2005 Land Rover Freelander

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(3.2) 5 reviews
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2005 Land Rover Freelander
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Key Specs
Our Take
Overview
Photos
Reviews
Safety & Recalls
Warranty & CPO
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Key Specs

of the 2005 Land Rover Freelander. Base trim shown.

Our Take

From the Cars.com Vehicle Test Team

The Good

  • Manageable dimensions
  • Traditional Land Rover virtues

The Bad

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

Notable Features of the 2005 Land Rover Freelander

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

2005 Land Rover Freelander Overview

By Cars.com Editors
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 ...
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.


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Latest 2005 Freelander Stories

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Consumer Reviews

3.2
5 reviews
Exterior Styling
(4.2)
Performance
(3.2)
Interior Design
(3.6)
Comfort
(3.8)
Reliability
(3.0)
Value For The Money
(3.0)

What Drivers Are Saying

(1.0)

Nothing but trouble

by Brian in Kenosha from Wisconsin on January 22, 2013

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 ... Read full review

(5.0)

THE BEST CAR. PERIOD

by car buff of NY on January 6, 2009

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 ... Read full review

Safety & Recalls

Recalls

The 2005 Land Rover Freelander currently has 3 recalls

Crash and Rollover Test Ratings

The 2005 Land Rover Freelander has not been tested.

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Cars.com Car Seat Check

Certified child passenger safety technicians conduct hands-on tests of a car’s Latch system and check the vehicle’s ability to accommodate different types of car seats. The Freelander received the following grades on a scale of A-F.*
* This score may not apply to all trims, especially for vehicles with multiple body styles that affect the space and design of the seating.

Warranty FAQs

What is a Bumper-to-Bumper warranty?

Often called a basic warranty or new-vehicle warranty, a bumper-to-bumper policy covers components like air conditioning, audio systems, vehicle sensors, fuel systems and major electrical components. Most policies exclude regular maintenance like fluid top offs and oil changes, but a few brands have separate free-maintenance provisions, and those that do offer them is slowly rising. Bumper-to-bumper warranties typically expire faster than powertrain warranties.

What is a Powertrain warranty?

Don't be misled a 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty doesn't promise a decade of free repairs for your car. It typically covers just the engine and transmission, along with any other moving parts that lead to the wheels, like the driveshaft and constant velocity joints. Some automakers also bundle seat belts and airbags into their powertrain warranties. With a few exceptions, powertrain warranties don't cover regular maintenance like engine tuneups and tire rotations.

What is included in Roadside Assistance?

Some automakers include roadside assistance with their bumper-to-bumper or powertrain warranties, while others have separate policies. These programs cover anything from flat-tire changes and locksmith services to jump-starts and towing. Few reimburse incidental costs like motel rooms (if you have to wait for repairs).

What other services could be included in a warranty?

Some automakers include free scheduled maintenance for items such as oil changes, air filters and tire rotations. Some include consumables including brake pads and windshield wipers; others do not. They are typically for the first couple of years of ownership of a new car.

What does CPO mean?

A certified pre-owned or CPO car has been inspected to meet minimum quality standards and typically includes some type of warranty. While dealers and third parties certify cars, the gold standard is an automaker-certified vehicle that provides a factory-backed warranty, often extending the original coverage. Vehicles must be in excellent condition and have low miles and wear to be certified, which is why off-lease vehicles feed many CPO programs.

See also the latest CPO incentives by automaker