2002 Land Rover Discovery: Road Test
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2002 Land Rover Discovery ▼
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- MSRP: $33,350 -$37,150
- Invoice: $29,682 -$33,062
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Our road test for the 2002 Land Rover Discovery includes a full evaluation of the 2002 Land Rover Discovery from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 Land Rover Discovery, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 Land Rover Discovery help you decide if a 2002 Land Rover Discovery is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| SD | SE w/Performance Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 4.7 |
Test Discovery did 0-60 mph in 10.2 sec--not bad for a weighty SUV. Weak midrange passing power, however, despite smooth, quick-shifting transmission.
FUEL ECONOMY
| SD | SE w/Performance Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 3.8 |
At the bottom for midsize SUVs; test example averaged just 12.6 mpg on mandatory premium fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| SD | SE w/Performance Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 4 |
Regular suspension takes most bumps in stride, but with more body roll and pitching than in most SUVs. Performance Package's ACE feature quells roll nicely, but not inherent choppiness on rough roads.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| SD | SE w/Performance Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 4 | 3.5 |
Standard suspension feels tippy in quick maneuvers. ACE improves stability and agility. Braking short and stable either way, but pedal effort high.
QUIETNESS
| SD | SE w/Performance Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 4 |
Wind, engine, and axle noise intrude at even moderate speeds, adding to trucky on-road driving feel.
CONTROLS
| SD | SE w/Performance Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 6 |
Dated and messy. Some controls mysteriously marked and/or haphazardly placed, like power-seat switches on the side of the center console. We haven't had an opportunity to test SE's in-dash navigation system or the new rear-seat DVD video setup; the latter mounts a fold-down LCD screen in the headliner. Too many plastic panels detract from cabin decor, though available leather and wood dresses it up.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| SD | SE w/Performance Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.2 |
Ample head and leg room, but narrow footwells feel confining and interior step-in is lofty. Tall drivers can't get very far back from the wheel. Aft visibility borders on poor.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| SD | SE w/Performance Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 5.1 |
Sky-high head room and good leg space even behind tall front seaters, but getting in or out demands steep steps and much body English even for an SUV. Optional forward-facing 3rd-row seats are useful for kids but not adults.
CARGO ROOM
| SD | SE w/Performance Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7.7 |
Load deck rather high off ground, rear door swings open to right, blocking curbside loading. With 3rd-row seats deployed, cargo space is meager. They remove or fold neatly against side walls, however, to open up generous luggage room.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| SD | SE w/Performance Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 4.5 |
Discovery is an old soldier trading on its off-road prowess and the toney Land Rover name. Most every similarly priced rival offers superior road manners, refinement, and materials quality.
Total Score
| SD | SE w/Performance Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 37 | 40 | 49.5 |
Total Score: 39
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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