DecodedCars2008 Jaguar S-type
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan RWD /3.0 V6, 4dr Sedan RWD /4.2 V8, 4dr Sedan RWD /R
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl, 4.2L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 20 combined · 17 city / 26 hwy
- Length
- 191.3–192.1 in
- Curb weight
- 3,761–4,074 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 26 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Jaguar S-type is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (3.0L 6-cyl and 4.2L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 191 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 115-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,761 lb (4dr Sedan RWD /3.0 V6).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 20 MPG combined (17 city / 26 highway), 5% worse than the 2008 midsize car average of 21.1 MPG, for an estimated $4,100 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the service brakes.
What changed for 2008
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2007 S-type — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 S-type →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan RWD /3.0 V6 | 191.3 in | 71.7 in | 57.1 in | 114.6 in | 60.6 / 60.6 in | 3,761 lb | 52/48 |
| 4dr Sedan RWD /4.2 V8 | 192.1 in | 71.7 in | 57.1 in | 114.6 in | 60.6 / 60.6 in | 3,869 lb | 52/48 |
| 4dr Sedan RWD /R | 192.1 in | 71.7 in | 57.1 in | 114.6 in | 60.6 / 60.6 in | 4,074 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S-Type 3.0 Litre | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 26 / 20 | -5% | $4,100 | 444 |
| S-Type 4.2 Litre | 4.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 24 / 19 | -10% | $4,350 | 468 |
| S-Type R | 4.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 22 / 17 | -19% | $4,850 | 523 |
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 S-type under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Jaguar S-type (this car) | 20 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 BMW 5 Series | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Audi A6 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Lexus LS | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2008 Lexus GS | 23 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2008 Audi A5 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Jaguar S-type.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2008 Jaguar S-type is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Jaguar S-type buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Service Brakes — 2 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.
- Electrical System — 1 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 49,620 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 S-type. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other S-type years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 S-type | 20 | 191.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2006 S-type | 20 | 191.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 6 |
| 2005 S-type | 19 | 191.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 42 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Jaguar. How we calculate this →