Land Rover Freelander Softback (97-03) - Review Review by Parkers on 01 January 1997 Last Updated: 25 April 2007 Freelander competes with the CR-V and RAV-4. Softback is the one with a detachable fold-down hood and removable targa style roof panels; it is the macho, fun choice. 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 out of 5 Other Land Rover reviews Summary Facts & Figures Equipment Driving & Performance Comfort Costs Safety & Reliability Buying & Selling Also Consider Company Car Info Owners' Reviews Gallery 3 out of 5 Summary Tweet New price range: £14,995 - £24,195 Used price range: £695 - £4,576 View all used prices Get a Land Rover Freelander Softback (97-03) information pack Next steps Land Rover Freelander Softback cars for sale Use our cars for sale search facility to find great deals on second hand cars. We have 2 models like this for sale, starting at £2,495. Find used Land Rover Freelander Softbacks for sale Proven 4x4 capability Less secure than the Hard-Top Freelander competes with the CR-V and RAV-4. Softback is the one with a detachable fold-down hood and removable targa style roof panels; it is the macho, fun choice. 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. Driving & Performance Performance 4 out of 5"The 177 bhp 2.5 V6 is the performance choice with a 0-60 time of just over ten seconds, but it's..." Handling 3 out of 5"On normal roads it’s stable and doesn’t roll much, with a composed and well-controlled ride." Comfort Comfort 3 out of 5"Only two adults for the back and for only for short trips. Good headroom, but the front seats feel..." Practicality 3 out of 5"Like the three-door, the softback only offers enough luggage room for a couple of shopping bags. The..." Equipment 3 out of 5"All models have full-time front-biased four-wheel drive, intermediate reduction drive and..." Behind the wheel 3 out of 5"Softback can be a bit tricky High-up driving position gives a good view of the road. Some of the..." Costs Running costs 3 out of 5"1.8 petrol and the refined BMW-sourced Td4 diesel are the economy choices. Freelander continues to..." Green credentials 0 out of 5 Safety & Reliability Safety 3 out of 5"All models have a driver's airbag; a passenger bag was originally only fitted to XE, GS and ES..." Reliability 2 out of 5"Current models feel better built and more solidly engineered than their predecessors; older..." Buying & Selling Buying new 0 out of 5 Buying used 3 out of 5"Most popular models are 2.0 TD4, with a refined and economical diesel engine and the refined and..." Selling 3.5 out of 5"Freelanders at the right price always sell. A full Land Rover service history will reassure the..." Gallery View full gallery Car Valuations Find used car prices with Parkers accurate car valuations. Find out more Land Rover Freelander cars for sale We have 2 models like this for sale. Find Land Rover Freelander cars for sale Next: Facts & Figures