I can't even believe that the original article even sited the X-type as a major fault with Ford/Jaguar. Thats a bunch of bullshit there. The X-type was and still is a fine car. Funny how Audi can source VW's platform for an A4, and its a front driver, underpowered and has a premium MSRP and no one gives a crap. The Lexus ES300 was a rebadged and prettied up Camry with a fat price tag, but no one blinks an eye at that.

But Ford sources the European Ford Mondeo (itself a very good car) offers it as the Jaguar X-Type. Gives it classic styling cues, a great powerplant (230HP 2.5 liter duratec V6) and All Wheel Drive, all the upscale appointments you'd expect, plus the heritage of Jaguar (if you cared) for around $30K.
Its a better value than Audi, Lexus, Acura, BMW, etc were offering for that price point. Its only "flaw" was that it's a Ford?
That's just auto-motive ignorance. There was nothing wrong with the Mondeo, It was/is a great car and so what if it underpinned the baby Jag.
Ford/Jaguar was trying to reach that growing near-luxury market and it seemed like a logical option. Who would guess that the American buying public would be stupid enough to loathe the X-type but praise overstuffed A4's and ES300's instead.