2004 Land Rover Discovery Review
2004 Land Rover Discovery Review
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
+4
Used Discovery for sale
Appraise This CarSee Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Superior off-road ability, classic SUV styling, quality interior materials, lots of head- and legroom.
Cons
- Hard to get in and out of, quirky interior design, limited hip- and shoulder room, not much cargo space, poor gas mileage, no side airbags or stability control.
What’s new
For 2004, the Discovery gets new tubular roof rails, and a manually lockable center differential is now standard. The S trim gets an in-dash CD player as standard equipment, and the HSE's cabin is enhanced with burled wood trim on the center console. A new interior color scheme -- called Tundra, featuring light earth tones in leather -- has been added. Finally, Land Rover is offering a limited-edition G4 model this year: It's painted an eye-catching orange, and boasts a cabin with unique trim and upholstery.
Edmunds says
There are two reasons to buy this SUV: either you need incredible off-road capability or you need to show off to the neighbors. If you have different needs, you'll likely want to consider another SUV.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2004 Land Rover Discovery S 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A) 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 $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$450/mo for Discovery S
Discovery S
vs
$201/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2004 Land Rover Discovery.
5 star(55%)
4 star(25%)
3 star(10%)
2 star(7%)
1 star(3%)
120 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3 out of 5 stars
Never sell my Land Rover! Just pay the repairs.
Ed, 09/01/2016
2004 Land Rover Discovery HSE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
Yep. I'll never give up my 2004 HSE Land Rover. Yep it requires research and big $$$$ to keep it going. I bought my Land Rover used in 2008 for $15k with 75k miles on it. Dumped a ton of money into it in repairs i.e. ($12K, head gasket, suspension airbags, braking system, front drive shaft, tires, steering arm, etc.) and have at least another $2k on the list right now (replace valve … lifters and door mechanism and right ABS sensor). Now it has 82k miles on it. So if you run the numbers I got 7k (82k - 75k) use out of it and had to spend $14 ($12 + $2) in repairs. You buy this car and you better be prepared emotionally and financially, because its probably going to get really ugly especially if you are buying this vehicle used unless you are buying it from an owner like me that just didn't mind staying on top of it and dumping tons of money into all the problems. In that case at least you'd have somewhat of a fighting chance of getting some miles out of it before you have to dump thousands into it. I am an older guy (54 years old) and I just wanted to own a Land Rover and I enjoy it and its just a toy for me and I anticipated difficulties but to be honest I did not think it could be as bad as it has been nonetheless I am jut at the age where I don't get myself worked up about it and just enjoy taking my family on road trips for with it. But my sister called me because my nephew (age 18) wanted a Land Rover for his first car. I said he has to read all the problems and join a forum for Land Rover owners and anticipate all the repairs before they happen and really get into owning a Land Rover and that she should put $15k into an account as a reserve fund for any repairs. Well that was the end of my nephew getting a Land Rover.
1 out of 5 stars
Love Hate Relationship
dave, 07/30/2015
2004 Land Rover Discovery S 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
I just sold my 04 D2 and purchased a Toyota FJ with 1800 miles. My wife has been after me for three years to get a newer vehicle. My Disco has been my most favorite vehicle of all the 30plus I have owned. I am an avid ourdoorsman yet wear a suit and tie for a living. It has been in terrain most never think of going. I put a 2" lift with upsized more aggressive tires on it as well as a … winch. It is one of the most capable vehicles offroad and a dream to drive on road. The hate part - at 67,000 mi the oil pump exploded. At 77,000 the rear main seal leaked like a fountian, the head gasket and a few other seals were leaking. Two door actuators, window crank and front hub went all before 100,000. I had a mechanic friend tear the engine down and put new seals in it throughout. When he went online looking for some information about Land Rovers he said he never saw such lengthy blogs about leaking oil issues like any other car he researched. I ran synthetic oil since 30,000 - changed the oil in the engine, trans, transfer case and diffs religiously. If not for the crappy quality of some parts and cheap engine seals this is an awesome vehicle. Land Rover has the reputation of oil leakers and garbage electronics. I bought it new so every mile was mine (110,000 when sold), and I am anal about maintenance but even good maintenance cannot help faulty materials. Once all the issues were fixed I had no more problems. I almost cried when I sold it as it has taken me to some great places. I also own a 1960 Land Rover Series 2. Purchase a another brand new one - never.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Testament to its toughness
msn619, 02/13/2014
2004 Land Rover Discovery S 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
As we all know right now the mid west and east cost are on blizzard watch and accidents are all over the city and I was not exception, I was on a stop light waiting to turn left when a sliding car hit me head on maybe around 20mph, I was ok thankfully my 2 yrs old was not with me. His passat was wreaked and my 00 discovery II was badly damaged but no oil or coolant leak, I was able to … drive home 10 miles after all that. For 8yrs my discovery II never left me stranded, as long as I keep up with maintenance, she was good to me.
4 out of 5 stars
Best...and...Worst Vehicle You Could Ever Own
Rover Rover, 08/25/2015
2004 Land Rover Discovery S 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 4A)
This Land Rover will run forever...as long as you keep fixing it. First off if you can't work on your own (and I mean not just small stuff but in depth engine work) or can't afford to pay for frequent repair don't drive one. You may fall in love with it as I did. The ride (heavy vehicle which lets it ride smooth with a little roll), the 4wd (works great in slick mud/snow as long as … sensors are working), the comfort (great interior), stereo, and just general coolness of the vehicle (even though it's kind of ugly in it's own way) will make you love it after driving it. Take your time looking for one that has been well taken care of inside and out with records and has head gasket issues....yes this way you will get a good deal...you can do the repairs yourself fairly cheap. Biggest problem is if it is leaking around the sleeve which is a $4k - $6k fix. The vehicle drives and handles great no issues with braking as others speak of...even at 5,300 lbs it will stop on a dime. Corners great with no tip over or feel of it as I've heard others mention. Back doors do seem a bit small for getting in and out of so keep this in mind. Only complaint I really have is the clock...why would anyone put a clock over by the passenger seat. But even with all that said I love it and will keep it...but again I can work on it and have a backup vehicle....Good Luck
2004 Discovery Highlights
S
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $34,330 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 12 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $450/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 40.5 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | four wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Discovery include:
- Alarm
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 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
People who viewed this also viewed
4.3 average Rating out of 3 reviews. |
Starting at $56,400 |
4.0 average Rating out of 2 reviews. |
Starting at $59,500 |
5.0 average Rating out of 4 reviews. |
Starting at $107,400 |
Related Used 2004 Land Rover Discovery info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Used Audi S3 2022
- Used Cadillac Escalade ESV 2017
- Used Chevrolet Captiva Sport 2014
- Used Volvo S70 2021
- Used Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2020
Shop similar models
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Land Rover Discovery Sport 2021
- Used Land Rover Discovery Sport 2018
- Used Land Rover Discovery Sport 2017
- Used Land Rover Discovery Series II 2022
- Used Land Rover Discovery Sport 2016
- Used Land Rover Discovery Sport 2015 For Sale
- Used Land Rover Discovery Sport 2019
- Used Land Rover Discovery Sport 2020
- Used Land Rover Discovery Sport 2022 For Sale
- Used Land Rover Discovery 2017
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- Ford F-150 2024
- Chevrolet Equinox SUV
- Q 7
- Corolla Crosshybrid
- M4 F82 BMW
- 2023 Defender
- 2023 Toyota Tacoma
- Kia Soul+
- Lexus Is 350
- Honda Ridgeline Pickup Truck
Research other models of Land Rover
- 2023 Land Rover Defender
- 2023 Land Rover Discovery Series II
- Land Rover Defender 2023
- 2024 Land Rover Defender
- Land Rover Defender 2024
- Land Cruiser Defender
Research similar vehicles
- Mitzi Outlander
- Ford Bronco Sport
- Ascent By Subaru
- 2023 Honda CR-V
- Mercedes Benz GLC Class GLC 300
- Audi Audi Q5
- Jeep Compass 2023
- Jeep Renegade
- 2023 Volkswagen Taos
- 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Other models
- Used Kia K900 in Morrisville, PA
- Used Rivian R1T in Union City, CA
- New Porsche Macan for Sale in Columbia, TN
- New Hyundai Santa-Cruz for Sale in Reno, NV
- Used Chevrolet Trailblazer-Ext in Medford, MA
- Used Dodge Intrepid in Albemarle, NC
- Used Fisker Karma in Berlin, MD
- Used Cadillac XLR in Menomonee Falls, WI
- Used Chrysler Pt-Cruiser in Pontiac, MI
- Used Kia Forte in Fargo, ND