The 2009 Jaguar XK

The XK is an alternative to the BMW M6, Chevrolet Corvette, and Mercedes CL class. If you're looking for cachet though; Audi's and Jag's look better than just about any other automobiles' under the sun. The XK stands out really nicely, and Jag's just seem to attract the right amount of attention; although there are many people out there who don't want attention. Jag's have always been sort of a catch-22 with people, some people like them, others don't; the Jag's of old were infamous for having reliability problems.

The XK has been around for sometime now. It's the sporty version of the XJ. The XK is gorgeous looking interior/exterior as are most premium Jag's. There's something about the way Jag's and Audi's look which is hard to beat, especially when you take into consideration their cost; the Jag is an expensive vehicle, but not if you take into account what you get, exceptional good looks, performance, etc.

Although the XK has competition from Mercedes, BMW, and Audi; the Jaguar blows them all out of the water in the looks department. There's just something about British automobiles which is hard to surpass.

Ford purchased Jaguar back in the late 90's. Ford spent millions and millions of dollar trying to upgrade and fix the prestigious brand's reliability problems. British automobiles are infamous for having electrical problems, and Jag's are no exception. After Ford spent close to a billion dollar trying to make due with Jag-it finally gave up. To add insult to injury; Ford could never attract the right buyers to purchase this big name brand. Ford re-badge the Lincoln and created the Jaguar S-Type, then it re-badge some of their mid-size models and created the Jaguar X-Type...down on car sales and with the failing economy; Ford finally gave up on Jaguar. In 2008; Ford sold Jaguar to India's Tata-Motors.

The XK coupe performs really well. Prices of the XK model are from $77,000-83,000. The base XK coupe goes for about $77,000 (with today's economy you're likely to get a substantial discount/deal). For $77,000, you get a handsome vehicle which performs above par. Leather interior and wood paneling abound. For a little bit more you can purchase the XK convertible.

Next in line is the XKR model. The XKR comes with a more potent engine, but at a cost. The base XKR costs about $87,000; the XKR convertible costs $93,000. As with all brand name automobiles; the options list are hefty, but these Jaguar's come nicely loaded so you've little to add, but still: a fully loaded XKR convertible could hit the $95,000 mark.

The XKR-Portfolio convertible edition hit's the $100,000 mark. This handsome vehicle comes with every luxury and amenity known to mankind/womankind.... The hardtop XKR model goes for around $95,000 and change.