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2003 Land Rover Range Rover Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Also in the 2003 Land Rover Range Rover Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Land Rover Range Rover Full Review
7.
8.
2003 Land Rover Range Rover Review
Land Rover replaces its aging flagship for 2003 with a larger, more powerful, more technically sophisticated Range Rover. This is only the third redesign in the model's 31-year history, and the first with unibody construction and all-independent suspension. A 5-passenger-wagon format is retained, but styling is new, wheelbase grows 5.3 inches, overall length by 9.4, and curb weight by 400 lb. This Range Rover was developed by BMW, which sold Land Rover to Ford in 2000. Its modified version of the V8 found in BMW's X5 has 68 hp more than the previous Range Rover's V8. A 5-speed automatic transmission with separate gate for manual shifting replaces a 4 speed. An antiskid/traction-control system is standard, as is hill descent control to limit speed on steep descents--now in reverse as well as forward. The all-wheel-drive system can access low-range gearing "on the fly" at low speeds. A single HSE model is offered and comes with antilock 4-wheel disc brakes with full-power assist, plus height-adjusting air-spring suspension. Front torso side airbags are standard, as are front-and-rear head-protecting tubular side airbags. Retained is a 2-piece clamshell tailgate, but 19-inch wheels replace 18s as standard. Also standard are front/rear-obstacle warning, a navigation system, and a 60/40 split folding rear bench seat. Windshield and wipers/washers are heated. Heated front and rear seats and a heated steering wheel are optional. Added midyear to the standard xenon low-beam headlights were xenon high beams.
Competition
Luxury SUVs vary in size and type, including former members of both the Full-size and Midsize SUV classes, along with a few all-new models. All offer higher standards of workmanship, comfort, refinement, and pricing than other SUVs.
Our Best Buys are Acura MDX and Toyota Land Cruiser. Both are extremely capable on-road and offer roomy interiors that feature quality workmanship and materials. MDX gets slightly better fuel economy and is more reasonably priced. Land Cruiser offers a V8 engine, rugged body-on-frame chassis, and true off-road ability.
Though rugged and trucky, the Recommended Mercedes-Benz M-Class is spacious, offers a variety of model and engine choices, and numerous safety features. If you don't venture too far off-road, take a look at the car-based Lexus RX 300. Recommended based on price, refinement, and luxury appointments.
Our Best Buys are Acura MDX and Toyota Land Cruiser. Both are extremely capable on-road and offer roomy interiors that feature quality workmanship and materials. MDX gets slightly better fuel economy and is more reasonably priced. Land Cruiser offers a V8 engine, rugged body-on-frame chassis, and true off-road ability.
Though rugged and trucky, the Recommended Mercedes-Benz M-Class is spacious, offers a variety of model and engine choices, and numerous safety features. If you don't venture too far off-road, take a look at the car-based Lexus RX 300. Recommended based on price, refinement, and luxury appointments.
News
It's still early days for the "BMW Range Rover", but there's already talk of a cut-down "Sport" 4-dr for those who can't afford--or won't stand for--the regular model's higher price. Though parent Ford apparently hasn't okayed it yet, the Sport is likely to appear by early 2006, or so says one source. It would be slightly smaller and less luxurious than the regular RR, but would cost less and use most of the same underskin engineering.
Speaking of which, parent Ford Motor Company wants to replace the BMW V8 with one of its own engines, if only to avoid paying fees to Land Rover's former owner. The most oft-mentioned candidate is the 4.2-liter V8 from Ford's Jaguar unit, perhaps enlarged a bit. But the swap evidently requires a costly, time-consuming redesign of the RR's front end, so it's unclear how soon this change will occur.
Range Rover has been a small bright spot for money-losing Land Rover, which is still in recovery mode like Ford. Though year-to-year sales dipped 8.2 percent in calendar 2001, the top-line "Landie" jumped 48.1 percent in 2002, helped by early introduction of the all-new '03.
Speaking of which, parent Ford Motor Company wants to replace the BMW V8 with one of its own engines, if only to avoid paying fees to Land Rover's former owner. The most oft-mentioned candidate is the 4.2-liter V8 from Ford's Jaguar unit, perhaps enlarged a bit. But the swap evidently requires a costly, time-consuming redesign of the RR's front end, so it's unclear how soon this change will occur.
Range Rover has been a small bright spot for money-losing Land Rover, which is still in recovery mode like Ford. Though year-to-year sales dipped 8.2 percent in calendar 2001, the top-line "Landie" jumped 48.1 percent in 2002, helped by early introduction of the all-new '03.
2003 Land Rover Range Rover Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Ride | Fuel economy |
| Passenger and cargo room | |
| Build quality | |
| Interior materials | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Full-throttle 0-60 mph feels close to Land Rover's 9-sec claim, though midrange acceleration can feel a bit labored in this heavyweight SUV, despite a smooth, quick-acting transmission.
| HSE | Class Average |
| 6 | 4.4 |
Full-throttle 0-60 mph feels close to Land Rover's 9-sec claim, though midrange acceleration can feel a bit labored in this heavyweight SUV, despite a smooth, quick-acting transmission.
Fuel Economy
Test models averaged 12.3-13.6 mpg in mixed city/highway driving. Range Rover requires 91-octane or higher fuel.
| HSE | Class Average |
| 2 | 1.9 |
Test models averaged 12.3-13.6 mpg in mixed city/highway driving. Range Rover requires 91-octane or higher fuel.
Ride Quality
Taut, but almost luxury-sedan composed on smooth surfaces, with little tire thump on expansion joints. Air suspension can't quite keep up with some pavement undulations, however, resulting in minor but annoying vertical jitters or side-to-side rocking.
| HSE | Class Average |
| 7 | 5.4 |
Taut, but almost luxury-sedan composed on smooth surfaces, with little tire thump on expansion joints. Air suspension can't quite keep up with some pavement undulations, however, resulting in minor but annoying vertical jitters or side-to-side rocking.
Steering/Handling/Braking
A mountain goat off-road and quite carlike on-road. Impressive grip, but tallish build still overwhelms the suspension to allow fairly marked cornering lean and limit twisty-road agility. Relatively compact turning circle a parking-lot convenience, but low-speed steering effort a bit high. Brake performance quite good for a big SUV, though some testers say pedal feel can be touchy.
| HSE | Class Average |
| 5 | 3.3 |
A mountain goat off-road and quite carlike on-road. Impressive grip, but tallish build still overwhelms the suspension to allow fairly marked cornering lean and limit twisty-road agility. Relatively compact turning circle a parking-lot convenience, but low-speed steering effort a bit high. Brake performance quite good for a big SUV, though some testers say pedal feel can be touchy.
Quietness
Rivaled only by Lexus LX 470 for overall refinement. Engine smooth and hushed. Tire noise generally low, but noticeable wind rush sets in from as little as 60 mph, a penalty of the tall, blocky build.
| HSE | Class Average |
| 6 | 5.2 |
Rivaled only by Lexus LX 470 for overall refinement. Engine smooth and hushed. Tire noise generally low, but noticeable wind rush sets in from as little as 60 mph, a penalty of the tall, blocky build.
Controls
Numerous features means numerous switches. Though most are handy, not all are clearly marked, and each takes time to learn. Especially true of navigation system, which adds to frustration by requiring multiple inputs for simple operations. CD changer deep in glovebox. Silken switchgear movement and cabin's top-grade leather and tasteful wood reflect BMW's high-end design influence, though test models suffered some minor interior rattles and buzzes.
| HSE | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 |
Numerous features means numerous switches. Though most are handy, not all are clearly marked, and each takes time to learn. Especially true of navigation system, which adds to frustration by requiring multiple inputs for simple operations. CD changer deep in glovebox. Silken switchgear movement and cabin's top-grade leather and tasteful wood reflect BMW's high-end design influence, though test models suffered some minor interior rattles and buzzes.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Tall driving position. Clear sightlines to all corners, but narrow rear window complicates backing up in close-quarters even with standard obstacle detection. Step-in a little steep for shorter people. Seats comfortably supportive, but allow occupants to slide around in fast cornering or at steep off-road angles. Generous head and leg room.
| HSE | Class Average |
| 9 | 7.4 |
Tall driving position. Clear sightlines to all corners, but narrow rear window complicates backing up in close-quarters even with standard obstacle detection. Step-in a little steep for shorter people. Seats comfortably supportive, but allow occupants to slide around in fast cornering or at steep off-road angles. Generous head and leg room.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Theater seating means only adequate 6-footer head room. Ample leg space, but cushion a bit short for best leg support. Narrow thresholds combine with tall ride height for awkward entry/exit.
| HSE | Class Average |
| 7 | 6.4 |
Theater seating means only adequate 6-footer head room. Ample leg space, but cushion a bit short for best leg support. Narrow thresholds combine with tall ride height for awkward entry/exit.
Cargo Room
Maximum volume among lowest of luxury SUVs, but ample room for most needs behind rear seat. Load deck is relatively high, and accordion-fold hard cargo cover awkward to remove or install. Small glovebox, but adequate small-items storage elsewhere. Fold-out front cupholders--one in dashboard, one in console--are afterthoughts with limited usefulness.
| HSE | Class Average |
| 7 | 6.9 |
Maximum volume among lowest of luxury SUVs, but ample room for most needs behind rear seat. Load deck is relatively high, and accordion-fold hard cargo cover awkward to remove or install. Small glovebox, but adequate small-items storage elsewhere. Fold-out front cupholders--one in dashboard, one in console--are afterthoughts with limited usefulness.
Value within Class
Range Rover stands out among luxury SUVs for its balance of on-road manners, off-road ability, and high-class accommodations. There are less-expensive alternatives that match it in one or two of these areas, but for Range Rover's well-heeled buyers, little else will do.
| HSE | Class Average |
| 4 | 3.4 |
Range Rover stands out among luxury SUVs for its balance of on-road manners, off-road ability, and high-class accommodations. There are less-expensive alternatives that match it in one or two of these areas, but for Range Rover's well-heeled buyers, little else will do.
Total Score
| HSE | Class Average |
| 58 | 49.3 |
Scores for all Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 23 | |
| Average Score | 49 | |
| High Score | 64 |
2003 Land Rover Range Rover Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 12/13/2002
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| HSE 4-door wagon | $71,200 | $64,792 | $665 |
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
HSE
Powertrain
4.4-liter dohc V8 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, all-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, limited-slip differential center differential, front and rear traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, front and rear side head-protection airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, hill descent control, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, front- and rear-obstacle-detection system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, power steering, power tilt/telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio and climate controls, cruise control, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel), leather upholstery, front bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment, 12-way power driver seat, 10-way power passenger seat, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors w/driver-side automatic day/night, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power sunroof, Harman/Kardon AM/FM/cassette, 6-disc CD changer, analog clock, tachometer, navigation system, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage-door opener, heated front windshield and washer nozzles, variable-intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, variable-intermittent rear wiper/washer, map lights, cargo cover, remote fuel-door and tailgate release.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, front and rear fog lights, xenon headlights, headlight wiper/washers.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Class III trailer hitch and wiring harness, height-adjustable and load-leveling suspension, 255/55R19 tires, alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Heated Accessories Pkg.
|
||
|
HSE
|
$1,300
|
$1,183
|
|
Heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, rear-seat ski hatch and ski bag.
|
||
|
|
||
Powertrain |
||
|
California emissions
|
||
|
HSE
|
$100
|
$100
|
|
|
||
2003 Land Rover Range Rover Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Land Rover Range Rover 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 113.4 |
| Overall Length, in. | 195.0 |
| Overall Width, in. | 75.7 |
| Overall Height, in. | 73.3 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 5379 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 62.0 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 26.4 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 30.2 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 38.9 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.3 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 35.5 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 4.4 /268 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 282 @ 5400 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 324 @ 3600 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 5-speed automatic | 12/17 |
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 Range Rover 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 Range Rover Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Land Rover Range Rover Full Review
7.
8.
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