2004 Land Rover Freelander New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2004 Land Rover Freelander?
The 2004 Land Rover Freelander receives a sheetmetal makeover to give it a more robust stance. The front and rear bumpers are now body colored, the rear taillamps are raised and the headlights mimic those of its big brother, the pricey Land Rover Range Rover. Trim level availability has been cut to two models called the SE and HSE, though both convertible and hardtop versions remain. Inside, there are new designs and materials for the instruments, switchgear and door trim panels. The front seats offer improved comfort through better thigh support. Standard equipment for the 2004 Land Rover Freelander includes roof rails, deep-tinted windows and a single-disc CD player.

Advantages of the 2004 Land Rover Freelander:

• Seat comfort front and rear
• Off-road ability better than most compact SUVs
• All-wheel drive surefootedness on pavement

Objections to the 2004 Land Rover Freelander:

• Interior noise levels are high
• Coarse and underpowered engine
• Ponderous and syrupy steering with too much effort required during parking
• Difficult operation of convertible top
• Questionable premium paid for Land Rover ownership

Editor's Advice:
We wonder why people would buy the 2004 Land Rover Freelander instead of a Jeep Liberty or Jeep Wrangler. Is it for the Land Rover’s legendary off-road capability? No, either of the Jeeps make better mountain goats. Is it for a more luxurious interior? No, anyone who’s ever seen the interior of the Freelander will think it worthy of even the lesser royals. Oh, it must be the prestige factor associated with the high price! Guess what? The 2004 BMW X3 is a direct challenger in the entry-luxury SUV segment, and it’s superior to the Land Rover Freelander in almost every respect, except ride quality. Even a loaded 2004 Kia Sorento EX makes more sense. We do not recommend the 2004 Land Rover Freelander.