1998 Land Rover Discovery Review
1998 Land Rover Discovery Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Off-road ability, unique design.
Cons
- Poor gas mileage, bad interior ergonomics, and spotty reliability.
What’s new
Changes to the Discovery include interior trim enhancements for the LE and LSE. The rearview mirror also features map lights for the first time.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1998 Land Rover Discovery LE 4dr SUV AWD 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 $3.46 per gallon for regular unleaded in Georgia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Georgia
$313/mo for Discovery LE
Discovery LE
vs
$180/mo
Avg. Compact SUV
Vehicle overview
Introduced in April 1994, this compact 4X4 builds on a couple of Land Rover legends. Designed for go-anywhere capability, the Discovery exhibits excellent off-road prowess. Built in England, the Discovery also exhibits a distressing tendency toward reliability problems. We receive lots of horror stories regarding Discovery reliability via e-mail, and Automobile magazine conducted a long-term test with a very troublesome 1995 model. Just one body style is available: a five-door wagon with permanent four-wheel drive. An automatic transmission is standard.
Beneath the hood of all models sits an aluminum 4.0-liter, 182-horsepower V8 engine. Acceleration isn't bad, but is accompanied by gear noise and other aural annoyances. Worse, this powerplant is rated for 13 mpg city/17 mpg highway, and that's with a light foot. 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 tires.
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. Though roomy enough, the Discovery holds fewer luxury fittings than might be expected in this price league. Only a handful of options are available. The spare tire resides outside. The driver and front passenger have adjustable lumbar supports and enjoy the benefits of dual-temperature control air conditioning. A full-size glovebox and four cupholders are included.
Changes for 1998 are limited to interior enhancements. Both models get new rearview mirror-mounted map lights and a second row armrest; LSE models get wood interior trim, a leather-covered gearshift knob and a Harmon Kardon stereo.
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. In urban America, the Discovery is all about prestige, and it doesn't come cheaply or conveniently. We recommend the Discovery for off-road use, but most consumers will want a different truck in which to haul the Little Leaguers.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1998 Land Rover Discovery.
5 star(28%)
4 star(41%)
3 star(10%)
2 star(14%)
1 star(7%)
29 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3.88 out of 5 stars
We love our Land Rover
Louis, 08/03/2009
1998 Land Rover Discovery 50th Anniversary 4dr SUV AWD
We have about 120,000 miles on this car now and it is our favorite drive of the three in the garage (the others are a Jaguar and a Porsche, great cars on their own). Roadholding is exceptional in any weather and terrain (British cars have the best suspensions). Build quality is not perfect and so is reliability, but the design is great, both exterior and interior. Acceleration is slow … (very heavy car) but adequate. Fuel economy is antiquated. Great to drive at speed on the highway, to our surprise. Dealer service is exceptional. When maintained well (not cheap), the car should last a long time. As I said, we love it with all its faults. This is an enthusiast's car, not an appliance.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Discoverys are Great!!!
Anthony Richie , 03/09/2007
1998 Land Rover Discovery LE 4dr SUV AWD
As I researched this SUV I saw a lot of people talking bad about it. I would like to clear things up. First, about the gas mileage. What did you expect? Its a large off road V8 its not a Honda. I like to think of my discovery as a tank with leather and sunroofs. I heard a lot of complaints about the windows and sunroofs either not rolling up or leaking. Considering all the things … that could go wrong with any car I thought the window thing was a pretty small detail. My rear windows wouldnt roll down, I fitted it with a window relay that cost $35.00. Besides that I have only done basic maintenance.
3.13 out of 5 stars
Time to move on
Giddyup, 09/29/2003
1998 Land Rover Discovery 50th Anniversary 4dr SUV AWD
Was initially attracted to the LR
because of the styling...which is still
IMHO awesome. Went for the Silver
Anniversary model because of the add.
features. Everything was grand until I
hit 60K miles(just about the time the
warranty was running out, go figure).
In the last 3 months have replaced
among other things a door lock
actuater, transmission linkage, and a …
blown head gasket. I can deal with the
small quirks(cup holders, brakes, road
noise,etc.)but the reliability
disappoints me. Sorry, LR...gotta move
on.
4.63 out of 5 stars
Louise the Land Rover
Lar Dog, 03/26/2002
1998 Land Rover Discovery LSE 4dr SUV AWD
If I were to build an on/off road auto this Discovery is very close to perfection. A little tight in the way back for shopping, but us "all consuming Americans", buy way too much crap any way. Ha ! It pulls its weight well up dirt track hills, nicely appointed inside, easy to work on in the field, and really hard to roll over. But you can lift a front wheel every now and again. This … LSE makes my old 4 Runner, Tahoe,& various Jeep products that I have owned seem like second class citizens.
1998 Discovery Highlights
LSE
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 14 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $313/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 45.8 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | all 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 – 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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