Used 2004 Land Rover Freelander Consumer Reviews
See 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.
Very fun to drive
It has been almost 2 years driving this car and I really like it. A few months ago I've notice that the fuel consumption was higher than normal. I took it to the Lad Rover Dealer and they said it was the fuel pump. For my surprise, I did not have to pay for anything, since it was a recall. If you drive a 2004 Freelander, take it to the dealer to get the fuel pump replaced. I also noticed that after the fix, the gear changes are more smooth.
Mine is ok
After reading a lot of negative reviews on-line about the Freelander I decided to purchase one anyway, figuring that most people that wright reviews do so because they have had a problem. I was right, I have had my Land Rover for 6 months now with no problems except a dead battery, which is normal after 6 years. I checked the carfax report before I purchased the vehicle and there were no issues in the past. Some common problems that I read online were brake issues, thou I have not had any problems I upgraded the brakes anyway just to be on the safe side. Brakes warp because of heat, so I added slotted brake rotors which improve ventilation and ceramic pads which create less heat and dust.
- SE 4dr SUVMSRP: N/A858 mi away
I love my Freelander
I did my homework before buying and wasn't discouraged by some of the bad reviews. Am I ever glad! It is very reliable, I have never spent less on repairs, looks great. The AWD works extremely well in Snow and I feel very safe in all weather conditions - which is important with my kids in the vehicle. Maybe some Freelander's are lemons but mine is a GEM. The other good thing about this vehicle is that it is unique - not a lot of others on the road. Excellent handling and performance.
wish i would have read these reviews before buying!!
i bought my freelander in july of 2011 it only had 55,000 miles and got a good deal on it. only put 3,000 miles on it since i got it and have spent over $4,000 in repairs!!!!! starter, head gasket, window motor, radiator, etc! almost everything. its so hard to find someone to work on it and the parts and labor are ridiculous. once we get it out of the shop this time we are trading it in!!!! do not waste your money... it may sound like a good deal but its not worth the money and aggravation!!!
"You Don't Know What You're Missing!"
After 8+ months of ownership of my HSE (better known as Land Rover's best kept secret), I am relieved to know that the critics were wrong! This head-turner is the most responsive and fun-to-drive SUV I have ever owened. Other than a few cosmetic flaws, I am very pleased with its driving responsiveness. As a further compliment to Land Rover, another household member bought one also!
rotten rover
Purchased in 2007 this 2004 model had done only 15,000 miles. The first thing to go wrong was a fuel pump at 15,500 miles. The lr dealer did not want to know neither did lr head office. Then the window regulators went within weeks in the back. Finally, having serviced the car every six months and at 35,000 miles the turbo went. The workshop said I should use an lr new turbo due to the quality so I laughed and said I had had it with lr quality. I found an independent shop reconditioning turbos and got one for another workshop to fit. That's $2500 instead of $3300 at the dealers. So about half the car value retail and close to trade in prices.
Worst Car Ever Seriously!!!!!!!
After owning one and spending thousands I couldn't begin to describe how bad these Freelander's actually are. If you read this and think your getting a good deal on one then take my advice and run.. It's a known fact that they are a ticking time bomb. I waisted thousands on it and never once felt as if I were going to make it to the next destination without it breaking down. If you really want to know how bad it really was... 17 trips to Landrover and that was under Waranty. After the warranty expired I spent about seven thousand on it at local repair shops and it was literally falling apart the day I traded it off. I was one of the lucky ones and actually got rid of it before it blew up....
Horrible reliability
Bought the car at 63,000 miles. Donated the car to charity at 67,000 miles. Drove for 4,000 miles until oil cooler and transmission cooler failed within a week of each other. After the failures the car needed major engine and transmission work, estimated to be around $9000 to repair. This was after a $4000 service. Car cost $1 per mile in repairs on top of the regular expenses you expect (fuel, regular maintenance, insurance). Most third-party shops are unable to work on the vehicle, requiring trips to the dealer. Insurers consider this a luxury car and the premiums are very high. Very expensive car to try to keep running. Buy a bus pass and good walking shoes. You'll be left stranded.
Excellence from Land Rover
This vehicle is best value in my opinion, for this class. It's easy and fun to drive, lots of creature comforts and is built to last. The only time it has been in the shop has been for regularly scheduled maintenance. A little more storage room would be nice but, overall, it's tops in my book.
Nothing but a headache!!
It will get you out of just about anything weather wise. Very expensive to fix, called land rover dealer $125.00 an hour for labor, not to mention the parts. It's a great SUV if you have tons of money to sink into it. 56,000 miles, both back windows are broke, keep falling down, back door closed, never to reopen, screaming belt, hanging muffler, now to top it off, its overheating, after sitting just a few min. In 40 degree weather. I have found this situation disheartening, that they would make such a nicely designed vehicle but such poor quality. I have had many vehicles, and have never had so many things go wrong like this, I would expect these things with 100,000 miles on it, maybe even more
My Land Rover is a paper wieght
At 42 thousand miles my engine needed to be replaced. 2 thousand miles after the warrenty was ended. I looked on line and found this to be a cronic problem. Several webite dedicated to Freelander that were lemons sonme had replaced the engine 2 or three times. All my service was done at the dealership. After the engine was replaced the car overheated again. The dealership said the headbolts needed to tightened (can't belive they had the nerve to tell me that)...I am scared to drive this car.. Do some research .. dont buy one
Fun
This car is great - if it's for you. My wife and I are young, no kids, but have a very large dog. We live in the midwest, so there's lots of snow in the winter and it's hot in the summer. This car is perfect. Tons of storage with the seats folded down. Handles like a low-end sports car. And the 2004 had the interior improved to make it more Land Roverish. The outside was dramatically improved as well, it looks more like a Range Rover now. Just owning this car makes you want to drive it.
You'll get to know the service guy
This car is very fun to drive and is a blast with the top off. The problem is keeping it out of the service department. The windshield wipers failed twice, windshield washer once, one recall for brake lights. The car wouldn't start at all the 2d day I had it & had to be towed back to the dealer, & problems with the transmission. The key is to enjoy it and then get rid of it before the warranty expires.
I feel lucky!
I bought an almost new '02 Freelander SE off the showroom floor with a couple thousand miles on it. I say I feel lucky because I was able to pay it off and drive it for about a year after. For that reason I feel at least I got something out of it. In addition I spent countless days at the dealer (while under warranty) and became really familiar wih my mechanic and his family. I think i put his daughter thru college. This car is a money pit. EVERYTHING breaks down from the simple like the cup holder to the complex, like the transmission. I loved the car at first but towards the end I had to quit driving the car in the auto transmission mode and HAD to change the gears myself. Even then it finally failed completely. The electronic were horrible! The windows, especially the rear one; the exterior lights (all of them); the doors; the brakes; even the coolant system REGULARLY failed! I am writing this to warn those tempted by Land Rovers. They can be VERY seductive and the new ones look and drive GREAT! I can't say I did not read about some problems before buying one, but I was seduced by the mystique. I can say this however: ANYONE who buys ANY Land Rover and who is not very rich are asking for years of GRIEF!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
JUNK!
2 days after purchase, check engine light on..return to dealer..Needs new motor...common for this model..Ford Warranty ESP kicks in..$9600.00 for a new motor! Then Differential goes..now right front axle is gone...all covered under warranty...but it has spent more time in the shop then in my garage...Can't wait to get it back so I can trade the piece of junk!
The Critics are WRONG!
Critics of this cool little SAV were WRONG. I signed the dotted line to purchase, then read the reviews and became nervous. All of my fears were unwarranted. Performance? Spirited performance is how Land Rover describes it and they're 100% right. True, it's a small displacement V6 which means that the upper rpm range is where the fun is! Leave the shifter in SPORT mode and FUN. Mash the throttle from the light and it zips from 0-60 in 8 seconds. Try this in a Trailblazer. Handling is very good in dry and especially wet weather. It loves the curves and handles them with confidence. Sluggish at times? Top speed was around 125 - left a Tahoe a Navigator and a Civic Si in the dust!
Lots of Fun for your Buck
We went looking for a fun, small SUV that would be easy to parallel park, would handle the snow and would have a more sophisticated interior. The Freelander has surpassed our expectations! The ride is surprisingly smooth. The car in sport mode has a little punch, similar to the X3 2.5, but costs about $10K less.
Freelander
I have experienced mountain trails with this car. It has taken me throught the worst of weather out here in Las Vegas. Like when it rains and we gwt a flood. I like this car because it provides a smooth drive. I think it could use a navigation system though. I give this car a 9.5 because it really can take you places. The only thing you really need to get done on the car is an oil change, and tires rotated, other than that I recommen this car LandRover Freelander to anyone.
Love this Small and Sporty SUV
We've really enjoyed having our Freelanders (2 2004's). We enjoyed the first so much we bought a second. It's a sporty, competent, and sharp- looking little SUV. It rides great as a commuter, and handles off-road (in our case beach and woods) adeptly. I'd feel confident going just about anywhere in it. We've put a decent amount of mileage on it and have had only a handful of very minor problems. We find the car comfortable and well- designed, although it's smaller size limit it's carrying capacity. We bought a roof cargo carrier to help compensate.
Great Little SUV
This is a great little SUV - it's definitely not a huge vehicle for hauling lots of stuff, but you know that when you're looking at a smaller SUV. We have owned this HSE for one year and it has handled very well in the snow, on a frozen lake and in general traffic. The disign is much improved over previous versions and it is generally a fun car to drive for the price.
So far, So good
fun to drive, has a few gremlins but nothing that's out of the ordinary.
FREELANDER 04
HAVE DRIVEN THE FREELANDER FOR TWO MONTHS. HAD TWO SMALL PROBLEMS RIGHT AWAY WITH A SWITCH AND THE OUTSIDE TEMP GAUGE BUT BOTH WERE FIXED RIGHT AWAY. VERY FUN TO DRIVE, IN FACT THE FOUR OF US IN THE FAMILY DEBATE OVER WHO DRIVES IT.
Freelander "A true Lemon"
I love this car but, 2 Heater Cores, 2 Throttle bodies, multilple sensors, Alarm went bad, 3rd set of Brakes at 39K miles. Cheep plastic on the interior (which easily breaks), Windshield wipers that will not work from time to time. The good news is that my dealer has taken care of all of this. Now to get rid of it before the warranty expires...
Great Little SUV
I've had no trouble from my 2004 HSE. I consistently get 19-21 mpg and mechanically, it's been a great vehicle. The ride is fantastic and the fit and finish on my vehicle is great!
what could be better
well it is my first car, and i love it. it is awsome in the winter and i am able to get around whe a winter storm tears up the area. the hill decent is cool and i love the dash boad like a table for doing my work on. umm more power is recommeded but i love the sport mode, makes up for the bad power with the extra punch. I would like to say i'm happy with the interior quolity but the interior lights are crappy looking and the plastic is cheap looking for a Land Rover. I take it off roading on up to medium levels and it preformes exelent, 2 complaint the AC drainage is a little wierd so it will spray at you form the fornt vents. but i love this SUV.
Not an SUV
The mistake people make is that Land Rover makes "ATV's" not SUV's. This is a great one, made by the master. It's designed for people that love to move with the road. It may look small, but get inside this one. More room than you can imagine. Just sit in this one, and test drive it you will want to own one. Priced very well for a Rover. Well build and sealed (nothing gets inside, any where).
Glad I bought one!
When shopping for an off-road vehicle, I wanted one that was actually built for off-road use and would hold onto it's value. The Land Rover Freelander has met all of my expectations and the dealer has been superb. I could use a bit more head room (I'm 6' 3"), but other than that, I'm very pleased.
Don't buy it
I should have listened to the dealer. If you want a realible SUV, buy a Toyota. Not a glowing review from the dealer of the car. Constant breakdowns. It needs new tires and brakes on semi annual basis. Impossible to sell. Word travels fast. Bad car in every way. Extremely expensive and unreliable.
Great car - Fantastic value
Landrover is synonymous with quality, durablity, reliance and luxury but, up until the Freelander, Landrover was not associated with "value". That's all changed. This car smokes my friends' Honda CRVs, Nissan Xterras, and Toyota Rav4s. It's a TRUE Landrover and capable of handling real off-roading situations as well as leisurely pleasure rides about town. I would definately recommend the Freelander to anyone considering the purchase of a quality SUV.
A Michigan Freelander
My Freelander is 4 years old now, and I am generally pleased with the ownership experience. There was an early-life electrical problem which required the car to be towed into the dealership, but with that fixed, there have been no other problems. Performance is quite adequate, ride and handling are good, comfort is reasonable, and it has handled the dirt roads in Michigan very well. Interior noise level is higher than I would like.
2004 Fl hse...Great!!!
We traded in our '02 Acura TL-S for this pre-owned '04 FL HSE with very low miles, and we have not looked back since! Aside from not having a dealer close by, there is really nothing to complain about. My wife drives her to work everyday and she loves it. I get to drive her on the weekends and if we go out (instead of driving my gas- guzzling Tahoe). We have not had any serious weather, but I am looking forward to driving it in snow, possibly make a roadtrip to Colorado for that. Basically like everyone else has said; cup holders, interior is a bit cramped, but all-in-all a great, quality vehicle that is easy at the pumps. Also has the safety of AWD when needed. GREAT SUV!!!!!
"You'll Stand out in a crowd"
Drives and rides like a car but goes of road like a truck. This vehicle is much improved over the 2003 and earlier. If you are looking for a small SUV that gets 20+ miles to the gallon and can be easily maneuvered in a parking lot, this is it.
the worst car i ever owned
I bought this car two years ago and have been in the dealership 10 times with simialr problems.
My Freelander
I love this vehicle bacause of the superiority on off road courses compare to a jeep or any medium SUV my freelander has all the tools to compete with the Range Rovers. Mc Pherson independent suspension, Downhill control,Sincro 5spd/Automatic transmision, ALL wheel drive and many others,,,one more thing NICE SOUND SYSTEM yeahhhhh
First 5 Months
I have found the Freelander to be extremely reliable in adverse weather, namely heavy rains, ice and deep snow. It maintains excellent traction and remains responsive in less than ideal conditions. Interior design is highly functional, and appealing to the eye. A pleasure to drive!
I really like my 04 Freelander
We use the Freelander as a daily driver on pavement, with only a few off-road trips. It is comfortable on long trips, delivers gas mileage in the low 20's mpg, is fun to drive, and distictive. It is very confidence inspiring on wet and icy roads here in the mountains of Eastern KY, handles great, and is easy to park. We have had no reliability issues and the dealer experience has been outstanding--even organizing an off-road trip in West Virginia and a free restaurant meal! I'm only sorry that Land Rover has (for now) discontinued the Freelander in the USA, giving me something of an 'orphan' feel- -kinda like how I feel about my old MG.
all-around awesome!
this car is an amazing buy! completely worth your while if purchasing as a first car for a teen in high school or heading to college. it has all the great aspects about an SUV and the luxury appeal land rover adds on. the SE3 model is a sure fire win, with its removable back the car seems more like a jeep than an SUV. overall, very good
great for the money
Luv the driving of this vehicle. extremely smooth ride and offroading is no problem. dealership is the best that i have ever dealt with. friendly and not pushy at all! got 0 % interest and paid off my lease on a rodeo. was cheaper than a jeep liberty if you consider the 0% interest-paid off old loan-the standard options that are extra for most other vehicles.
Could be for you
depending on what you're looking for, this could either be the best or the worst car you'll ever buy. this is for someone who wants an suv but isnt too interested in off-roading. someone who if they were getting a coupe/sedan would opt for a convertible. someone who wants a quality-made car with something more than a plain-vanilla GM make. someone who wants to stand out a little on the road without having to spend $70k. i love it, this car is for me, it's easily worth the small premium.
The real freelander
Very nice car. I boudht it for my life and she is realy rest satisfied.
my experience with Freelander
This is my 2nd SUV,I am really pleased with it, easy to drive and handle on hgwy,off roads, perfect steering, no problem to drive in a very bad weather conditions/snow, rain../If You are looking for a car you can go shopping or driving off road, go for it ..I call may Freelander "baby Range Rover"
fun
I love my SE3. Its easy to get in and out of, it handles great and it's just plain fun to drive. I have always driven pickups, so I was a little concerned about low seating, but I sit up high pretty well. I haven't driven it off road yet, except for our driveway, which is dirt and stone uphill, lol. But it takes it much smoother than any of my trucks did, lol.
HSE 2003
. . . . . . . . . . . Great Car
FUN,FUN,FUN SUV
IT RIDES LIKE MY LINCOLN ON THE ROAD, OFF ROAD IT FEELS SURE FOOTED. IT REMINDS ME OF MY OLD BMW, I ALSO HAVE A CORVETTE WHICH HAS BEEN IN THE GARAGE SINCE THE HIPPO (FREELANDER) ARRIVED. IT COULD USE A COMPASS AND SHOULD COME WITH MUD FLAPS AND CROSS RAILS FOR THE ROOF RACK, BUT I AM ADDING THEM. I HAVE NOT HAD AS MUCH FUN DRIVING IN YEARS.
Sam's
Looked at Mazda Tribune, Jeep Liberty, Ford Escape...all same price range, and Freelander has less cargo space, less towing and smaller engine. We chose freelander because of financing options, all wheel drive system, looks and we will not be towing much.
Its me, I just enjoy driving it...
It's a great SUV, if I had wanted a plush interior I would have bought a diferrent Moel.
New Look, New Price, It's a Ford!
Overall the new 2004 Land Rover Freelander looks a lot better than it's previous models did. It's taken the Ford Motor Company look and has been a bit polished up from the 2002-2003 models. Other than the look, the price has changed and has been long due.
My first Land Rover
This is a fun vehicle that has been equally at home driving into Manhattan and off roading at our family farm in Vermont. The ride is extremely comfortable over long distances and you have a sense of great confidence in bad weather.
GR8 SUV
i have driven many cars but this is one of the most fun to drive it might look small but just get inside one of them its great. you have all you need from leather seats to sunroofs to everything .. you even have 2 glove compartments one on each side..overall its a great car
The True Story
We love it. Don't let the size fool you. I don't know what they have done, but there is so much room inside (I'm 6'2" and I fit). I don't know what most are talking about, but this is a great ATV. We looked at other, but when it comes to ATV's buy the best.