1997 Land Rover Defender Review
1997 Land Rover Defender Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Brute force off-road, rugged design
Cons
- About as comfortable as acupuncture and luxurious as a Geo Metro
What’s new
After a one-year hiatus, Defender returns in convertible and hardtop body styles. A 4.0-liter V8 engine is standard, mated to a ZF four-speed automatic transmission. A redesigned center console includes cupholders, and hardtops have new interior trim. Convertibles get improved top sealing, while all Defender 90s are treated to fresh paint colors.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1997 Land Rover Defender 90 2dr SUV 4WD w/Soft Top and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$326/mo for Defender 90
Defender 90
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact SUV
Vehicle overview
When launched as a 1994 model, the Defender was the only convertible-topped sport-utility vehicle with a V8 engine. Macho, go-anywhere looks aren't an illusion, as the off-road talents of this high-priced fantasy machine, operating with permanent four-wheel drive, rank among the finest. Occupants are surrounded by a "Safari" roll cage setup, over a spartan and uncomfortable interior. Don't try to roll down the soft-top's windows, which slide open for ventilation and can be removed if desired.
In late 1995, a limited production run of hardtop Defenders debuted, able to seat six passengers in slightly more sophisticated interior fittings. No 1996 models were produced, thanks to emissions regulations and the limited production nature of the Defender. With the transplantation of the powertrain from the Discovery, the Defender returns for an encore performance for 1997, in both convertible and hardtop body styles.
Long-travel coil springs front and rear help produce an acceptable ride over a variety of terrain. A removable fastback soft top is standard on the convertible. Optional configurations include a Bimini half-top and surrey-style roof -- or no top at all. Hardtops feature an aluminum roof and four center-facing rear jump seats. Convertibles come with a rear bench seat. A swing-away spare tire adds to interior space, and passengers ride on weather-resistant twill-effect upholstery.
Propulsion comes from a 4.0-liter aluminum V8 that yields 182 horsepower, driving a ZF four-speed automatic transmission. Riding a compact 92.9-inch wheelbase, the Defender wears aluminum body panels with minimal front and rear overhangs. Neither airbags nor antilock brakes are available, and the brief option list only includes a CD changer and special Beluga Black paint.
Land Rovers aren't known for silence or for sedate behavior, on or off the road. Gears are noisy, and road sounds are likely to assault passenger ears. Standing more than six-and-a-half feet tall, the sharply profiled body can't help but lean over when undertaking sharp curves and corners.
High price means the Defender cannot qualify as a value leader among sport-utilities, but you do get the heritage that comes from the company that built the first jungle-trotting Land Rovers, nearly half a century ago.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1997 Land Rover Defender.
5 star(33%)
4 star(50%)
3 star(17%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
12 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.25 out of 5 stars
From My Cold Dead Hands
PDukes, 10/29/2003
1994 Land Rover Defender 90 2dr SUV 4WD
This is truly the most fun car I have
ever owned. On road or Off, it never
gives up and never gives out. When I
die they will have to pry the wheel
from my cold dead hands. In 3 yrs it
has never broken down on me, not once.
They are cost prohibitive to maintain
but, in my word, worth every penny.
NEVER use the dealership, find a
specialist. Its unstopable offroad … and
their are more aftermarket parts and
accessories than you can imagine.
Versitile top off top on. My friends
cars all cost more, but its my car they
want in their hearts. If you can get
one jump at it. It rides like a Truck,
it is not a jeep or sports car. Test
drive before purchase.
4.13 out of 5 stars
Landy
Landy, 02/02/2004
1995 Land Rover Defender 90 2dr SUV 4WD
You will have to be a car nut, in order
to drive this thing.
They are a blast.
Not the easiest to drive but a true
classic.
2.75 out of 5 stars
Land Rover Defender
Boshea, 01/15/2003
1995 Land Rover Defender 90 2dr SUV 4WD
A great vehicle for offroad use with
little or no consideration given to
highway driving. This truck is a
noisy, leaky, dripping, rattling,
uncomfortable block of scrap
metal...but the weird thing is I love
it! Expect continual maintenance and
numerous after market modifications to
make it more user friendly. Also expect
to fill this car up with gas every
other day … as it's a guzzler with a
really small tank,
4.38 out of 5 stars
Defended
picklechops, 02/19/2003
1995 Land Rover Defender 90 2dr SUV 4WD
Bought new. The only negative this
vehicle has is Edmonds for insulting
Defender 90 owners regarding resale
value. I do not know of anyone who
would sell their D90 for less than
$28,000. It has the highest resale
value of any SUV sold in the U.S., bar
noen.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1997 Land Rover Defender, so we've included reviews for other years of the Defender since its last redesign.
1997 Defender Highlights
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 13 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $326/month |
Drivetrain | four wheel drive |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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