2003 Land Rover Freelander Consumer Reviews

Sell before warranty ends!

Written by: alesha1 on 01/09/2008

Vehicle

2003 Land Rover Freelander SE 4dr AWD SUV (2.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I liked my car. But the brakes go out a lot. Antenna definitely not in a good location, was ripped off by a tree. It's kinda loud, when you drive. As soon as the warranty expired at 50,000 within a month I needed a new g filter $500 Landrover would do nothing. And now at 70,000 I was loosing coolant car will not start. Apparantly like everyone else I need an engine. I called Landrover the day it would not start, they acted like they had no clue why. Once I got on here I know they know what's wrong with it they are just trying to get me to tow it there so they can charge me an arm and a leg to fix it.

Favorite Features

I like the way it handles on the road.

Suggested Improvements

Get rid of it before the warranty ends, the only problem I tried no one would give me any money for it. I would have had to roll over half of what I owe.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Too many whiners...

Written by: Hippoman on 10/04/2007

Vehicle

2003 Land Rover Freelander SE 4dr AWD SUV (2.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

A number of people have had drivetrain problems with this truck but I've had none. There are some things that could have been built with a little more quality just like about anything else on the market. This is a European vehice, not a Ford, GM, or anything else people expect to change the oil every 25K miles and run it to death. It takes a certain amount of care and maintenence. If you want to drive a LR it's going to cost you no matter what model you buy. If you just want a sporty SUV to take your kids to school in, buy a Jeep.

Favorite Features

It will go many places other "SUV's" couldn't begin to. It has a very tight suspension and is the best driving vehicle I've ever owned

Suggested Improvements

It would just be nice to see the cost of replacement parts/service come down a little.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Very disappointing

Written by: My headache is gone! on 09/04/2007

Vehicle

2003 Land Rover Freelander SE3 2dr AWD SUV (2.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

LR had a poorly build entry level SUV. Hard to attract current owners to move up to high end models. It eats up brake quickly. Cost almost $600 to change brake pads and rotars every 10K miles. V6 engine is weak and doesn't have any pick up power. Coolant leak even after the dealership fixed twice. Extremely high maintenance cost for a SUV/car that costs only mid $20K. When we purchased the Freelander, dealer was rude since it was the cheapest model out of all the LR models. The value depreciates quickly. After having it for 4 years, I finally sold it.

Favorite Features

Handles well in rough weather

Suggested Improvements

brakes, reliability, A/C, service

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

I don't think it's luck

Written by: happyhippo on 08/28/2007

Vehicle

2003 Land Rover Freelander SE 4dr AWD SUV (2.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I thought I'd give my two cents on this SUV. I've had this thing for 4 years and at 52000 miles I've had very few problems. I think you here more from people that do than from people that don't and I think this FL is getting a bad rap. It's a european vehicle not a chevy or a ford. It takes a little more care and driver knowledge than US cars for sure. Knowing how to drive and what to listen for mostly. I'll admit there are apparently some inferior parts in some of these trucks and it doesn't sound like Land Rover NA is concerned at all about consumer relations. That being said, I've loved this SUV from day one and intend to keep it for quite a while yet. BTW luck is almost never on my side.

Favorite Features

I love the way this thing handles and rides. Tight, responsive and smooth on the freeway. Interior is quite comfortable on long rides depsite it's 'plain jane' look.

Suggested Improvements

LRNA needs to step up and take care of there consumer base better as far as repairs and such or they won't last too much longer. I've never had any problems with the dealership on any warranty service or anything, but service after the warranty is what I believe is killing consumer confidence in LR.

7 out 7 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Love My Freelander!

Written by: LoveMyRover on 08/10/2007

Vehicle

2003 Land Rover Freelander S 4dr AWD SUV (2.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I've had mine for 4 years and have not had any problems with the engine or any of the technical stuff (power windows, etc). I do a lot of trail blazing and this car has gotten me places other SUVs can't (or won't) go. While I feel bad for those who have obviously gotten cars with factory defects, don't let that deter you from buying this very fun car!

Favorite Features

Everything!

Suggested Improvements

Ummmm, can't think of any!

3 out 4 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

The little Rover

Written by: biz816 on 07/17/2007

Vehicle

2003 Land Rover Freelander SE 4dr AWD SUV (2.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

It has never broke down on me yet, but I have been to the dealer for a lot of little stuff (engine lights, window, wipers, speakers). Overall I love the car it drives great, and looks amazing. I can't complain about the problems I have had, since I have driven hard in the past 3.5 years. I love the Rover line and plan to buy again another rover soon.

Favorite Features

Back window rolls down, radio/cruise controls on steering wheel. Interior/exterior design. Very comfortable driving.

Suggested Improvements

Increase realiabilty of features. Offer more some more features. You pay too much for a few extras.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

More good than bad

Written by: Susan on 07/13/2007

Vehicle

2003 Land Rover Freelander SE 4dr AWD SUV (2.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I have been overall happy with the performance of this car. It is slow to accelerate and the air conditioner is very loud. There are some annoying design flaws. The flimsy cup holder is in a place prime for constantly spilling. The steering wheel isn't perfectly centered and the back door opens into the curb instead of away from it. The seats should move electrically for a luxury line, but they are manual. The car could definitely use a sunroof. Overall, it drives tight to the curb. The brakes are for a car and don't last long.

Favorite Features

Color, design, nine speakers in vehicle

Suggested Improvements

Need faster engine pickup. Quieter air conditioner. Better brakes, Sturdier cup holders in appropriate place. Add electronic seat adjustments. Add sunroof

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Made a mistake

Written by: Diana Sargent on 03/27/2007

Vehicle

2003 Land Rover Freelander HSE 4dr AWD SUV (2.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

The ride was ok. felt safe. Loved the looks. No pick up. wipers broke motor in window went out. engine problems. LR does not stand behind there product. Warranty was denied under bumper to bumper. Inside controls were in a weird spots. seats were to stiff.

Favorite Features

look of the exterior

Suggested Improvements

Change design of engine add more horse power and fix head gasket leaks

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Class Action Suit anyone?!

Written by: AKfreelander on 12/27/2006

Vehicle

2003 Land Rover Freelander SE 4dr AWD SUV (2.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Bought the Freelander (FL) in 03, and, loved it. As you can see from the other reviews, great car when it's not in the shop. Went to the dealership for all service, oil changes, etc. Six months ago, I started having overheating problems. Dealer changed out the coolant tank, etc. Kept having the problem over and over until two weeks ago when the car would not start. Towed it into the dealer, needs a new engine. $8400 estimate. Do the research! This car is a lemon. The engine will blow out ~65K, good luck talking to LR if you are out of warranty. It's a money black hole.

Favorite Features

Looks great. Unique.

Suggested Improvements

Quality engineering and customer service. Stand behind your products!

16 out 17 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Good for what it is

Written by: Mike on 10/17/2006

Vehicle

2003 Land Rover Freelander SE3 2dr AWD SUV (2.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I purchased the SE3 for my wife about a year ago. So far we have not had any real problems. The front brakes had a dragging problem but the dealership corrected the problem. The detachable top is great, my wife loves stripping it down for the carolina summer. The traction control works GREAT in snow and ice, we go to the mountains on the weekends and the freelander goes through the snow as well as my truck (and that is saying something). The interior is easy to clean and works well with the jeep like feel. All in all a great car for the wife and a fun car to drive.

Favorite Features

The removable sunroof and top, also the traction control features.

Suggested Improvements

The interior noise reduction could use some help, and I would like to see more ground clearance on a LR.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post