Used 2003 Land Rover Freelander Consumer Reviews
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Freelander Lover
Just bought this great little SUV. We did lots of comparison shopping and found this to be a really great value - my husband was able to use his Ford X plan on this SUV. We are a family of 4 and thought we were sacrificing cargo space when we bought this vehicle. However, I was pleasantly surprised when we started filling up the back. There is a lot more room than you think. The cabin area is very roomy and comfortable. The ride is very smooth and, so far, it gets good gas mileage. Would highly recommend this SUV! The dealership we went through was a very pleasant experience too!
More than a pretty face
This is not just another cute ute. I have recently had this SUV seriously off-road it can perform. Even the professional trail guide was impressed. I like the interior, but this is definitely a matter of personal taste. Concerns about storage and on-dash cupholders are BS. I've take a couple of fast-food cups down a rough dirt road with zero spillage. There is limited seat travel and no height adjust. The sun-visor is poorly designed and blocks vision due to its design unless you are short. Rear storage is smaller, but still adequate for most people.
- SE3 2dr SUVMSRP: $7,495685 mi away
Made a mistake
The ride was ok. felt safe. Loved the looks. No pick up. wipers broke motor in window went out. engine problems. LR does not stand behind there product. Warranty was denied under bumper to bumper. Inside controls were in a weird spots. seats were to stiff.
Rover buyer from here on out
If buying a Land Rover is going to be this easy in the future, I will NEVER buy anything else. The guys at Land Rover San Antonio could not have been better. 1 1/2 hour test drive, paid for and had the keys in 20 minutes. This Rover is great. Small enough to be practical, good cargo room when needed. Comfortable inside. Some complain about the interior. Wake up, it's a SUV, not a sports car. If you want wood and leather, buy a BMW. Great 'English' feel. Very practical and easy to use. Good pick up, which is needed in the land of monster SUV's driven by soccer moms on the cell phone. When you buy one, you really do become part of the 'Land Rover Family'.
Good small SUV
For the price of Ford,Honda, or Toyota.
More good than bad
I have been overall happy with the performance of this car. It is slow to accelerate and the air conditioner is very loud. There are some annoying design flaws. The flimsy cup holder is in a place prime for constantly spilling. The steering wheel isn't perfectly centered and the back door opens into the curb instead of away from it. The seats should move electrically for a luxury line, but they are manual. The car could definitely use a sunroof. Overall, it drives tight to the curb. The brakes are for a car and don't last long.
2003 Land Rover FREELANDER 6-Cyl. 2.5 L
When I bought this vehicle 3/07. I thought it was sporty and great size. With all the bells and whistles. Soon after buying this found that one of the tires was bad, had to have that replaced. Then found my brake lights had issues. Took back to the dealership advised they never worked properly. All within 1 mo. of buying this. Then recall: Brake Light Switch Replacement Recall Action P004. Which came after 6mos of me owning this. Then 2/19/08 my engine over heated. We thought oh, maybe new thermostat. Nope, the whole engine has to be replaced. Guess what? It can't be found. Currently stuck in a car rental warranty only covers 6 days. So I am SOL. Do not buy this vehicle.
I don't think it's luck
I thought I'd give my two cents on this SUV. I've had this thing for 4 years and at 52000 miles I've had very few problems. I think you here more from people that do than from people that don't and I think this FL is getting a bad rap. It's a european vehicle not a chevy or a ford. It takes a little more care and driver knowledge than US cars for sure. Knowing how to drive and what to listen for mostly. I'll admit there are apparently some inferior parts in some of these trucks and it doesn't sound like Land Rover NA is concerned at all about consumer relations. That being said, I've loved this SUV from day one and intend to keep it for quite a while yet. BTW luck is almost never on my side.
The little Rover
It has never broke down on me yet, but I have been to the dealer for a lot of little stuff (engine lights, window, wipers, speakers). Overall I love the car it drives great, and looks amazing. I can't complain about the problems I have had, since I have driven hard in the past 3.5 years. I love the Rover line and plan to buy again another rover soon.
Love My Freelander!
I've had mine for 4 years and have not had any problems with the engine or any of the technical stuff (power windows, etc). I do a lot of trail blazing and this car has gotten me places other SUVs can't (or won't) go. While I feel bad for those who have obviously gotten cars with factory defects, don't let that deter you from buying this very fun car!
Very disappointing
LR had a poorly build entry level SUV. Hard to attract current owners to move up to high end models. It eats up brake quickly. Cost almost $600 to change brake pads and rotars every 10K miles. V6 engine is weak and doesn't have any pick up power. Coolant leak even after the dealership fixed twice. Extremely high maintenance cost for a SUV/car that costs only mid $20K. When we purchased the Freelander, dealer was rude since it was the cheapest model out of all the LR models. The value depreciates quickly. After having it for 4 years, I finally sold it.
I love my Freelander!
Leased Freelander SE with the sunroof and the heated seats. Love this car. Dealership (Land Rover Massapequa NY) was phenomenal. Flip you the keys to test drive it and you're off. Sales process no hassle, no meeting with any "finance people". The interior is basic, like most LR's. Exterior is different, you won't look like everyone else in their Ford Toyota Jeep etc. Recently on a road trip into 40-50 mph wind and driving rain sleet. Car was comfortable at 70+. My parents have owned 5 LR's Disco and Range Rover, this car is as good overall as any. Yes the ergonomics of the cupholders and window buttons are odd but that's the way they are on all LR's.
Amazing!
I LOVE IT!! Amazing in horrendous conditions! Really powerful and cute too :)
Freelander-Best in my Experience
I have owned/driven "SUVs" for 23 years (Blazer-K5, Jeep-Cherokee, Pathfinder), but the Freelander clearly performs above the rest for handling, pure utility, and fun to drive. After 20,000 miles, not one mechanical issue. The cargo room is small, but will suffice for runs to the hardware, hauling one piece of furniture, or a trip for four who pack light. I would buy this car again without question.
02' Freelander S-review
Great car, very safe. Great fun when driving off road in the dirt !!!
My Land
Buying a prestigous name. Good Car. Take it anywhere.
Great Small SUV
Handles great for an SUV and stops on a dime. Good looks outside, simple inside, but functional. Awesome in foul weather and limited off-road use so far. Great SUV, some minor complaints.
SUV that Leaks Water!!!
We've had our Freelander in the shop more than on the road! It took 4 tries to get the radio to work and we're on our 6th trip to get the roof from leaking - dealer can't find the problem. We've been told by friends to start the "lemon law" but we don't want to wait out the process. Although the dealership has been nice, they haven't been honest or competent!
Most Fun Vehicle for the Money
After owning 4 big SUV's the wife wanted something smaller. Went looking at 4dooor model and bought the SE3 three days later. This car is FUN. Handles like a sportscar, has 4wd, and a covertible roof. Where else can you get a European Car that is 4wd and has a convertible top for the money?
HSE is Having Superior Enjoyment !
I bought this Land Rover from Dimmitt in Clearwater on 5/15/03. Great dealer. John the salesman is excellent. I went from a Ford Harley F150 to this so I lost some features I was used to (not to mention power) that should be on this SUV for it's price tag. Such as auto lights, keyless entry and a better sound system (Harmon Kardon is not very good despite what people think). However, I love this and don't miss my truck at all. It is a little small (I'm 6'1) but still comfortable. People complain about the power but I thinks it pretty quick. It does shift a bit hard.
proud owner
This is the best of all SUV's out there. Its like a best kept secret and also got a great deal. Pleasure to drive, fun to won, awesome looks, different from all the rest. Plenty of features come standard.
My new SE3
When looking at a five door SUV, I think there are a few other places to look. The Freelander is excellent offroad, but if you aren't going to take it there, it isn't really worth it. But since this is the only choice for someone who wants storage, wants offroading, wants comfort, and wants open air. The SE3 combines everything, and is worth every penny.
Solid, but needs improvement
Beware of the small gas tank. SUV with a 15 gallon tank.
nothing but problems!!!!!
i have had my freelander for about a month now and it has been in the shop 4 times. where do i start.... a/c spits water out of vents, front brakes squeek and grind when i turn right and now for the latest i got in my car this morning anf my passenger side floor in the front and the back were completly soaked with water. i am completly unhappy with this vehicle!!! buying it was great at the dealer my saleman was great, even the service department is nice it is not their fault that the car is a total jalopy!!!!!!!! i have already contacted land rover and basically told them i do not want this vehicle anymore!!!!
Great Impressions, Problems persist
When I bought this car I thought I got a reliable vehicle. I have had to take it to the dealer for recalls and other problems. The sprinklers broke, a window doesn't work, the car jerks when started, the descent control/4 wheel drive failed and when the dealer hooked my car to its computer it gave the wrong readings. After calling Rover about these problems they say the dealer will fix them. I can't go to the dealer regularly to fix these "small mechanical problems." The dealers are inept. I take my car to the Amarillo Dealer; they fix the current problem; a week later something just happens to break. If you want a reliable car, search elsewhere.
Worst Vehicle I have ever bought
This SUV has a major design flaw affecting the Head Gasket, causing Coolant to seep into the Oil and Cylinders. The SUV cannot be repaired once this issue occurs. I would not recommend buying this vehicle, as it will only cost you thousands of dollars and in the end result in the SUV's engine seizing.
Nightmare
The worst vehicle I have ever owned. It left me stranded more times than I can count. It was in the shop more than it was on the road. It was a beautiful vehicle. It just wouldn’t run. Spent thousands to no avail. Next owner did the same. I’m sure it’s at rest in a junkyard somewhere.
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VIVA EL'LANDO
I just had to put my 2 cents in because of what I'm reading. I don't know what condition the Freelanders are in that I'm reading about our what Shady car salesman won't answer the phone but I've been driving my 2003freelander 1 for 4 years now and I had to replace made air flow sensor, eBay-10$ and Camshaft sensor, rock Auto-18.63 for sensor and 30$ for pig tail. It has 130,000 miles on her and runs like a champ. The gas mileage is f'n awesome and it only costs $25 bucks to fill out up. All time all wheel drive is f'n awesome. Been a great tail rider. I love my freelander and I'm looking to buy a freelander 2 soon as find what I want or of one. Don't pay attention to these horror stories because you don't know the condition the ones posters are talking about. I would not let mine get away and they are hard to find. The 3 years I've had mine I haven't seen another yet.
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Great car ... expensive to fix
I owned my Landrover Freelander for over 8 years ...was a good car to drive but too many problems each year ... (new starter motor )etc etc etc !!! the list goes on and the parts are expensive ... while it is sad to see her go ... I'm relieved at the same time ... not a good investment ... I should have sold it 4 years ago ... too much maintaining!
Great car ... expensive to fix
I owned my Landrover Freelander for over 8 years ...was a good car to drive but too many problems each year ... (new starter motor )etc etc etc !!! the list goes on and the parts are expensive ... while it is sad to see her go ... I'm relieved at the same time ... not a good investment ... I should have sold it 4 years ago ... too much maintaining!
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Still Wondering
Well, I sure do like the looks, feel and design. It drives well, it feels rock solid, but... It has 9000 miles, it's on its third sunroof, it has a leak when it rains down by the gas pedal, two a/c vents have fallen apart in my hand as I adjusted them and the adjustable lumbar support in the driver's seat simply snapped and broke while I was driving along (I'm not a big guy). The dealer's been great about fixing the problems, but -- call me crazy -- I don't believe it should have these problems.
So far the worst investment
I just bought this car and a week later its already giving me problems. The gears shifted rough. On the freeway after a week of owning it. The fastest itll let me out is 50mph.
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