2003 Land Rover Freelander Review and Specs

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

Small inside and lacking a low-range transfer case, the Freelander won't appeal to buyers looking for a seriously capable small SUV, despite the Land Rover name on the hood. Although it handles well on and off the road, a drab interior and sluggish performance leave us questioning whether it's worth the premium price tag.

Pros

Hill Descent Control, permanent all-wheel drive, four-wheel independent suspension for good on- and off-road handling.

Cons

Tight on cargo space even with rear seats folded, priced at the top of its class, cheap interior materials, V6 engine on the weak side, rear drum brakes.

What's New for 2003

Engineering changes for Land Rover's mini-ute include a larger fuel tank and an improvement in the climate control system for quieter operation and more efficiency. Body side moldings have been added to protect the Freelander against scrapes. The 2003 model year sees the introduction of the three-door SE3 version, with removable top and rear panels for topless fun like a Jeep Wrangler.

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

A Nightmare in Sheep's Clothing

Written by: Dale Booth on 10/06/2009

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	9
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	5
Fuel Economy:	8	Exterior Design:	9

Vehicle

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

Review

Well, Where do I start - Land Rover ought to really be ashamed of the product they built. This engine design is a total joke. I had my Freelander approx. 1 year before I had to trade it in. The problem was with a leak of the engine coolant into the engine. This slow leak was unrepairable. The only TEMPORARY solution was a new engine for a cost of $10K, according to Land Rover-Jaguar of Houston. I had them put the SUV back together and drove it to the nearest TOYOTA dealership where I traded it for a 2005 Toyota 4Runner. It has been happy driving ever since. MY ADVICE TO ANYONE THINKING ABOUT PURCHASING A NEW OR USED LAND ROVER. DON'T DO IT; UNLESS YOU HAVE MONEY FOR REPAIRS.

Favorite Features

Interior/Exterior design.

Suggested Improvements

Get rid of the engineers who designed the engine for the Freelander, now the LR2 & LR3.

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Warning to all...

Written by: Sarah on 10/01/2009


Performance:	6	Fun-to-Drive:	8	Build Quality:	6
Comfort:	4	Interior Design:	6	Reliability:	2
Fuel Economy:	6	Exterior Design:	8

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

I bought my car in 2005 and it was under warranty until 2008. While under warranty, they had to replace 2 window motors, the sunroof motor, a fuel valve and eventually they put a rebuilt engine in this money pit! Fortunately, I did not have to pay for any of that-I just spend endless hours/days at the dealer. I should have been forwarned. In the past month (mind you I am 8 months pregnant)it's left me stranded on the highway twice. Battery was the first cause (ok, batteries need to be replaced) but 1 week later, here I am stranded without a car again (it died while driving and I'm waiting on the problem this time.) I am furious and WILL NEVER BUY any sort of Land Rover product again!!

It's a good-looking car.

Other than what is in my review: Oil changes over $100, needs breaks every year $100 - $200. It's a terrible purchase and has cost me over $5000 in 4 years in repairs!

Good Little Rover

Written by: Unforgiven82 on 08/07/2009


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	9
Comfort:	9	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	9
Fuel Economy:	9	Exterior Design:	9

I must say that the 03 Freelander is a great little car. With regular maintenance and checking of the fluids we have not had a bit of problems with it. Remember to check the water monthly, it runs quite abit hotter than the normal American Brands. We have not had any problems with ours it currently has 84,000 miles on it, and no major problems besides regular maintenance. Note that Land rover did Recall the fuel module and a stop light sensor and replaced/is required to have them replaced free of charge to us. Great Sporty little car! Ensure that dealer fully informs the buyer of the dos and donts. Dealers like their money/mechanical fees so be sure to ask your questions before buying.

Traction, steering, and performs great in snow and ice

Sunroof needs to be larger.

Car Saved My Life

Written by: Nat Lee on 04/05/2009


Performance:	8	Fun-to-Drive:	9	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	8	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	7
Fuel Economy:	7	Exterior Design:	10

I loved my freelander! I had my freelander for 6 months until somebody backended me on the highway going 85 mph., that being said this car saved me without a scratch. This car was definitly sturdy and very fun to drive. The only problem i had with the car was a big warranty issue- nobody wanted to warranty because the price of parts is high, that is what i have heard, however i never had any problems with parts or the way it ran.

The back window could be raised or lowered making the car very fun in the summer time to drive with all the windows open.

none

NIGHTMARE ON WHEELS

Written by: n on 03/30/2009


Performance:	5	Fun-to-Drive:	6	Build Quality:	3
Comfort:	5	Interior Design:	3	Reliability:	1
Fuel Economy:	6	Exterior Design:	6

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

If you own this car you need to run, not walk to trade it in! Do a little research and you will be sick. This car turned evil out of nowhere. There is a defect in the cooling system that should have been recalled and can't be fixed. I was stuck without a car for nearly 2mnths because of this devil. Had no choice but to have it repoed, because the cost of repair is equal to what I owe...not that it can be fixed anyways! Took it to 4 different foreign shops and they don't want anything to do with it. Now I'm stuck having to file bankruptcy over this mess. I would hate to see anyone go through this, wish I would of done some research before buying Land Rover.

Anxiety attacks:free sleepless nights:free rental cars:$$$ the mechanics shaking their head as soon as they see what is what is being towed in:priceless

Land Rover needs to fess up to making junk!

2003 Land Rover Freelander Consumer Ratings & Reviews