1994-1998 Land Rover Discovery: Full Review
Updated: 12/17/09
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1994-1998 Land Rover Discovery ▼
- Price Range: $1,400 - $3,200
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Pros
- Antilock brakes
- Ride
Cons
- Entry/exit
- Fuel economy
- Noise
- Price
Vehicle Highlights
Land Rover expanded its sport-utility vehicle lineup in the spring of 1994, adding a new Discovery model to the existing Defender 90 and Range Rover. The new four-door wagon from the British Range Rover firm used a 182-horsepower 4.0-liter V8 engine. Permanently engaged 4-wheel drive was standard, with a 2-speed transfer case and either a 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic transmission. In standard form, a Discovery seated five, but twin center-facing rear seats were optional. Standard equipment included dual airbags and antilock all-disc brakes.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Land Rover Discovery Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 2 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 5 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 7 | |
| Value within Class | 2 | |
| Total Score: | 44 |
Year to Year Changes
Our road test for the 1994-1998 Land Rover Discovery includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1994-1998 Land Rover Discovery and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1994-1998 Land Rover Discovery is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Range Rover/Land Rover is perceived to be a luxury vehicle by some people, but that's definitely not the case with a Discovery. Interiors are surprisingly basic, unless the vehicle is fitted with leather upholstery. Before spending a wad of money on this vehicle, look at upscale versions of the Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Land Rover Discovery Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 2 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 5 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 7 | |
| Value within Class | 2 | |
| Total Score: | 44 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $1,390 |
| Alternator | $635 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $3,000 |
| Brakes | $390 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $1,210 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $235 |
| Exhaust System | $440 |
| Radiator | $820 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $680 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $840 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
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| 1998 | |||
| Discovery | $3,400-4,100 | $2,700-3,200 | $900-1,100 |
| 1997 | |||
| Discovery | $3,000-3,700 | $2,300-2,800 | $700-900 |
| 1996 | |||
| Discovery | $2,600-3,200 | $1,900-2,400 | $500-700 |
| 1995 | |||
| Discovery | $2,300-2,900 | $1,700-2,100 | $400-600 |
| 1994 | |||
| Discovery | $2,000-2,600 | $1,400-1,800 | $300-400 |
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Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door wagon | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 100.0 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 178.7 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 70.6 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 77.4 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4465 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 69.8 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 23.4 | |
| Seating Capacity | 7 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 37.4 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 38.5 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.2 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.3 | |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohv V8 | 4.0 / 241 | 182 | 233 | 5-speed manual: 12/16 4-speed automatic: 12/16 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 12.6 |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1998 Discovery |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 3 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 3 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
NHTSA Recall History
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