2004 JAGUAR S-TYPE NEW CAR BUYER'S GUIDE

What's New for the 2004 Jaguar S-Type?
You can choose between a six-speed automatic and a five-speed manual transmission to motivate your 2004 Jaguar S-Type 3.0. Adaptive cruise control is a new option for the 2004 Jaguar S-Type 4.2. There are no other changes for this year because the S-Type will be significantly upgraded for 2005.

Advantages of the 2004 Jaguar S-Type:

• Distinguished, distinctive styling
• Blistering acceleration with the Jaguar S-Type R

Objections to the 2004 Jaguar S-Type:

• Aggravating interior ergonomics
• Fussy J-gate shifter operation
• Questionable build and materials quality

Editor's Advice:
Five years into its product cycle, the 2004 Jaguar S-Type still manages to turn heads with its retro-chic design. A range of three models appeals to a wide variety of luxury consumers, from the daily driver who just wants an impressive looking car to the driving enthusiast addicted to super-legal speeds. The Jaguar S-Type's standard 3.0-liter V6 makes 235 horsepower driving the rear wheels through your choice between a five-speed manual and a six-speed automatic transmission. The S-Type 4.2 comes with a 4.2-liter V8 producing 293 horsepower and can be paired only with the six-speed automatic. True driving enthusiasts will want to check out the S-Type R, which belts out 390 horsepower and 399 lb.-ft. of torque. While the S-Type R cannot quite match the Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG in terms of pure athleticism, the Jag’s got it beat in the eye candy department. Our gripes about the 2004 Jaguar S-Type are numerous, resulting in a love-hate relationship. Build and materials quality is questionable, though the generous leather and wood trim are both sumptuous. The control layout is not immediately intuitive, and yet the navigation system is very easy to program. Driving the S-Type R hard reveals that the transmission and brakes aren’t up to the standards set by German sport sedans, but the engine sings an aria that few can resist. Ah, passion is never easy. If you’re in love with the Jaguar S-Type’s styling, know that a significantly revised but only slightly restyled Jaguar S-Type debuts for 2005, and we’d recommend waiting if you can.