2003 Land Rover Discovery: Road Test
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2003 Land Rover Discovery ▼
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- MSRP: $34,350 -$40,350
- Invoice: $31,259 -$36,719
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Our road test for the 2003 Land Rover Discovery includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Land Rover Discovery from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Land Rover Discovery, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Land Rover Discovery help you decide if a 2003 Land Rover Discovery is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| SE | HSE w/Suspension Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 5.8 |
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. On-road towing capacity is 5500 lb.
FUEL ECONOMY
| SE | HSE w/Suspension Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 3.1 |
Not good. Test SEs averaged 11.5-13.3 mpg, depending on driving conditions. Premium fuel required.
RIDE QUALITY
| SE | HSE w/Suspension Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 4.6 |
Regular suspension takes most bumps in stride, but with more unwanted body motion than in most SUVs. Suspension Package's ACE feature quells body motions, but not inherent choppiness on rough roads.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| SE | HSE w/Suspension Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 4 | 5.1 |
Feels tippy in quick maneuvers with standard suspension. ACE improves stability and agility, but Discovery still feels top-heavy in most corners. Braking performance no more than adequate, pedal effort high. Just one simulated panic stop in test SE illuminated dashboard warning lights signaling a problem with the ABS, traction-control, and hill-descent-control systems.
QUIETNESS
| SE | HSE w/Suspension Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 5.4 |
Despite efforts to reduce intrusion of wind, engine, and axle noise with revisions to body mounts and exhaust system for '03, Discovery still suffers a prominent exhaust note and too much wind rush. Test SE exhibited intrusive gear whine, too.
CONTROLS
| SE | HSE w/Suspension Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 5.7 |
Dated and messy. Some controls mysteriously marked and/or haphazardly placed, like power-seat switches on the side of the center console. Steering-wheel rim blocks other buttons. No opportunity to test with navigation system. Too many plastic panels detract from cabin decor, though available leather and wood dresses it up. Test SE suffered interior trim rattles.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| SE | HSE w/Suspension Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 7.3 |
Ample head room, but narrow footwells feel confining and interior step-in is lofty. Tall drivers can't get very far back from the wheel, and long-legged front passengers ride with knees near dashboard. Aft visibility not great, so HSE's rear-obstacle-detection system to warn of close-by objects is a fine idea.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| SE | HSE w/Suspension Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.9 |
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
| SE | HSE w/Suspension Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7.5 |
High load deck. Cargo door opens to the right, blocking curbside loading. Meager space without 3rd-row seats removed; they also fold neatly against side walls to open up generous luggage room.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| SE | HSE w/Suspension Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 5.2 |
Discovery is distinguished by a measure of British character, but a cold assessment reveals an old soldier trading on the Land Rover name. It is capable off-road, but most every similarly priced rival offers superior on-road manners, refinement, and materials quality.
Total Score
| SE | HSE w/Suspension Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 36 | 39 | 55.6 |
Total Score: 38
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