Land Rover Freelander Hardback (97-03) - Review

Review by Parkers on
Freelander competes with the CR-V and RAV-4 in the 'lifestyle' 4x4 arena. It offers more than its rivals, with three body styles, good off-road ability and lots of optional kit. However, it also costs more than its direct competitors. It's good to drive for a 4x4 (especially the Td4 and V6 models) and both fashionable and prestigious thanks to its Land Rover heritage. The only real downside was patchy quality control on early models, resulting in variable build quality and so-so reliability.
3.5 out of 5

Other Land Rover reviews

3 out of 5

Safety

Driver’s airbag standard on all models; passenger airbag on XS, GS and ES models; ABS was an expensive option on cheaper models at launch but is now standard across the range. No Euro NCAP rating. Alarm and immobiliser are standard; no negative reports regarding their effectiveness, but it may be worth increasing protection for town use.

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2 out of 5

Reliability

Current models feel better built and more solidly engineered than their predecessors; older Freelanders have a reputation for problems, mainly minor but niggling.

Car check problem points

Body

Peeling paintwork; leaking boot; damage from off road use.

Engine/Gearbox

Failing head gasket; sticking throttle; blown engine; worn anti-roll bar links.

Other

Faulty central locking; noisy electric windows; faulty brakes

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