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2004 Land Rover Range Rover Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
2004 Land Rover Range Rover Review
Land Rover's flagship gains a new top-line model and an optional interior upgrade package for 2004. This Range Rover was developed by BMW, which sold Land Rover to Ford in 2000. It uses a modified version of the V8 found in BMW's X5 and a 5-speed automatic transmission with separate gate for manual shifting. An antiskid/traction-control system is standard, as is hill descent control to limit speed on steep descents in forward or reverse. The all-wheel-drive system can access low-range gearing "on the fly" at low speeds. ABS and height-adjustable air-spring suspension are standard, as are front torso side airbags and front and rear head-protecting tubular side airbags. The tailgate is a 2-piece clamshell design, and 19-inch wheels are standard. Range Rover comes in HSE trim and as the new Westminster LE model. Limited to 450 vehicles, Westminsters come with exclusive pearlescent black paint and ebony wood interior trim, and include as standard heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, black leather upholstery, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and rear cargo net. The heated front and rear seats and steering wheel are included with an integrated ski bag as an option package on HSE. These items are also part of the new HSE Luxury Interior Package, which adds 14-way adjustable power seats (vs. standard 12 way) and additional leather trim. All Range Rovers come with front/rear-obstacle warning and a navigation system.
News
The 2005 Range Rover reportedly swaps BMW power for a retuned version of the 4.2-liter V8 from Jaguar, which is part of Ford like Land Rover. Horsepower should check in at 300-320 and be delivered through the 6-speed automatic Jaguar uses instead of the current 5-speed. A supercharged option with up to 370 hp is being whispered, but it's not a sure thing yet.

We are sure of the new "Range Rover Sport" expected in spring 2005, likely as an early '06 model and perhaps with a different name. Known as L320 inside Land Rover, it's built on a cut-down version of the new "T5" body-on-chassis platform that premieres with the redesigned 2005 Discovery. The Sport should look much like the recent sleek Range Stormer concept, but with four conventional doors instead of two wowie "beetle-wings." Wheelbase should be around 106 inches for an overall package sized roughly halfway between the Discovery and Range Rover. Price should be closer to the "Rangie's," however. One British source implies the supercharged Jaguar V8 will be the only Sport engine, but we'd expect a normal V8 too. Look for standard 6-speed automatic, all-independent air suspension, big wheels and tires, a luxury-equipped 5-seat cabin, and a full complement of electronic wizards. The last should include Land Rover's new "Terrain Response" system with six driver-selectable settings that allow tailoring the operation of powertrain and brakes to various on- and off-road conditions.
2004 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

HSE Class Average
6 4.6

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

HSE Class Average
2 2

Test models averaged 12.0-13.6 mpg in mixed city/highway driving. Range Rover requires 91-octane or higher fuel.
Ride Quality

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

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. Steering light but slow at low speeds, numb on-center at high speeds. Relatively compact turning circle a parking-lot convenience. Brake performance quite good for a big SUV, though some testers say pedal feel can be touchy.
Quietness

HSE Class Average
7 5.3

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

HSE Class Average
5 5

Numerous features mean 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)

HSE Class Average
9 7.6

Tall driving position. View aft and to sides blocked by thick headrests and roof pillars, making standard obstacle detection helpful. 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)

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

HSE Class Average
7 7.4

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

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
59 50.4
Scores for all Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score
23
Average Score
50
High Score
63
2004 Land Rover Range Rover Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/10/2004
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
HSE 4-door wagon $72,285 $65,779 $665
Westminster Limited Edition 4-door wagon $84,085 $75,385 $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 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/tri-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, power steering, power tilt/telescope 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, full-size spare tire, 255/55R19 tires, alloy wheels.
Westminster Limited Edition adds to HSE:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, unique interior and exterior trim.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
255/50HR20 tires.
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.
Luxury Interior Pkg.
HSE
$5,000
$4,550
Heated Accessories Pkg. plus contour front seats, 14-way power driver seat, 12-way power passenger seat, unique interior trim.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
7-spoke alloy wheels
HSE
$4,000
$3,640
Includes 255/50HR20 all-terrain tires.
2004 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. 40.2
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. 325 @ 3600
Availability Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
 
5-speed automatic 12/16
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 4/50,000 --
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
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