Good looking and powerful
It's been relatively reliable, given its reputation. The only problem with the car is vapor lock, which may be due to a faulty fuel pump.
It's not as bad as people say. It never failed to start (except for the vapor lock problem, which you can solve by pumping the gas as you start), and never failed on me.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 26th April, 2011
The XJSC blends elegance and power in a very rare amalgam
Parking brake seized open and warning light wouldn`t go off.
Seats worn slightly, but seems normal for age.
Car is solid and easy to fix by mechanic who knows how.
Incredibly powerful at speed and can pass anyone on the road.
Styling is unmatchable, except maybe by another Jag.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 26th December, 2008
A true and practically animated art form that will spring with eagerness to 110+ mph... in 2nd gear!
The steering and suspension bushings were reduced to rubbish by the time I acquired the vehicle, and were immediately replaced with polyurethane.
The cruise control bellows, also fabricated of rubber, were fractured. The unit was simply removed, since the use of cruise control is seldom necessary at a buck-thirty-five on the open road.
Although the shock absorbers weren't necessarily broken, I found that replacing them with higher performance units, along with installing more rigid sway bars and a more assertive w-rated wheel and tire package - have awakened the true racing suspension beneath the Cat while still providing a softly-sprung feel in town.
I believe my grenadier-red 1987 XJS Coupe to be the finest looking automobile ever made.
With such tall gears, a solid 4,000 pounds, and beautiful styling, the XJS is most civilized in town and welcomed with delight everywhere from the corner store to the country club. When arriving in the Jaguar, I find that most folks seem to stare, how shall I put it... in awe.
However, it’s broad stance, remarkably low center of gravity, and the incredibly flat torque-curve of the legendary V-12 engine join to create a formidable beast on the open road. If expedience requires passing a fellow, forth-with, whom is already traveling far in excess of one hundred miles per hour, perhaps on a corner, the agility and power of the Cat are simply dominating.
Personally installing the symphony-grade stereo system, the disc unit, the amplifiers and the speakers, the removal of the Cat's lavishly-appointed interior, gave me a clear understanding of the high level of craftsmanship that comprises the XJS.
If one has the financial backbone, and/or the patience, time and mechanical skill that is mandatory for refining this uniquely-constructed entity, then perseverance in conquering the automobile’s bureaucratically-inspired shortcomings, most of which are commonly known in the Jaguar XJS circles, can produce a motor car of exquisite satisfaction.
This is the only car I have ever owned that I believe to be worthy of parking both inside the garage and under a car cover.
Many times I have gazed upon the XJS, with it's polished chrome and highly waxed paint, and have honestly begun to laugh out loud.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 4th October, 2007
23rd Oct 2007, 23:35
I own a late 87 XJS 5.3. I cannot say enough about its performance and road behavior. I replaced the shocks with KYB gas shocks, replaced the front end bushings with urethane ones, and MOST important, installed a very powerful dual electric fan unit with each fan on a separate circuit and thermostat. Hearing the fans (at bit noisy, but only because the car is otherwise so quiet) is music to my ears. I am convinced that the engine is bulletproof if you do not overheat it. Mine has 90k miles on it now and runs as if new. The real pleasure in driving of course is on the open road, and when you ask the beast to pass at high speed, I barely notice any extra effort. My only disappointment has been having to undo and repair botched "repairs" of incompetent mechanics. Cheers.