When Jaguar introduced the X-Type for the 2001 model year, the car was plagued by reliability problems. Those teething pains, coupled with reportedly indifferent dealers, surely chased away many of those first-time Jag owners who might have selected another X-Type, or an S-Type, as their next conspicuous display of consumption. In our hectic, dual-income reality, broken cars and unresponsive dealers have an immediate and negative effect on making the next mortgage payment or winning that promotion. Neither did a Ford-sourced foundation and plummeting resale values make the X-Type a legitimate or intelligent choice, and it wasn't long before the reality of the X-Type overcame the fantasy of the X-Type.

Today, Jaguar's baby is better than ever, now with more back. But despite the significant improvements made since the X-Type's debut, it's still an average effort at best, with styling and luxurious interior treatments remaining two of its strongest selling points.

If nothing else, the 2005 Jaguar X-Type 3.0 Sportwagon adds versatility while expanding the model range, making it much easier to haul Sony plasma screen TVs, Sean John tracksuits and Louis Vuitton handbags back to the McMansion.