Vehicle History Report
Get a CARFAX Vehicle History... the first step to protecting yourself from costly hidden problems.
- • New Cars
2003 Land Rover Freelander Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
Also in the 2003 Land Rover Freelander Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Land Rover Freelander Full Review
7.
8.
2003 Land Rover Freelander Review
Land Rover adds a second body style to its entry-level SUV for 2003. Joining the 4-dr Freelander is the SE3 2-dr semiconvertible. Dimensionally identical to the 4 dr, the SE3 is distinguished by removable roof panels over the front seats and a removable hardtop over the rear seat/cargo area. Both Freelanders have a swing-out cargo door with a feature unique among compact SUVs: a power up/down rear window. A 174-hp V6 and 5-speed automatic transmission is the sole powertrain. All-wheel drive is standard; it doesn't have low-range gearing but includes traction control, plus hill descent control to limit speed down steep grades. ABS is standard. Side airbags are unavailable. The 4 dr comes in S, SE, and HSE models. SE and HSE have leather upholstery and 17-inch wheels vs. 16s. The HSE has a voice-prompt navigation system, plus a sunroof that's optional on SE. The SE3 comes in a single trim level with 17-inch wheels and vinyl-and-fabric upholstery; leather is optional. New for all '03 Freelanders are bodyside moldings, rear LATCH child-seat anchors, and a fuel tank enlarged to 16.9 gal from 15.6. Land Rover is owned by Ford.
Competition
Though our Best Buys, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, and Mazda Tribute don't offer true off-road ability, they do mix ride comfort, cargo capacity, and versatility with all-weather traction. The V6 Tribute/Escape offers more power, comfort, and space than any in its class. CR-V has a bit more on-road refinement and cargo space.
Another car-based mini-SUV, Subaru Forester is a Recommended choice. Like the CR-V it doesn't have a low range for serious off-road use, but it blends excellent on-road manners with SUV styling. The Jeep Liberty may lack some of the advantages of more-carlike SUVs, but it leads the pack in off-road ability. It's Recommended as an affordable, capable competitor.
Another car-based mini-SUV, Subaru Forester is a Recommended choice. Like the CR-V it doesn't have a low range for serious off-road use, but it blends excellent on-road manners with SUV styling. The Jeep Liberty may lack some of the advantages of more-carlike SUVs, but it leads the pack in off-road ability. It's Recommended as an affordable, capable competitor.
News
Freelander drew a little over 16,000 sales from its fall 2001 launch through the end of 2002. That's a bit below Land Rover's target, though tight supplies may be a factor.
We're surprised Land Rover would bother with the SE3. Two-dr SUVs are a tough sell in the U.S., and the extra marketing expense for this low-volume model must be a drain on Ford's money-losing British SUV specialist.
Freelander came here only after its basic design was reengineered for U.S. regulations and consumer tastes; by that point, it was more than halfway through its planned life cycle. So a new Freelander is on the way, right? Yup. In fact, it's reportedly due in 2005 or '06 as a somewhat beefier version of the next-generation Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute, which bow about the same time. All three will share basic structure, powertrains and other key features, but Freelander will have a more off-road-oriented 4WD system per "Landie" tradition. Expect modernized styling but little change in size.
In what would be a radical break for Land Rover, one Detroit informant says the brand is eyeing a "sport wagon" priced between Freelander and the larger Discovery. Ford, like Land Rover, is pinching pennies while seeking to maximize investment through wider platform-sharing among its various makes. If approved, the first car-based Land Rover would be spun off from either the new front-drive Mazda 6 compact or the rear-drive Jaguar S-Type/Lincoln LS. It's an intriguing idea, but probably no more than that right now, though one source has already heard a name for this vehicle: Challenger.
We're surprised Land Rover would bother with the SE3. Two-dr SUVs are a tough sell in the U.S., and the extra marketing expense for this low-volume model must be a drain on Ford's money-losing British SUV specialist.
Freelander came here only after its basic design was reengineered for U.S. regulations and consumer tastes; by that point, it was more than halfway through its planned life cycle. So a new Freelander is on the way, right? Yup. In fact, it's reportedly due in 2005 or '06 as a somewhat beefier version of the next-generation Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute, which bow about the same time. All three will share basic structure, powertrains and other key features, but Freelander will have a more off-road-oriented 4WD system per "Landie" tradition. Expect modernized styling but little change in size.
In what would be a radical break for Land Rover, one Detroit informant says the brand is eyeing a "sport wagon" priced between Freelander and the larger Discovery. Ford, like Land Rover, is pinching pennies while seeking to maximize investment through wider platform-sharing among its various makes. If approved, the first car-based Land Rover would be spun off from either the new front-drive Mazda 6 compact or the rear-drive Jaguar S-Type/Lincoln LS. It's an intriguing idea, but probably no more than that right now, though one source has already heard a name for this vehicle: Challenger.
2003 Land Rover Freelander Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Maneuverability | Instruments/controls |
| Visibility | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Freelander is heavy for a compact SUV. Progress off the line is soft, contributing to the subpar 10.3 sec 0-60 mph in our tests. Underway, it's far less lively than V6 Ford Escape, and no more responsive than Honda's 4-cyl CR-V. Manually shifting Freelander's automatic transmission improves midrange response considerably.
| HSE | SE3 | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3.7 |
Freelander is heavy for a compact SUV. Progress off the line is soft, contributing to the subpar 10.3 sec 0-60 mph in our tests. Underway, it's far less lively than V6 Ford Escape, and no more responsive than Honda's 4-cyl CR-V. Manually shifting Freelander's automatic transmission improves midrange response considerably.
Fuel Economy
Test Freelanders averaged 13.0 mpg in all city driving, 16.4-17.6 overall--not great for a compact SUV. Freelander uses regular-grade fuel.
| HSE | SE3 | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4.8 |
Test Freelanders averaged 13.0 mpg in all city driving, 16.4-17.6 overall--not great for a compact SUV. Freelander uses regular-grade fuel.
Ride Quality
Among the best-riding compact SUVs. Compliant but not sloppy. Takes bumps in stride. Steady on wavy surfaces. Impressively isolated from road vibrations.
| HSE | SE3 | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 4.1 |
Among the best-riding compact SUVs. Compliant but not sloppy. Takes bumps in stride. Steady on wavy surfaces. Impressively isolated from road vibrations.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Tight, accurate steering. Admirable stability with moderate body lean and secure grip in rapid changes of direction. Strong brakes, but heavy, spongy pedal feel, and severe nosedive in simulated panic stops.
| HSE | SE3 | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 4 |
Tight, accurate steering. Admirable stability with moderate body lean and secure grip in rapid changes of direction. Strong brakes, but heavy, spongy pedal feel, and severe nosedive in simulated panic stops.
Quietness
Ahead of the compact-SUV herd. V6 throaty under power. Modest tire whine on coarse surfaces. Little wind noise, though one test example suffered whistling wind leak from driver door.
| HSE | SE3 | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 3.5 |
Ahead of the compact-SUV herd. V6 throaty under power. Modest tire whine on coarse surfaces. Little wind noise, though one test example suffered whistling wind leak from driver door.
Controls
Readable, businesslike gauges, but some cryptic control markings. Power-window switches lit, but buried in center console. Manual-gear selection displays conveniently near speedometer. No navigation screen; audible directions issue from radio speakers. Hood release inconveniently located in right front footwell. Cabin less-posh than Land Rover name suggests. Thick-rim steering wheel has classy feel, and cloth on upper doors is dapper. But hard plastic dominates dashboard and console, spoiling upscale mood. One test example suffered inoperative power driver window and malfunctioning keyless-remote fob.
| HSE | SE3 | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 5.2 |
Readable, businesslike gauges, but some cryptic control markings. Power-window switches lit, but buried in center console. Manual-gear selection displays conveniently near speedometer. No navigation screen; audible directions issue from radio speakers. Hood release inconveniently located in right front footwell. Cabin less-posh than Land Rover name suggests. Thick-rim steering wheel has classy feel, and cloth on upper doors is dapper. But hard plastic dominates dashboard and console, spoiling upscale mood. One test example suffered inoperative power driver window and malfunctioning keyless-remote fob.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Comfortable seats with wraparound backrest, but may be slightly narrow for large bodies. High-set driving position. Standard heated mirrors a nice touch. So is class-exclusive electrically heated windshield, though heating elements can generate reflections from outside light sources at night. Brake-light support arm interrupts aft visibility, made worse to rear corners by SE3's roof styling. SE3's removable roof panels lack sunshades.
| HSE | SE3 | Class Average |
| 6 | 5 | 5.3 |
Comfortable seats with wraparound backrest, but may be slightly narrow for large bodies. High-set driving position. Standard heated mirrors a nice touch. So is class-exclusive electrically heated windshield, though heating elements can generate reflections from outside light sources at night. Brake-light support arm interrupts aft visibility, made worse to rear corners by SE3's roof styling. SE3's removable roof panels lack sunshades.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Good knee clearance, generous foot space on chair-height seat. Roof kick-up gives fine head room. Pop-out cupholders in center armrest. Narrow doors on wagon no serious impediment to entry/exit, but SE3 suffers usual 2-dr crouch and crawl, and front seats don't automatically slide forward. Removing SE3's rear hardtop a tedious job.
| HSE | SE3 | Class Average |
| 5 | 4 | 4.1 |
Good knee clearance, generous foot space on chair-height seat. Roof kick-up gives fine head room. Pop-out cupholders in center armrest. Narrow doors on wagon no serious impediment to entry/exit, but SE3 suffers usual 2-dr crouch and crawl, and front seats don't automatically slide forward. Removing SE3's rear hardtop a tedious job.
Cargo Room
Bay wide but not long. Counterbalanced rear seat springs forward, but some testers find releases difficult to reach from side doors and resort to stretching through cargo hold from rear. Retracting tailgate window is useful and is controlled by dashboard button or tailgate keylock. Good interior storage includes ceiling nets on wagon, big map pockets, handy dashboard cubbies.
| HSE | SE3 | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 6.7 |
Bay wide but not long. Counterbalanced rear seat springs forward, but some testers find releases difficult to reach from side doors and resort to stretching through cargo hold from rear. Retracting tailgate window is useful and is controlled by dashboard button or tailgate keylock. Good interior storage includes ceiling nets on wagon, big map pockets, handy dashboard cubbies.
Value within Class
Fault Freelander for premium pricing, prosaic interior decor, and awkward details like the debatable design of the rear-seat releases. For SE3, add poor rear visibility and entry/exit. Credit Freelander for being solid, comfortable, and competent. Overall, however, this SUV's key asset is whatever cachet the Land Rover image carries.
| HSE | SE3 | Class Average |
| 4 | 2 | 5.7 |
Fault Freelander for premium pricing, prosaic interior decor, and awkward details like the debatable design of the rear-seat releases. For SE3, add poor rear visibility and entry/exit. Credit Freelander for being solid, comfortable, and competent. Overall, however, this SUV's key asset is whatever cachet the Land Rover image carries.
Total Score
| HSE | SE3 | Class Average |
| 46 | 42 | 47.1 |
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 27 | |
| Average Score | 47 | |
| High Score | 62 |
2003 Land Rover Freelander Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 12/05/2002
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| S 4-door wagon | $25,370 | $23,340 | $625 |
|
|
|||
| SE 4-door wagon | $28,270 | $26,008 | $625 |
|
|
|||
| HSE 4-door wagon | $31,970 | $29,412 | $625 |
|
|
|||
| SE3 2-door wagon | $26,370 | $24,260 | $625 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
S
Powertrain
2.5-liter V6 dohc engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, all-wheel drive, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock brakes, hill descent control.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats w/driver-seat lumbar adjustment, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, heated power mirrors, power windows, power rear window, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, heated windshield, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Full-size spare tire, 215/65R16 tires, alloy wheels.
SE adds to S:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, illuminated visor mirrors, cargo cover.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass, rear fog lights, roof rails.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
225/55R17 tires.
HSE adds to SE:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system, power sunroof, Harman/Kardon sound system, 6-disc CD changer.
SE3 adds to S:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, cloth/vinyl upholstery, Harman/Kardon sound system.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Removable front roof panels, removable rear hardtop, rear privacy glass, rear fog lights, roof rails, 225/55R17 tires.
Optional Equipment
Powertrain |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
California emissions
|
||
|
HSE, S, SE, SE3
|
$100
|
$100
|
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Power sunroof
|
||
|
SE
|
$875
|
$805
|
|
Leather upholstery
|
||
|
SE3
|
$1,200
|
$1,104
|
|
Includes heated front seats.
|
||
|
Heated front seats
|
||
|
HSE, S, SE
|
$300
|
$276
|
|
6-disc CD changer
|
||
|
S, SE, SE3
|
$400
|
$368
|
|
Harman/Kardon sound system
|
||
|
S, SE
|
$750
|
$690
|
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Special paint
|
||
|
HSE, S, SE, SE3
|
$250
|
$230
|
|
|
||
2003 Land Rover Freelander Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Land Rover Freelander 2-door wagon | Land Rover Freelander 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 101.0 | 101.0 |
| Overall Length, in. | 175.0 | 175.0 |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.1 | 71.1 |
| Overall Height, in. | 69.2 | 69.2 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3577 | 3562 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 46.6 | 46.6 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 16.9 | 16.9 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.4 | 38.4 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.8 | 41.8 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.9 | 38.9 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.8 | 36.8 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.5 /152 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 174 @ 6250 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 177 @ 4000 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 5-speed automatic | 17/20 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Land Rover Freelander 2-door wagon | Land Rover Freelander 4-door wagon |
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%. Side-impact
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%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 6/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | 4/40,000 | Range Rover, 4/40,000; Discovery, first six visits. Does not include Freelander. |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
England
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive
Also in the 2003 Land Rover Freelander Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Land Rover Freelander Full Review
7.
8.
Car Buying Resources
Vehicle History Report
Sell Your Car
Powered by:
-
MAKE -
CATEGORY
Acura
Aston Martin
Audi
Bentley
BMW
Buick
Cadillac
Chevrolet
Chrysler
Dodge
Ferrari
Ford
GMC
Honda
Hummer
Hyundai
Infiniti
Isuzu
Jaguar
Jeep
Kia
Lamborghini
Land Rover
Lexus
Lincoln
Lotus
Maserati
Mazda
Mercedes-Benz
Mercury
Mini
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Pontiac
Porsche
Rolls-Royce
Roush
Saab
Saturn
Scion
Smart
Subaru
Suzuki
Toyota
Volkswagen
Volvo
Subcompact Car
Compact Car
Midsize Car
Large Car
Premium Midsize Car
Premium Large Car
Sporty/performance Car
Premium Sporty/performance Car
Minivan
Full-size Van
Compact Sport-utility Vehicle
Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle
Large Sport-utility Vehicle
Compact Pickup Truck
Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle
Premium Compact Sport-utility Vehicle
Large Pickup Truck
Premium Compact Car
Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicle
Exotic Car
