1999-2004 Land Rover Discovery: Full Review

Updated: 11/23/08

2000 Land Rover Discovery
2004 Land Rover Discovery
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1999-2004 Land Rover Discovery II ▼

  • Price Range:  $4,000 - $13,300
CG Rating

37

out of 100

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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1999-2004 Land Rover Discovery II and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.

Pros

  • Ride
  • Build quality
  • Exterior finish
  • Cargo room
  • Passenger room

Cons

  • Entry/exit
  • Instruments/controls
  • Noise
  • Fuel economy

Vehicle Highlights

Land Rover redesigned its lower-priced model for 1999, giving it a Series II designation. Appearance did not change appreciably, but the new model was claimed to be 85 percent new. It was the first revamp since the Discovery's debut in 1994. Overall length grew by 6.5 inches and width by nearly 4 inches, but the wheelbase was unchanged. Only a single version of the four-door midsize SUV was offered, with several class "firsts." Although styling remained familiar, the Discovery had more rounded contours and a taller windshield. A newly designed dashboard went inside, along with softer and larger front seats. Equipped with permanent four-wheel drive and standard five-passenger seating, the Discovery II held a 4.0-liter V8 engine and four-speed automatic transmission. Engine output rose by 6 hp and torque by 18 lb-ft, compared to the prior model. If optional 3rd-row seating was requested, the jump seats now faced forward instead of inward. Cargo space behind the middle bench went up by a claimed 15.5 cu ft. Cloth upholstery was standard, with leather optional. Automatic dual-zone climate control also was standard. Antilocking all-disc brakes and 16-inch wheels were standard. The 4WD system had separate low-range gearing and electronic traction control that braked individual wheels as needed to limit spin in severe conditions and restore lost grip. Standard Hill Descent Control automatically applied brakes to limit speed when descending steep grades in Low range. An optional Active Cornering Enhancement (ACE) system replaced the usual antiroll bars with hydraulic rams, to reduce body lean in hard turns. A self-leveling suspension also was available. At this time, the Land Rover organization was a subsidiary of BMW. Rivals to the Discovery included the Ford Explorer, Acura MDX, Lexus RX 300, Mercedes-Benz M-Class, and Infiniti QX4.

Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)

Category Land Rover Discovery SD Rating
Performance 3
Fuel Economy 2
Ride Quality 3
Steering/Handling/Braking 3
Quietness 3
Controls/Materials 2
Interior Room 6
Room/Comfort (rear) 6
Cargo Capacity 7
Value within Class 2
Total Score: 37
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1999-2004 Land Rover Discovery II. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1999-2004 Land Rover Discovery II.

Year to Year Changes


2000 Land Rover Discovery: Addition of an integrated compass to the rearview mirror was the only notable change for 2000. A new fuel-filler-door indicator went on the instrument panel. Ford bought Land Rover from BMW this year.
2001 Land Rover Discovery: For 2001, the Discovery reverted to three trim levels--SD, LE and top-line SE. Adding the optional 3rd-row seating changed badging to SD7, LE7, or SE7. An optional SE/SE7 performance package included 18-inch wheels and Active Cornering Enhancement. A rear self-leveling suspension was standard in "7" models, and available for the LE and SE. Leather interior trim was standard for the SE/SE7. A new 10-speaker, 220-watt premium audio system became available this year.
2002 Land Rover Discovery: A new top-line HSE edition with DVD-based entertainment and navigation systems debuted this year, joining the base SD and midline SE. The LE model was gone. An optional Suspension Package for the SE/HSE added Active Cornering Enhancement. A rear self-leveling suspension was standard on seven-passenger models. Leather upholstery was standard on the SE and HSE, along with 18-inch wheels (versus 16-inch for the SD). A limited-production Kalahari off-road edition went on sale later in the year.
2003 Land Rover Discovery: A 217-hp 4.6-liter V8 replaced the 4.0 V8. The grille, headlamps, and front bumper were restyled for '03, and instrument graphics were also revised. A rear-obstacle-detection system was new and exclusive to the HSE.
2004 Land Rover Discovery: In 2004, Land Rover produced 200 limited-edition G4 Editions, named for the Land Rover sponsored off-road challenge. The G4 is orange and includes self-leveling suspension, front brush bar, rear access ladder, and lamp guards. Also new in '04 is a driver-activated locking center differential.

Our road test for the 1999-2004 Land Rover Discovery II includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1999-2004 Land Rover Discovery II and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1999-2004 Land Rover Discovery II is right for you.

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Without Active Cornering Enhancement (ACE), this tall, relatively narrow sport-utility vehicle suffers copious body lean in tight turns. With ACE, it corners with fine control and balance. Too bad the ACE technology has only been available on top-line models. Although the Discovery's ride gets choppy on closely spaced bumps, most imperfections are soaked up without jarring. Braking is sure and acceleration is acceptable for this premium-SUV class, though fuel economy is likely to be painful. A test model with the 4.0-liter engine accelerated to 60 mph in 10.2 seconds, but averaged only 12.5 mpg using the required premium fuel. Test SE did 0-60 mph in 9.1 sec, a useful improvement over the 4.0-liter version's 10.2. The added torque provides a needed boost in midrange passing response, too. Wind, engine, and axle noise are intrusive. The optional 3rd-row seat feels cramped, but overall, both people and package space are good. A tall step-in and narrow doorways make entry/exit tough, even for an SUV--especially into the rear compartment. Workmanship is on the patchy side, compared to the Discovery's main competitors. Quality, in fact, has been a longtime concern with respect to products from the British Land Rover company. One test Discovery model, for instance, suffered numerous squeaks and rattles.
Value for the Money
The Discovery's optional 7-passenger capacity is a bonus. Regardless, the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz M-Class, and Lexus RX 300 offer better performance, handling, road manners, refinement, and quality--without the Discovery's foolish eccentricities. Basically, it's an old soldier that sells mainly due to its off-road prowess and the toney Land Rover name. In the less-trucky SUV group, the nicely polished (if only 5-passenger) Lexus RX 300 ranks as a top alternative.

Expert Ratings Summary

Category Land Rover Discovery SD Rating
Performance 3
Fuel Economy 2
Ride Quality 3
Steering/Handling/Braking 3
Quietness 3
Controls/Materials 2
Interior Room 6
Room/Comfort (rear) 6
Cargo Capacity 7
Value within Class 2
Total Score: 37

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.

Coolant leak: Heater hoses may leak due to insufficiently tightened clamps causing coolant to puddle on intake manifold of 4.0-L engine. (1999)

Sunroof/moonroof: Sunroof may jam and dealers were replacing both the front and rear assemblies at no charge. (1999)

Water leak: Plugged drain holes (excess sealant) in the fresh-air intake plenum causes water to enter passenger compartment during torrential rains and/or carwashes. (1999)

Windows: The rear-window glass may break from stress caused by the CHMSL (center high-mounted stoplamp) housing. (1999)

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 $915
Alternator $1,025
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $910
Brakes $505
Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing $400
Constant Velocity Joints $1,150
Exhaust System $745
Radiator $810
Shocks and/or Struts $1,340
Timing Chain or Belt $500
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
2004
Discovery II $11,500-14,800 $10,400-13,300 $6,300-8,100
2003
Discovery II $9,000-12,000 $8,100-10,800 $4,700-6,200
2002
Discovery II $7,300-9,500 $6,600-8,600 $3,600-4,700
2001
Discovery II $6,100-7,800 $5,300-6,800 $2,600-3,400
2000
Discovery II $5,400-6,800 $4,600-5,800 $2,200-2,800
1999
Discovery II $4,800-6,000 $4,000-5,000 $1,800-2,300
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. 185.2
Overall Width, in. 74.4
Overall Height, in. 76.4
Curb Weight, lbs. 4576
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 63.3
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 24.6
Seating Capacity 7
Front Head Room, in. 40.4
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 42.3
Rear Head Room, in. 40.1
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 37.3

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

Land Rover's overhead-cam 4.0-liter V8 engine produced 188 horsepower, driving a four-speed automatic transmission. That engine was replaced in 2003 by a 4.6-liter V8. Horsepower increased to 217 and torque was up to 300 pounds-feet.
Engines Size liters /
cu. in		 Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy		 Consumer Guide Observed
ohv V8 4.6 / 278 217 300 4-speed automatic: 12/16 4-speed automatic: 13.3
ohv V8 4.0 / 241 188 250-251 4-speed automatic: 13/17 4-speed automatic: 12.5

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

Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.

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 1999-2004 Land Rover Discovery II directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.

NHTSA Recall History

1999-2000 w/active cornering enhancement: The high-pressure hydraulic pipe could fracture, resulting in loss of hydraulic fluid which could lead to loss of engine auxiliary functions.
1999-2000: Engine-idler pulley can fracture and fail, causing the pulley to throw off the serpentine belt. Loss of engine auxiliary functions could result.
1999-2001: The antilock braking system's electronic-control unit can misinterpret the sensor signal, resulting in inappropriate ABS activation.
1999-2002: Chafing of the accelerator cable could lead to breakage of the interior cable strands, making the throttle stick in the open position.
2000-2001: The power-interrupt solenoid in the winch assembly could experience excessive heat, which could lead to fire.

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