2005 Jaguar S-Type Test Drives

An Aging Design Retains Some Luster

Jaguar's S-Type still has high points. Can it keep the competition at bay?

Should You Buy This Car?

Jaguar is smart about something else that's hard to get in this class -- folding rear seatbacks. The trunk isn't huge, so having access to the cabin from the trunk is smart. A lot of carmakers skip this feature in their more upscale models, but that's a mistake. Is it any wonder that all of those buyers are shifting to crossovers.

We wish as much thought had gone into the cup holder design. Who says that just because you drive a $45,000 car you only sip espresso from Starbucks? That's about all these holders are good for, which is silly.

But back to the question of actually buying this car: We like the S-Type. And we think if more people test-drove this car more would sell. But in a crowded field full of great models, such as the new 5 Series, Cadillac STS, new Lexus GS and new M from Nissan Motor's Infiniti subsidiary, Jaguar never gets into the argument.