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2005
Land Rover Freelander

Starts at:
$26,830
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New 2005 Land Rover Freelander
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Consumer rating
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NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 2dr Wgn SE3
    Starts at
    $26,830
    18 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Wgn SE
    Starts at
    $26,830
    18 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

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2005 Land Rover Freelander 2005 Land Rover Freelander 2005 Land Rover Freelander 2005 Land Rover Freelander 2005 Land Rover Freelander 2005 Land Rover Freelander 2005 Land Rover Freelander 2005 Land Rover Freelander 2005 Land Rover Freelander 2005 Land Rover Freelander 2005 Land Rover Freelander 2005 Land Rover Freelander 2005 Land Rover Freelander 2005 Land Rover Freelander 2005 Land Rover Freelander 2005 Land Rover Freelander

Notable features

174-hp, 2.5-liter V-6
Standard AWD
Five-speed automatic
Two- or four-door body style
Compact size

The good & the bad

The good

Manageable dimensions
Traditional Land Rover virtues

The bad

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

Expert 2005 Land Rover Freelander review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
Land Rover introduced a new, less expensive model during 2002 to join its existing Discovery and Range Rover sport utility vehicles. The all-wheel-drive Freelander was the first Land Rover product with unibody construction and a fully independent suspension.

A two-door SE3 version featuring twin removable roof panels over the front seats and a removable hardtop in the rear joined the original four-door wagon in 2003.

For 2005, the Freelander comes only in basic SE and SE3 trims. The SE now comes with a sunroof, fog lamps and a full-size spare tire. A new Premium Package for the SE offers the same specifications as the now-departed HSE; the package adds leather upholstery, a Harman Kardon six-CD changer, 18-inch wheels and a cargo area cover. New instruments and switches have been installed on both models, which may prove to be good news because the previous gauges were difficult to read.

Exterior
Clean body lines are intended to evoke the traditional Land Rover character. Generous wheel travel is provided: up to 7.1 inches in the front and 9.4 inches in the rear. Even though the Freelander is a little longer than Ford’s Escape, it rides a shorter 101-inch wheelbase. Ground clearance is 8.7 inches.

Offroad strength and rigidity are deemed comparable to traditional Land Rover models; box-section rails and eight integral cross-members help in achieving ruggedness. Aluminum-alloy wheels hold standard 17-inch tires on the SE3 and standard 16-inchers on the SE. The rear cargo door is side-hinged.

Interior
Up to five occupants can fit inside the Freelander, which contains front bucket seats and a 60/40-split, folding rear seat. Fabric upholstery is used for the SE3, while the SE has Alcantara surfaces. Perforated leather is optional in the SE.

Heated power mirrors and rear privacy glass are standard, and heated front seats are optional. The SE3 is equipped with a Harman Kardon 240-watt audio system that includes Radio Data System station identification and an in-dash six-CD changer.

Under the Hood
A 2.5-liter V-6 delivers 174 horsepower and 177 pounds-feet of torque. The five-speed-automatic transmission incorporates a Sport mode and has a manual-shift provision. All-wheel drive is standard, but no Low range is included. The center viscous coupling is similar to the one used on the larger Range Rover.

Safety
All-terrain antilock brakes are standard, but side-impact airbags are not offered. Freelanders have button-activated Hill Descent Control.

Driving Impressions
Compared with most SUVs, the Freelander’s low cowl makes the driver feel rather tall. Performance is reasonably vigorous, especially from a standstill, though acceleration is less than stirring overall. Automatic-transmission shifts are deliberate and noticeable.

The Freelander steers with a lighter touch than other Land Rovers. This SUV handles reasonably well. The ride is firm but not at all punishing. The seats are quite firm, which is acceptable for short hauls but questionable for longer journeys.

2005 Land Rover Freelander review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
Land Rover introduced a new, less expensive model during 2002 to join its existing Discovery and Range Rover sport utility vehicles. The all-wheel-drive Freelander was the first Land Rover product with unibody construction and a fully independent suspension.

A two-door SE3 version featuring twin removable roof panels over the front seats and a removable hardtop in the rear joined the original four-door wagon in 2003.

For 2005, the Freelander comes only in basic SE and SE3 trims. The SE now comes with a sunroof, fog lamps and a full-size spare tire. A new Premium Package for the SE offers the same specifications as the now-departed HSE; the package adds leather upholstery, a Harman Kardon six-CD changer, 18-inch wheels and a cargo area cover. New instruments and switches have been installed on both models, which may prove to be good news because the previous gauges were difficult to read.

Exterior
Clean body lines are intended to evoke the traditional Land Rover character. Generous wheel travel is provided: up to 7.1 inches in the front and 9.4 inches in the rear. Even though the Freelander is a little longer than Ford’s Escape, it rides a shorter 101-inch wheelbase. Ground clearance is 8.7 inches.

Offroad strength and rigidity are deemed comparable to traditional Land Rover models; box-section rails and eight integral cross-members help in achieving ruggedness. Aluminum-alloy wheels hold standard 17-inch tires on the SE3 and standard 16-inchers on the SE. The rear cargo door is side-hinged.

Interior
Up to five occupants can fit inside the Freelander, which contains front bucket seats and a 60/40-split, folding rear seat. Fabric upholstery is used for the SE3, while the SE has Alcantara surfaces. Perforated leather is optional in the SE.

Heated power mirrors and rear privacy glass are standard, and heated front seats are optional. The SE3 is equipped with a Harman Kardon 240-watt audio system that includes Radio Data System station identification and an in-dash six-CD changer.

Under the Hood
A 2.5-liter V-6 delivers 174 horsepower and 177 pounds-feet of torque. The five-speed-automatic transmission incorporates a Sport mode and has a manual-shift provision. All-wheel drive is standard, but no Low range is included. The center viscous coupling is similar to the one used on the larger Range Rover.

Safety
All-terrain antilock brakes are standard, but side-impact airbags are not offered. Freelanders have button-activated Hill Descent Control.

Driving Impressions
Compared with most SUVs, the Freelander’s low cowl makes the driver feel rather tall. Performance is reasonably vigorous, especially from a standstill, though acceleration is less than stirring overall. Automatic-transmission shifts are deliberate and noticeable.

The Freelander steers with a lighter touch than other Land Rovers. This SUV handles reasonably well. The ride is firm but not at all punishing. The seats are quite firm, which is acceptable for short hauls but questionable for longer journeys.

Available cars near you

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

3.2 / 5
Based on 5 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 3.9
Interior 3.7
Performance 3.2
Value 2.9
Exterior 4.3
Reliability 2.9

Most recent

  • Nothing but trouble

    I've had my freelander for a month and it's Been nothing but trouble. I bought it as is from a major dealer, thinking it would be a great purchase plus it only had 90k. I knew the car needed a knock sensor which I was ok with but I didn't know it cost $800.00 to fix, then the rear window motor went out and the transmission is leaking fluid, I set the cruise control to 50 then it jumped to 70 finally the radio decides to on play music from certain speakers. It looks great so know one knows my pain with this car
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 1.0
    3 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • THE BEST CAR. PERIOD

    I have owned my freelander for 4 years and have not had a single problem. Everything about this car is awsome. and at 49 thousand miles it still feels like i just bought it. Landrover is a strong reliable car.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • I enjoy owning this SUV

    Comfortable seats, great high visability, roomy rear seats. Power rear window provides great air flow. MPG is poor for a small V6. Acceleration is adequate. Fold-up rear seats are handy. Service for minor problems has been perfect - very accomodating, perfessional, courteous, and complete.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Great compact SUV

    I love this thing! I think it's great in all features. Never has a problem with it. Handles great, good on gas, throaty v6, big tires, great sound, good room for all.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Worst Run Company Ever

    54 days in the shop. All complaints rudly handled and no one ever calls back. Have car delared lemon and now they are nit picking over scraches on the inside. NEVER BUY A LANDROVER. HORRIBLE COMPANY!!!!!!!!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 1.0
    Interior 1.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 1.0
    Reliability 1.0
    0 people out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Land Rover dealers near you

FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2005 Land Rover Freelander?

The 2005 Land Rover Freelander is available in 2 trim levels:

  • SE (1 style)
  • SE3 (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2005 Land Rover Freelander?

The 2005 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 2005 Land Rover Freelander reliable?

The 2005 Land Rover Freelander has an average reliability rating of 2.9 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2005 Land Rover Freelander owners.

Is the 2005 Land Rover Freelander a good SUV?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2005 Land Rover Freelander. 60.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

3.2 / 5
Based on 5 reviews
  • Comfort: 3.9
  • Interior: 3.7
  • Performance: 3.2
  • Value: 2.9
  • Exterior: 4.3
  • Reliability: 2.9
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