So did the xj get better as the years went on, 04, 05 etc?

 

I think the answer is Yes, better built, in that there were one or two issues with the early cars that were gradually corrected. I don't think the slight restyle from 2007 made the car any better really, I prefer the original. Only thing I don't like is the air-suspension, it is very expensive to repair, and not really necessary. I note the 2011 XJ has air springs only on the rear, the front is back to coil springs.

Other thing that made the cars better for us Brits was the diesel became available, so we can now afford to run them on our heavily taxed fuel.

 

Seems that's the way with US made cars in particular. They are usually rushed out to production from committee and running improvements are made at the driver's expense.

 

I was driving side by side with an 07ish VDP next to me on the highway. We were both blue even. I don't think she even noticed me. I like the side of the newer versions, but not the front. Looks too much like a Rover or MG.