DecodedCars2008 Jaguar XJ
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Large Cars
- Body styles
- Super V8 4dr Sedan RWD, Vanden Plas 4dr Sedan RWD, Xj8/Xjr 4dr Sedan RWD
- Engines
- 4.2L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 19 combined · 16 city / 25 hwy
- Length
- 200.4–206.3 in
- Curb weight
- 3,726–4,001 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 12 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Jaguar XJ is a large car offered with a 4.2L 8-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 206 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 124-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,001 lb (Super V8 4dr Sedan RWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 19 MPG combined (16 city / 25 highway), 4% better than the 2008 large car average of 18.2 MPG, for an estimated $4,350 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the service brakes.
What changed for 2008
- New body dimensions: 5.9 in longer, wheelbase +4.7 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 XJ →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Super V8 4dr Sedan RWD | 206.3 in | 71.7 in | 57.5 in | 124 in | 61.4 / 61 in | 4,001 lb | 52/48 |
| Vanden Plas 4dr Sedan RWD | 206.3 in | 71.7 in | 57.5 in | 124 in | 61.4 / 61 in | 3,818 lb | 52/48 |
| Xj8/Xjr 4dr Sedan RWD | 200.4 in | 71.7 in | 57.1 in | 119.3 in | 61 / 61 in | 3,726 lb | 52/48 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XJ8 | 4.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 25 / 19 | +4% | $4,350 | 468 |
| XJ8L | 4.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 25 / 19 | +4% | $4,350 | 468 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Jaguar XJ under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 large cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Jaguar XJ (this car) | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Lexus LS | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2008 Maserati Quattroporte | 14 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 Audi S8 | 15 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 Cadillac DTS | 18 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2008 Lincoln Town Car | 18 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Cadillac Funeral Coach/Hearse | 15 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Jaguar XJ.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2008 Jaguar XJ is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Jaguar XJ buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Service Brakes — 1 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Suspension — 1 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 1 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 83,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Jaguar XJ. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other XJ years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 XJ | 21 | 201.6 in | Not rated | 1 | 1 |
| 2018 XJ | 21 | 201.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2017 XJ | 21 | 201.6 in | Not rated | 3 | 2 |
| 2016 XJ | 21 | 201.6 in | Not rated | 2 | 8 |
| 2015 XJ | 21 | 201.6 in | Not rated | 3 | 7 |
| 2014 XJ | 21 | 201.6 in | Not rated | 2 | 10 |
| 2013 XJ | 21 | 201.6 in | Not rated | 3 | 7 |
| 2012 XJ | 19 | 201.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 5 |
| 2011 XJ | 19 | 201.6 in | Not rated | 3 | 13 |
| 2010 XJ | 19 | 201.6 in | Not rated | 3 | 0 |
| 2009 XJ | 19 | 206.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2007 XJ | 19 | 200.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Jaguar. How we calculate this →