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2004
Land Rover Freelander

Starts at:
$25,330
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New 2004 Land Rover Freelander
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr Wgn SE
    Starts at
    $25,330
    18 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr Wgn SE3
    Starts at
    $26,330
    18 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Wgn HSE
    Starts at
    $28,330
    18 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Notable features

Full-time 4WD
174-hp V-6
Five-speed automatic
Two- or four-door body style
Compact size

The good & the bad

The good

Comparatively modest price
Manageable dimensions
Traditional Land Rover virtues

The bad

Lack of Low-range gearing
Cryptic controls
Automatic-transmission operation
Fuel economy

Expert 2004 Land Rover Freelander review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By
Full article
our expert's take

Regal and Still Rugged
2004 Land Rover Freelander

The 2002 Land Rover Freelander was a disappointment. The 2003 model was no better.

I feel sorry for the people who bought those vehicles, which — for reasons of lackluster exterior design and econo-truck comfort — were not up to snuff.

Consumers would have done better to wait for the 2004 Freelander, a compact sport-utility vehicle that is superior to its predecessor models in every way.

That includes superiority in value.

For example, the new Freelander HSE, the top of the Freelander line, has a price of $28,995, compared with $32,200 for the 2003 model. The base 2004 Freelander SE is priced at $25,995, compared with $28,400 for last year’s version. Those prices include factory-to-dealer transportation charges.

At $25,995, the new, well-equipped Freelander SE has a sticker price near that of the bare-bones 2003 Freelander S, which has been stripped from the Freelander lineup.

That’s the tough side of retail life. Higher price tags often accompany newly introduced products, which many times are succeeded by newer and better products that cost less.

That is what happened with the Freelander, which was introduced as a 1997 model in Europe before being brought to the United States in 2001.

That first Freelander was all the rage overseas; but it bombed stateside because Land Rover seriously misjudged the American market for compact SUVs — especially the segment for entry-level-luxury small SUVs.

In Europe and Africa, Land Rovers are viewed as rugged, purpose-oriented, off-pavement warriors. Consumers in those markets buy Land Rovers more for function than prestige.

The opposite is true in America, where buyers like the idea that Land Rovers can run through the rough, but would much prefer to keep their vehicles clean and polished and confined to the combat of urban traffic jams and shopping mall parking lots.

People here buy Land Rovers more for prestige than function, which is why they mostly snubbed the rough-riding, stiff-handling, blandly designed Land Rover Freelanders brought to America two years ago.

As a result, Land Rover, now owned by Ford Motor Co., made 700 changes to the 2004 Freelander — the smallest Land Rover model currently on sale.

In making the fixes, the company paid close attention to prestige cues, such as exterior and interior styling. For example, the 2004 Freelander gets an all-new front end that more closely resembles the face of the Range Rover, the flagship of Land Rover’s fleet. There are “Range Rover inspired” twin-pocket headlamps, which also provide 70 percent brighter light than the front lights on the previous model.

The new Freelander’s interior has been completely redesigned. It is more comfortable, better-appointed and more ergonomically sensible than that of the old Freelander. New interior materials, such as suede-type Alcantara seating surfaces, are superior to those used in the previous vehicle. Heck, even the cup holders are larger.

Buyers who choose to take their 2004 Freelanders off-pavement, as I did on a recent West Virginia test drive of the Freelander HSE, won’t be disappointed. Gains in refinement and creature comforts did not come at the expense of legendary Land Rover toughness.

The new Freelander, which comes with a full-time all-wheel-drive system, can climb muddy hills, ford streams and handle back trails better than most compact SUVs. Assisting in those pursuits is a neat “hill descent” lever, which literally allows the Freelander to crawl down steep grades without braking. That helps the driver to maintain control of the vehicle moving downhill — in forward or reverse gears.

The changes are both a blessing and a pity. They move the Freelander to the top ranks of luxury compact SUVs. But it’s too bad that owner of the older models have been left behind on that trip.

Nuts & Bolts

Downside: Pavement handling frequently is compromised in full-time all-wheel-drive vehicles, because the wheels that steer are also being asked to drive — to do two things at once. As a result, there is some tire scrubbing in quick turns, and this occurs in the new Freelander HSE.

Ride, acceleration and handling: Excellent pavement marks. Superior handling off-pavement, especially considering it has to be comfortable enough for America’s pavement driving tastes.

Engine/transmission: The 2004 Freelander is equipped with a 2.5-liter, 24-valve, 174-horsepower V-6. It is linked to a five-speed automatic transmission that also can be operated manually.

Capacities: There is seating for five people. In the tested Freelander HSE, cargo capacity is 19.3 cubic feet with rear seats up and 46.6 cubic feet with those seats folded. Minimum ground clearance, under the front suspension, is 7.3 inches. Maximum payload is 972 pounds. Maximum towing weight is 2,500 pounds.

Fuel: Fuel capacity is 16.9 gallons. Regular unleaded recommended.

Mileage: I averaged 18 miles per gallon in the tested Freelander HSE.

Price: Base price on the 2004 Freelander HSE is $28,330. Dealer invoice on base model is $26,064. Price as tested is $29,995, including a $665 destination charge and $1,000 in options.

Purse-strings note: A bona fide contender for the luxury compact SUV dollar. Compare with the Lexus RX 330, Lincoln Aviator, Jeep Liberty and BMW X3.

2004 Land Rover Freelander review: Our expert's take
By

Regal and Still Rugged
2004 Land Rover Freelander

The 2002 Land Rover Freelander was a disappointment. The 2003 model was no better.

I feel sorry for the people who bought those vehicles, which — for reasons of lackluster exterior design and econo-truck comfort — were not up to snuff.

Consumers would have done better to wait for the 2004 Freelander, a compact sport-utility vehicle that is superior to its predecessor models in every way.

That includes superiority in value.

For example, the new Freelander HSE, the top of the Freelander line, has a price of $28,995, compared with $32,200 for the 2003 model. The base 2004 Freelander SE is priced at $25,995, compared with $28,400 for last year’s version. Those prices include factory-to-dealer transportation charges.

At $25,995, the new, well-equipped Freelander SE has a sticker price near that of the bare-bones 2003 Freelander S, which has been stripped from the Freelander lineup.

That’s the tough side of retail life. Higher price tags often accompany newly introduced products, which many times are succeeded by newer and better products that cost less.

That is what happened with the Freelander, which was introduced as a 1997 model in Europe before being brought to the United States in 2001.

That first Freelander was all the rage overseas; but it bombed stateside because Land Rover seriously misjudged the American market for compact SUVs — especially the segment for entry-level-luxury small SUVs.

In Europe and Africa, Land Rovers are viewed as rugged, purpose-oriented, off-pavement warriors. Consumers in those markets buy Land Rovers more for function than prestige.

The opposite is true in America, where buyers like the idea that Land Rovers can run through the rough, but would much prefer to keep their vehicles clean and polished and confined to the combat of urban traffic jams and shopping mall parking lots.

People here buy Land Rovers more for prestige than function, which is why they mostly snubbed the rough-riding, stiff-handling, blandly designed Land Rover Freelanders brought to America two years ago.

As a result, Land Rover, now owned by Ford Motor Co., made 700 changes to the 2004 Freelander — the smallest Land Rover model currently on sale.

In making the fixes, the company paid close attention to prestige cues, such as exterior and interior styling. For example, the 2004 Freelander gets an all-new front end that more closely resembles the face of the Range Rover, the flagship of Land Rover’s fleet. There are “Range Rover inspired” twin-pocket headlamps, which also provide 70 percent brighter light than the front lights on the previous model.

The new Freelander’s interior has been completely redesigned. It is more comfortable, better-appointed and more ergonomically sensible than that of the old Freelander. New interior materials, such as suede-type Alcantara seating surfaces, are superior to those used in the previous vehicle. Heck, even the cup holders are larger.

Buyers who choose to take their 2004 Freelanders off-pavement, as I did on a recent West Virginia test drive of the Freelander HSE, won’t be disappointed. Gains in refinement and creature comforts did not come at the expense of legendary Land Rover toughness.

The new Freelander, which comes with a full-time all-wheel-drive system, can climb muddy hills, ford streams and handle back trails better than most compact SUVs. Assisting in those pursuits is a neat “hill descent” lever, which literally allows the Freelander to crawl down steep grades without braking. That helps the driver to maintain control of the vehicle moving downhill — in forward or reverse gears.

The changes are both a blessing and a pity. They move the Freelander to the top ranks of luxury compact SUVs. But it’s too bad that owner of the older models have been left behind on that trip.

Nuts & Bolts

Downside: Pavement handling frequently is compromised in full-time all-wheel-drive vehicles, because the wheels that steer are also being asked to drive — to do two things at once. As a result, there is some tire scrubbing in quick turns, and this occurs in the new Freelander HSE.

Ride, acceleration and handling: Excellent pavement marks. Superior handling off-pavement, especially considering it has to be comfortable enough for America’s pavement driving tastes.

Engine/transmission: The 2004 Freelander is equipped with a 2.5-liter, 24-valve, 174-horsepower V-6. It is linked to a five-speed automatic transmission that also can be operated manually.

Capacities: There is seating for five people. In the tested Freelander HSE, cargo capacity is 19.3 cubic feet with rear seats up and 46.6 cubic feet with those seats folded. Minimum ground clearance, under the front suspension, is 7.3 inches. Maximum payload is 972 pounds. Maximum towing weight is 2,500 pounds.

Fuel: Fuel capacity is 16.9 gallons. Regular unleaded recommended.

Mileage: I averaged 18 miles per gallon in the tested Freelander HSE.

Price: Base price on the 2004 Freelander HSE is $28,330. Dealer invoice on base model is $26,064. Price as tested is $29,995, including a $665 destination charge and $1,000 in options.

Purse-strings note: A bona fide contender for the luxury compact SUV dollar. Compare with the Lexus RX 330, Lincoln Aviator, Jeep Liberty and BMW X3.

Factory warranties

Basic
4 years / 50,000 miles
Corrosion
6 years
Powertrain
4 years / 50,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
4 years / 50,000 miles

Consumer reviews

3.5 / 5
Based on 19 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.3
Interior 3.8
Performance 3.4
Value 3.6
Exterior 4.1
Reliability 3.5

Most recent

  • Not many of these on the road anymore!

    Great Rover. Love the fact that we own a unique vehicle, as there aren't many on the roads anymore. Acceleration, visibility, reliability are all great. Engine has so much low end power. Comfortable for long trips, and lower back seats tilt up for a straight floor to load extra cargo. Power tailgate window is awesome for ventilation. Really a cool vehicle.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Problematic from the start

    Had electrical problems from the start. Windows didn't work, radio messes up, headliner started falling down 1 week after getting the car.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 2.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • 2004 FREELANDER

    I JUST BOUGHT A 2004 FREELANDER FROM BIANCO MOTORS NORTH IN STAMFORD . THE EXTERIOR OF THE VECHICLE WAS IN GREAT CONDITION SO WAS THE INTERIOR. THE CARS WAS THE LOWEST PRICE ON INTERNET. THE CAR PERFORMACE WAS ON THE MONEY. THE STAFF AT THE DEALSHIP WAS A PLEASURE TO WORK WITH. THEY HELPED ME WITH MY CREDIT AND WORKED WITH THE BANKS SO THAT I COULD PURSHASE THE VECHICLE I AM VERY HAPPY WITH THE CAR AND WOULD RECOMMEND BUYING APRE OWNED VECHICLE FROM BIANCO MOTORS.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Never again

    I was so excited when I purchased my Freelander and I was quickly disappointed. The manifold had to be replaced and paid over $1,200. Six months after the engine over heated and had to fix it which was costly as well. The radiator fluid leaked constantly even after repairing it and I was afraid to drive it as I didn't want to be stranded. No dealer wanted it as a trade in. Never Again.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 1.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Great little suv

    great little suv! I am the original owner and hve gone off road once and was VERY surprised at how capable this little guy was. It's been on long trips and has always been comfortable on those veryt long drives. The only reason I have sold the truck is because I got the LR3.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • excellent ride

    This has been a very fun truck to drive. Always very capable in any driving condition. i have only taken it off road once and it performed exquisitely. I am the original owner and have had the truck for 7 years without a hitch.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Underappreciated & rare SUV gem

    Among the rarest of the Land Rover's recent American offspring, the FreeLander (especially after the 2004 design update) is a greatly under-appreciated SUV. Timeless styling allows the 2004 FreeLander to remain looking as classy today as it did when it rolled out of the factory 7 years ago. This perfectly sized small SUV is very well built and feels solidly 'of-a-piece'. Materials are high quality and wear well; my 2004 still looks factory fresh (& never garaged). Gas mileage is OK (about 18 city/22 highway) and "get up & go" performance is only adequate. But once at speed, the Free Lander cruises solidly at high mph (75+) with a reserve of power still remaining. The only situation where I regularly off-road is driving on the beach and the FreeLander has always returned me to pavement without any drama. I've had zero mechanical problems with my Land Rover during the 7 years I've driven it. My only major complaints are (1) having to replace the brake pads every 17,000 miles (and I drive 'easy')...and (2) factory recommends belt replacements @ 72,000 miles that costs big $$$$. But I must end by re-emphasizing how pleased I've been with my FreeLander over 7 years of ownership. At the time of purchase, all the car reviews were at best, fair to poor. And if I knew how to spell the sound of giving someone a raspberry/bronx cheer, you'd be reading it now!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • worst car ever

    Bought 2004 Freelander new. Have had nothing but one problem after another. And it only has 47000 miles. Has spent more time in the shop or not running. Service engine soon light always going on and they can never find the problem. The dealer had it all summer and said it was fixed. Don't mind paying $800 to fix it but less than 1100 miles and 3 months later it is over heating and lossing antifreeze. Had to have it towed and it is still in the shop. Would like to trade it in but we can't because no one will take it in trade with service engine on or not running. Inspection is do and it won't pass because of the many problems. So after all the money we have put into this we will probably have a total loss. DO NOT BUY A LAND ROVER.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 2.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 2.0
    Reliability 1.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • best offroad car i've owned

    best car i've owned, its powerful and compacted. Its just like a small version of a Rang Rover. the only bad thing about the car is the fuel economy.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Land Rover Freelander

    The SUV has a good comfort and the performance on highway is very good and the value of the SUV it worth it.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Reliable friend

    An excellent exterior feature, compatible though not roomy. Interior wise moderatly fascinatiing. It is cute and very relaible mobile machine.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 3.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • fabulous car

    this car is very good. I had similar car for 5 years and it is very safe!! The design of this car is excellent, and it looks like a tiger!!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2004 Land Rover Freelander?

The 2004 Land Rover Freelander is available in 3 trim levels:

  • HSE (1 style)
  • SE (1 style)
  • SE3 (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2004 Land Rover Freelander?

The 2004 Land Rover Freelander offers up to 18 MPG in city driving and 21 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

Is the 2004 Land Rover Freelander reliable?

The 2004 Land Rover Freelander has an average reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2004 Land Rover Freelander owners.

Is the 2004 Land Rover Freelander a good SUV?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2004 Land Rover Freelander. 63.2% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

3.5 / 5
Based on 19 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.3
  • Interior: 3.8
  • Performance: 3.4
  • Value: 3.6
  • Exterior: 4.1
  • Reliability: 3.5
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