Snapshot:
The Land Rover Freelander is a compact sport utility vehicle with true offroad capabilities. Buy the 5-door Freelander or opt for the sporty 3-door model with removeable hardtop. There are two trim levels, SE and HSE. Land Rover made quite a few styling changes to the 2004 Freelander, including a redesigned bumper and grille and new headlights and tail lights. This year's interior is more comfortable, with a plusher appearance than the 2003 model.
How Much Does it Cost?:
The 2004 Freelander starts at $25,995 for the SE model and $28,995 for the HSE. The SE3, the three-door model with removable hardtop, is at $26,995 with destination and delivery charges included.
The Inside Story:
Land Rover gave the Freelander's interior a general overhaul for 2004. Changes to seats and door trim panels provide a plusher appearance (and seats are more comfortable). Instrumention and other trim areas have also been redesigned for 2004. The Freelander seats five adults.
Under the Hood:
The 2004 Freelander is powered by a 174 horsepower, 2.5-liter, light-alloy V6 engine and a five-speed automatic transmission with CommandShift™. Mileage: EPA estimated City/Highway fuel economy figures are 17/21 mpg.
4WD System:
Permanent four wheel drive.
Warranty Information:
4-year/50,000-mile new-vehicle limited warranty and a 6-year/unlimited-mileage corrosion perforation limited warranty. The Freeland is also covered by Land Rover Road Recovery 24-hour service.
Should You Buy the 2004 Freelander?:
If your compact SUV must be rated tops for fuel economy, you should probably pass on the Freelander. But if you want a SUV that does well on the highway, makes you feel that you're in a much larger vehicle, and has true offroad capabilities, the Freelander would be a good choice.
