2003 Land Rover Freelander Review

Name: 2003 Land Rover Freelander Review
Brand: Land Rover
Price: 2001 USD
Rating: 3.9 (132 reviews)

2002 Land Rover Freelander SE 4dr AWD SUV

2003 Land Rover Freelander SE3 2dr AWD SUV

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Edmunds' Expert Review

by the Edmunds Experts

Pros

Hill Descent Control, permanent all-wheel drive, four-wheel independent suspension for good on- and off-road handling.

Cons

Tight on cargo space even with rear seats folded, priced at the top of its class, cheap interior materials, V6 engine on the weak side, rear drum brakes.

What’s new

Engineering changes for Land Rover's mini-ute include a larger fuel tank and an improvement in the climate control system for quieter operation and more efficiency. Body side moldings have been added to protect the Freelander against scrapes. The 2003 model year sees the introduction of the three-door SE3 version, with removable top and rear panels for topless fun like a Jeep Wrangler.

Edmunds says

Small inside and lacking a low-range transfer case, the Freelander won't appeal to buyers looking for a seriously capable small SUV, despite the Land Rover name on the hood. Although it handles well on and off the road, a drab interior and sluggish performance leave us questioning whether it's worth the premium price tag.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2003 Land Rover Freelander S 4dr AWD SUV (2.5L 6cyl 5A) 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 $5.35 per gallon for regular unleaded in California.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in California

$398/mo

$254/mo

Avg. Compact SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 Land Rover Freelander.

5 (41%)

4 (24%)

3 (18%)

2 (14%)

1 (3%)

3.9

132 reviews

Write a vehicle review See all 132 reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

Freelander

Geoff B, 08/07/2003

2003 Land Rover Freelander HSE 4dr AWD SUV (2.5L 6cyl 5A)

Freelander is an excellent SUV. Performs well for both on road an off- road applications. Surprisingly more able than expected off-road. Has great driving position. Major draw-back is poor fuel economy combined with small fuel tank limiting range.

Can't understand all the frustration

Learn How to Drive, 08/30/2010

2003 Land Rover Freelander SE 4dr AWD SUV (2.5L 6cyl 5A)

I just thought I should give my 2 cents about this car. Everyone on here must not know how to maintain a vehicle because even after buying mine used with 58,000 miles, I haven't had any unexpected problems. People need to understand that this is a foreign, luxury SUV and requires more driver knowledge. You can't just put gas in it and expect it to maintain itself. I check the fluids …

Too many whiners...

Hippoman, 10/04/2007

2003 Land Rover Freelander SE 4dr AWD SUV (2.5L 6cyl 5A)

A number of people have had drivetrain problems with this truck but I've had none. There are some things that could have been built with a little more quality just like about anything else on the market. This is a European vehice, not a Ford, GM, or anything else people expect to change the oil every 25K miles and run it to death. It takes a certain amount of care and maintenence. If you …

My Freelander Experience

sarahjane24, 12/05/2013

2003 Land Rover Freelander SE3 2dr AWD SUV (2.5L 6cyl 5A)

Though I loved this car, it was NOT a good investment. My 2003 landrover had one problem after another. The 4 years I had it, I easily put over a thousand dollars each year for repairs. Land Rover parts are EXPENSIVE. I had TWO new engines within 4 years (thank god for warranty). I also had to replace multiple window motors, a muffler, the starter, pumps, axels...the list goes on. The …

See all 132 reviews of the Land Rover Freelander

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2003 Freelander Highlights

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$24,975
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	17 MPG
Cost to Drive	$398/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	19.3 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Not Tested
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Acceptable
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Poor
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Not Tested

2003 Land Rover Freelander Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2003 Land Rover Freelander S 4dr AWD SUV (2.5L 6cyl 5A) 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 $5.35 per gallon for regular unleaded in California.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 Land Rover Freelander.

Trending topics in reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

Freelander

Can't understand all the frustration

Too many whiners...

My Freelander Experience

2003 Freelander Highlights

Safety

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2003 Land Rover Freelander Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2003 Land Rover Freelander S 4dr AWD SUV (2.5L 6cyl 5A) 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 $5.35 per gallon for regular unleaded in California.

Most helpful consumer reviews

Freelander

Can't understand all the frustration

Too many whiners...

My Freelander Experience

2003 Freelander Highlights

Safety

Consider these recommendations

Related Used 2003 Land Rover Freelander info

Vehicle reviews of used models

Popular new car reviews and ratings

Research other models of Land Rover

Research similar vehicles

Other models

Join Edmunds

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2003 Land Rover Freelander S 4dr AWD SUV (2.5L 6cyl 5A) 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 $5.35 per gallon for regular unleaded in California.}