1996 Land Rover Discovery Review
Price Estimate: $1,702 - $2,747
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
What’s new
Three new trim levels, a revised engine that gets better around-town fuel economy, new colors, increased seat travel and new power seats sum up the changes for 1996.
For sale near Fort Walton Beach, FL
Vehicle overview
Introduced in April 1994, this compact Land Rover 4X4 was the first of its kind to contain airbags for both the driver and front passenger. All-terrain, all-disc antilock brakes also are standard, whereas all those safety items are absent from the Defender 90. Just one body style is available: a five-door wagon with five-speed manual shift and permanent four-wheel-drive. An automatic transmission is optional. This year, three trim levels have been introduced; the SD, SE and SE7.
Beneath the hood of all models sits a new aluminum 4.0-liter, 182-horsepower V8 engine. Acceleration isn't bad, but is accompanied by gear noise and other aural annoyances. New A-pillar tweeters help the stereo to drown these sounds out for 1996. City cycle gas mileage has been improved, but could be better. Sizable ground clearance (8.1 inches) is a bonus while off-roading, but contributes to the Discovery's tendency to lean through curves and corners, and also makes it harder to climb inside. Though firm, the sport-utility's suspension delivers a suitable ride, via 16-inch Michelin or Goodyear tires. New body-side moldings, revised wheels, and three new colors help differentiate the 1996 Discovery from those that preceded it.
The driver sits high -- three feet above the road surface. Rear passengers sit higher still, for a superior view. Seating is available for seven, in the form of center-facing, stowable rear seats that come standard on the SE7, but this is a five-passenger vehicle in SD and SE trim. Though roomy enough, the Discovery holds fewer luxury fittings than might be expected in this price league. Only a handful of options are available, including leather upholstery. The spare tire resides outside. The driver and front passenger have improved adjustable lumbar supports, and enjoy the benefits of dual-temperature control air conditioning. New dual eight-way power seats have a fresh design, and front seats benefit from 20 mm of increased seat travel. A full-size glovebox and four cupholders are included.
Legendary off-road capabilities help make the aluminum-bodied Discovery an attractive choice, augmented by safety equipment. If you expect to drive mainly around the suburbs rather than through the woods, the Discovery's high center of gravity and short wheelbase could be a drawback. The fact that a Discovery can ford a stream up to 19.7 inches deep isn't exactly a benefit when its primary duties involve driving to the office or the mall, and towing 7,700 pounds isn't for everyone. On the other hand, friends and neighbors might applaud--or envy--the appearance of a Land Rover on the block, even when it's achieving mundane tasks.
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Florida
Not EPA tested for Discovery SD
Discovery SD
vs
$156/mo
Avg. Compact SUV
Land Rover Discovery Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Discovery II
4.75 out of 5 starsjim sayles sr, 11/27/2003
1996 Land Rover Discovery SE 4dr SUV AWD
Bought to replace my '93 Jeep Grand
Cherokee I much prefer this
vehicle it's without a
doubt 'stylish', but my main objective
its reputation as 'hardy', which it has
show to be from date of purchase to
now.The A/C was a bit disturbing in its
short term life before needing
attention, but those it is a most
enjoyable vehicle and I
recommend it highly to others. The …
redeeming quality of the Discovery is
its absolute authority offroad
Fulltime 4wheel is a blessing, much
better than my older Jeep.
nothin like a rover!
4.5 out of 5 starsmike, 11/02/2009
1996 Land Rover Discovery SD 4dr SUV AWD
i have had my rover for about a year now. and have subjected it to every kind of torture possible! lol its been through creeks, woods and snow deep enough that i was pulling out snow plows! but it has always been comfortable and reliable! it drinks gas like crazy, and could use some more get up and go. but i wouldnt trade it for anything! once u own a discovery u wont be without one!
The Adventures of Anuqa
4.25 out of 5 starsNanuq, 03/05/2002
1996 Land Rover Discovery SD 4dr SUV AWD
My Rover started out hard... she had teething problems. It was a struggle but with my excellent service manager and mechanics we MORE THAN sorted out all the problems. Now this truck is far more than I would hope for in a 4WD. She'll take me places that scare me to death, she's capable and sure footed, and she's apparently going to last forever. Just what I wanted.
Awesome
4.88 out of 5 starsMace Baker, 01/06/2008
1996 Land Rover Discovery SE 4dr SUV AWD
This Landrover Discovery has been in the family for 12 years. At first it was a city slicker in lexington KY then we moved to hazard KY. It spent about five more years as a daily driver to and from work. Then we sold it. Mistake! One year later we bought it back when we started to miss it. Good choice. Then we started to fourwheel it on fourwheeler trails. It did better than any of our … friends Bronco, Jeep. It does awesome in the mud/hills/ and snow. We took all of the plastic out too.
1996 Discovery Highlights
SE
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 14 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $263/month |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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 – OriginalAcceptable
- 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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