Archive for the ‘Jaguar’ Category

Jaguar For Me; Jag For You?

Friday, January 15th, 2010

The British automaker, Jaguar, has certainly stepped it up a notch over the past decade. Don’t tell the British, but Ford Motor Company’s purchase of the venerable brand likely saved the company from oblivion. The cat is back. Read on for updates about this feline marquee.

I have a friend, his name shall remain anonymous to protect the guilty, and whose knowledge about Jaguar is fairly limited to put it kindly. Both of us enjoy cars, particularly powerful American coupes, and the occasional sedan or hot wagon, such as the Dodge Magnum. When Lincoln’s new LS made its debut more than five years ago I remarked how the Ford Motor Company crafted both it and the Jaguar “S” type from the same platform and that this was the first shared venture between the two companies ever. My buddy was perplexed as he considered what I had said. He then retorted, “how can Ford and GM build from the same car?”  Huh?! I was mystified at first, but then I realized his ignorance was typical of many Americans regarding the British automaker: they just did not know the brand. (more…)

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Jaguar X Type: Luxury for the Commoner

Monday, November 30th, 2009

Prices for top selling luxury cars can easily top $50,000 when taxes, destination charges, and dealer prep fees are factored in. Generally, this isn’t a problem as the customer who purchases a vehicle of this renown can afford the big price tag. However, automakers have learned that there is a market for “entry level” luxury cars for up and coming buyers who want the name without paying the steep price. The dilemma for automakers is not to water down the product line, rather to offer a car that upholds the marquee without diluting its value. One such car that has successfully filled that criterion is the Jaguar X Type, the focus of this review.

Admittedly, I am biased toward purchasing American cars even through the ups and downs of the U.S. car industry. Still, I am fascinated by changes that occur in vehicles throughout the world as I know that at some point those changes will be incorporated into cars traversing North American highways. (more…)

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