2003 Land Rover Freelander TDi Sports Premium 2.0 TDi from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Robust and stylish workhorse

Faults:

No faults so far in 6 months' ownership.

General Comments:

It feel solidly made and robust.

Its acceleration and straight-line speed performance do not set the world on fire, but excellent torque. Cruises happily at 70+mph.

Diesel consumption higher than I anticipated and worse than manufacturer's figures. c. 7 miles per litre and 400 miles from a tank of fuel.

Good driving position once you get used to the lack of seat-height adjustment. Good quality nu-buck leather seats. Excellent rear seat fold mechanism - the best I've encountered.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th January, 2006

2003 Land Rover Freelander ES 2.5 V6 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

A very poorly built, unreliable and expensive to maintain 'soft roader'

Faults:

Numerous rattles and squeak's.

Blown oil cooler at 30,000 Km's.

Front brake pads worn out at 31,000Km's.

Front discs require replacing.

Rear brake shoes almost worn out.

Severe rattle from engine on startup.

Auto transmission very harsh when cold.

General Comments:

Servicing is very expensive.

Dealer support in my area abysmal.

Defects on my car are well known Freelander problems.

Land Rover Australia claim brake wear is 'fair wear and tear' and not a warranty item.

I wouldn't have another Land Rover as a gift, I am trading it against a SAAB.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 30th August, 2005

2003 Land Rover Freelander SE from North America

Summary:

A superb SUV

Faults:

I haven't purchased the vehicle entirely as of yet, but I've test driven almost every other SUV in it's class and the Land Rover Freelander is my favorite. I have heard though if you warranty is up (4 years, or 60,000km) it is very expensive to fix since it's Land Rover.

General Comments:

This car is great. I don't even know where to begin.

It handles amazing-it's like my mom's BMW X5 and leaves no room on the steering wheel and is just very tight.

It's very quiet, a result of the doors, sunroof and other instruments being sealed correctly.

It's comfortable for both the driver and the passengers (including the backseat!) I think Land Rover spent a lot of time making sure that the back seat would enable people to be comfortable when riding in it.

The only quirk I have, and it's really nothing is that the power window buttons are located in the middle of the driver and passenger seat. It's a little weird, but something to get used to.

You can't compare this vehicle to any other in it's class. The Xterra- doesn't have acceleration. Escape-"Regular-day-to-day folk" drivers, and it doesn't handle very well. Mistubishi Montero Sport- Gas guzzling, and it's too loud.

The Land Rover Freelander is gutless. It handles so well and you can barely feel bumps in the road. It's quiet, more fuel efficient than most SUV'S and it just a superb unit for anyone.

I recommend this vehicle highly.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd July, 2004

11th Jul 2004, 13:42

This Freelander review is quite favorable. As such, I don't understand the use of the term "gutless" near the end of the review. Perhaps the reviewer meant to use a term which would indicate a more favorable overall impression of the car.

Thanks.

17th Feb 2005, 13:53

I'll take "gutsy" for $200. It was probably an honest mistake.

20th Mar 2005, 13:05

I'll take "guiltless" for $300.

3rd Feb 2009, 12:27

Buy the vehicle, put 30,000 miles on it and then review it. This is what the site is about. We come here to find out about reliability. If I needed to know about the acceleration and the ride, I would read Motor Trend.

1st Jul 2010, 18:41

It is a bit small for me, I have a hard time getting inside of it. I am 5'10" tall and I fit in it well once I get in. The power window system in the doors and the back door are of very poor design. The cables will slip off of the sprockets and they become useless. This has happened in the rear door and the back/passenger side door so far. It is very aggravating, and because of it, I would not buy another one.

14th Sep 2010, 12:44

A superb vehicle is not the word for the Land Rover Freelander, especially when you have not owned one yet. I think the word should be a costly vehicle. I have yet to hear a good review about this SUV and you telling me "Superb". Give me a break!