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Do one thing, and do it very well. Since 1948 Land Rover has had one mission. They build all-wheel drive vehicles so well that the company states "an incredible three quarters of all Land Rovers ever to be manufactured are still in use today." After WWII the world was fascinated with vehicles unrestricted by pavement and improved roads. The American made Jeep had proven it's worth but was slow in developing additional markets outside military and postal delivery vehicles in post-war America. The Rover car company created a rugged and dependable off road vehicle in 1948 as England emerged of the ravages of war. Land Rover then debuted the Range Rover in 1970 as a paradigm shift, combining serious off-road use with elements of luxury for the country gentleman. Today almost all carmakers offer a Sport Utility Vehicle, but Land Rover still builds only one type of vehicle, the permanent all-wheel-drive Sport Utility Vehicle. Starting at $73,000 the Range Rover remains the flagship of the Land Rover fleet. The Discovery model starts at $35,000. Answering the call for a "Cute-Ute" or Compact SUV, Land Rover starts the Freelander around $26,000. I'm not a big fan of the Compact SUV from any manufacturer as a primary vehicle because they are not as safe as a car. Young inexperienced drivers, who are already at a high risk of being involved in a crash, are often the buyer for this type vehicle. They offer an illusion of safety while actually more dangerous than a sedan. Being top heavy they require more driving skills to avoid trouble in panic maneuvers than a car. On the plus side the 2004 Land Rover Freelander is one of the best of the Compact Sport Utility Vehicles. The 2004 Freelander is offered as both a three-door and a five-door version. The five-door is available as a base SE or the upscale HSE trim level. Construction is a monocoque, or uni-body cabin mounted on a frame and provides a lightweight yet solid platform with a low center of gravity. Handling on the highway is solid and tight thanks to independent suspension. Off road each wheel has between 7" to 8" of wheel travel for the toughest terrain. The Freelander can top tall boulders in a single bound with a remarkable 7" of front axel ground clearance and the ability to traverse 16" of standing water. Advanced 4-channel Anti-Lock Brakes and traction control works well with the full time All-Wheel Drive system. New for 2004, a fresh front bumper and grill design are distinctively Land Rover. Masculine body colored front bumpers and grill provide the look of a center grill guard. Front fenders remain dent resistant plastic and driving lights are high intensity. The 2.4 Liter V-6 produces a very adequate 174 hp at 6,250 RPM and 177 lb-ft Torque at 4,000 RPM. While the 18 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway compares well with other all wheel drives, this is certainly no economy car. The BMW sourced 5-speed Steptronic transmission is well matched to this vehicle. Inside I enjoyed the heated leather of the top of the line HSE trim level. A nine speaker Harmon Kardon premium audio system provide all the sound necessary. Touches like the Heated Windshield and Park Distance control reminded me that I was in a premium vehicle. I personally would not recommend any Compact Sport Utility Vehicle for most owners seeking basic daily transportation. But if you seek all wheel drive in a compact SUV the 2004 Land Rover Freelander is one of the best in the class. You will have all the prestige of Land Rover elegance as you motor along to the supermarket, but just for fun take it off road every once in a while.
2004 Land Rover Freelander HSE $28,330 Base MSRP Local Dealer Aristocrat Motor Company
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©2003 - Stan Risener