH...(i think) its a british peace of ART for it is one of the best looking cars in the world as well... I love it!!!
September 6, 2008A convertible with enough trunk space for luggage! What a concept! Plus it is just a beautiful car. This is a luxury car in a sports car uniform. Take your turn owning a piece of prefection. Surprisingly good highway gas mileage 25-27mpg.
June 8, 2011A well-maintained example is reliable and the best Grand Touring car out there. A poorly maintained example will drain your bank account quickly.
December 27, 2022The XKR is very powerful and perhaps one of the best looking cars ever. Retro styling like the E-type but much better reliability thank to Ford I suppose, and updated in every way. There is a very good owners website that helps keep ownership from being too expensive, but so far, very few and very minor issues. I believe the supercharged version has better reliability stats than the normally aspirated less powerful engine version.
June 16, 2012This car is pretty awesome as Ive only driven it a couple times and it a very rare find especially one that is hardtop and bronze. The bronze color really gives it the sophisticated appeal and gets a lot of looks!
March 19, 2022Trims & specs
Base MSRP $70,495 | Seating 4 |
Engine 4.2L 294 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 11.5 cu ft |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $81,995 | Seating 4 |
Engine 4.2L 390 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 11.5 cu ft |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $86,995 | Seating 4 |
Engine 4.2L 390 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 10.8 cu ft |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $75,495 | Seating 4 |
Engine 4.2L 294 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 10.8 cu ft |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain RWD |
