The 2009 Jaguar XJ

There is a wide gap in price between the XJ8 and the Portfolio. The base XJ8 goes for around $64,000 and change, whereas the Portfolio hit's the $100,000 mark. In between them you'll find the XJ8L, XJR, as well as the famous Vanden Plas version; the Vanden Plas is sandwiched in between the base XJ8 and Portfolio at around $80,000.

The Jaguar XJ comes with a standard V8 engine. It's spacious and roomy inside; all sorts of creature comforts abound this upscale luxury automobile. Even the base XJ comes nicely equipped, of course for those with discerning taste and the wallet to match; the Vanden Plas comes fully loaded with every amenity known to mankind. The XJ8L is a nice alternative to both the base model and the Vanden Plas; the XJ8L costs around $68,000 or so, but for this price you get a longer wheelbase than on the base XJ8 with a few more amenities.

The Portfolio is gorgeous; it's a combination of the Vanden Plas and the Super V8, but with more limo-like qualities...a very potent V8 comes standard on the Portfolio model. The XJR is an alternative for the more driver oriented individual. But no matter which Jag you choose for yourself; none of the models in the Jag lineup will ever let you forget you're in a Jag.

In the tradition of great Euro-sedans: the XJ is rear-wheel drive. It's sturdy and feels solid under harsh driving conditions. Surprisingly enough; the XJ8 gets pretty good gas-mileage. Don't expect the same gas-mileage on either the XJR or Portfolio; both these vehicles have more powerful engines and are a bit thirstier than the base XJ models. The XJR puts out 400 horsepower, but you'll pay for it at the pump.

Few cars look as good as Jaguars' or Audi's do. Although the XJ has competition from the Mercedes S-class, BMW 7-series, and the Lexus LS460; the Jaguar outdoes these vehicles in the looks department. British automobiles look fantastic; German automobiles take a back seat to British automobiles in the looks/cachet department.

Performance is the one thing which the Germans usually outdo the British in. The Jaguar XJ may look a tad better than the BMW 7-series does, but BMW's are as fantastic in the performance department as Jag's are in the looks department. The BMW and the Mercedes S-class can both whip the Jag in performance.

Jaguar's had reputations in the past for being unreliable. Ford purchased the brand back in the late 90's, and just recently sold it to India's Tata-Motors. Ford spent millions and millions of dollars trying to improve Jaguar's mechanical problems. The results were somewhat successful. Jag's improved considerably under Ford's ownership. Ford could never keep up with this prestigious brand. Ford failed to attract people to purchase the famous British car-brand. Ford sold Jaguar to Tata-Motors in 2008. No one knows what's store for Jag's future under Tata-Motors.