1994-1998 Land Rover Discovery: Full Review
Updated: 12/17/09
1998 Land Rover Discovery
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1994-1998 Land Rover Discovery ▼
- Price Range: $1,400 - $3,200
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1994-1998 Land Rover Discovery and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
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 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1994-1998 Land Rover Discovery. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1994-1998 Land Rover Discovery.
Year to Year Changes
1995 Land Rover Discovery:
Side impact beams were installed on both front and rear doors for 1995.
1996 Land Rover Discovery:
For 1996, three models went on sale: SD, SE, and SE7, the latter with center-facing rear seats for 7-passenger capacity. The SD had a standard 5-speed manual transmission, with a new 4-speed automatic unit optional. A new 2-speed transfer case debuted during the 1996 model year; claimed to be quieter than its predecessor.
1997 Land Rover Discovery:
All three models got a burled-walnut dashboard. The SE and SE7 also gained a wood-trimmed center console and gearshift handle.
1998 Land Rover Discovery:
Only two trim levels were offered for '98: LE and LSE. Other changes were minimal. Though styling stayed the same, Discovery was redesigned for '99.
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
Acceleration is fairly lively in a Discovery, but no quicker than the 6-cylinder Jeep Grand Cherokee or Ford Explorer. Gas mileage is nothing to brag about. We averaged just 13 mpg in a blend of expressway and suburban driving. Expect plenty of road noise and mechanical sounds, with constant gear whining. The Discovery's firm suspension manages to absorb most bumps smartly and does a good job of reducing body lean. Even so, it leans more in turns than a Grand Cherokee or Explorer, and the steering demands too much muscle at low speeds. Tall ground clearance is an advantage when off-road, but a hindrance to climbing aboard or exiting, and you tend to drive with your shoulder shoved against the door. Adults will feel comfortable in Discovery's first two rows of seats, but the jump seats are best left to children. Gauges are easy to see and well-lit at night. Cargo space is abundant. As for assembly quality, our test vehicles have felt rock-solid.
Value for the Money
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.
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 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Land Rover Discovery includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Land Rover Discovery .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Climate control:
The electrical connector for the rear defroster can short to the center high-mount stoplamp (CHMSL) and blow a fuse. When this happens, the transmission cannot be shifted out of park. (All)
Doors:
The sound-insulation pads in the doors can shift and plug the water drain holes which could lead to rust through. (All)
Hard starting:
Starting difficulty in cold weather has been traced to oil that is too thick and a computer PROM with the wrong calibration. (1994-95)
Sunroof/moonroof:
The sunroof may leak and water may drip from the latch or motor or front edge. (1994-96)
Transaxle leak:
The front-axle stub seals and the rear-axle hub seals tend to leak. (1994-96)
Vehicle shake:
The vehicle may vibrate when accelerating, especially between 30-40 mph due to a bad harmonic balancer or engine mount. (1994-95)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| 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 |
Our price chart for this generation Land Rover Discovery details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 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 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Land Rover Discovery include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
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 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Land Rover's 4.0-liter, overhead-valve V8 engine produced 182 horsepower. Either a 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed automatic might be installed in a Discovery. Automatic was standard on the 1996-97 Discovery SE, but optional on other models.
| 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 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: England
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/4-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Land Rover Discovery include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
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%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1994-1998 Land Rover Discovery directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1994-97:
Stress crack can develop in some plastic fuel tanks; can ultimately result in signs of fuel from underside of vehicle while filling (or especially, overfilling) the tank.
1994-98:
Chafing of cruise-control wire against steering-wheel coupler can cause insulation to fail; electrical grounding could then cause driver's airbag to deploy.
1995:
Wrong-sized driveshaft nuts on some vehicles can loosen, ultimately causing one or both driveshafts to disconnect.
1995-96:
Right front door may not latch fully, causing door to "bounce" back off seals; could open while vehicle is moving.
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