2005 Land Rover Freelander New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2005 Land Rover Freelander?
Land Rover has discontinued the HSE trim level, which used to denote the fanciest Freelander. In its place is an option package that brings the SE five-door up to snuff, but at a lower price tag. The Freelander SE five-door gets a sunroof, fog lights, and a full-size spare tire as standard equipment for 2005. Continuing is the Freelander SE3 three-door, equipped with a removable hardtop over the rear seats.

Advantages of the 2005 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 2005 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 SE3's removable hardtop
• Questionable premium paid for Land Rover ownership

Editor's Advice:
We wonder why people would buy the 2005 Land Rover Freelander instead of a Jeep Liberty or Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. 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 unworthy of even the lesser royals. Oh, it must be the prestige factor associated with the high price and the Land Rover lettering on the hood! Guess what? The 2005 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 2005 Kia Sorento EX makes more sense. We do not recommend the 2005 Land Rover Freelander.