Land Rover Freelander Station Wagon (97-03) - Review

Review by Parkers on
Freelander is the junior member of 4x4’s most aristocratic family – Land Rover. Range Rover lords it over premium 4x4s; Discovery splashes through swamps or strolls through suburbia in equal style, while Defender's genes have made it a faithful retainer on the country estate for generations. Blue blood doesn’t necessarily confer special virtues – and Freelander has been known to slip up. It's a more complete package than 'lifestyle' 4x4s like RAV-4 and CR-V, with three body styles and lots of options. But it's more expensive and less reliable – rattly interior trim, faulty electrics and blown engines are some common faults.
3.5 out of 5

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3 out of 5

Safety

All models have a driver's airbag; a passenger bag was originally only fitted to XE, GS and ES models but is now standard across the range. ABS was an expensive option on cheaper models but became standard in 2001. An alarm and immobiliser are standard, although extra protection may be needed 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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