Land Rover Discovery SUV | Crossover

Land Rover Discovery SUV | Crossover 

DESCRIPTION

The Discovery is powered by a 16-valve V-8 with 188 hp and a 4-speed automatic transmission. It's 4 wheel drive and newly redesigned. ABS is standard.

USER REVIEWS

Showing 141-150 of 166  
[Jan 30, 2000]
Paul
Model Reviewed: SD I

Strength:

Styling, ruggedness, off-road functionality, dependability, after market products, safety

Weakness:

English Quality Control, price

If you want a true off-road SUV, this is the one. This vehicle can get you nearly any where off-road. It is an extremely safe vehicle, I survived a roll over! The dealer network is the best, bar none. The warranty is very good and I love the quality and ride of the vehicle. If you own a Japanese SUV and like the fact you have minimal problems, owning a Disco may not be for you. In the first year or so, it is easy to encounter numerous minor defects and irritations. A good dealer will make this situation acceptable.

This SUV is best suited for the someone who really wants to use this vehicle as designed. OFF ROAD.

Similar Products Used:

Nissan Pathfinder

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
4
[Dec 15, 1999]
K.
Model Reviewed: Discovery

Strength:

quality construction/durability, aluminum frame prevents rusting, luxury SUV

Weakness:

acceleration, repair costs

I bought my Discovery in December of 1994. The only major problems I had with it were in the first few months. The gears were grinding so the dealer replaced the synchro gear and a few other things. Also, the dashboard warped and that was replaced. The gear grinding problem has come back in the last year or so. I'm very happy with the overall performance and quality of the car. The major downside is finding parts and the cost of replacement parts, but a little searching on the net and you'll find a few good Rover parts/accessories dealers. Definitely do not get it fixed at the dealer after the warranty has expired, find a reliable auto mechanic. One problem I have had is leaking gaskets and lines(valve cover gasket, power steering, etc.). The dealership wanted approx $1,000 to replace a few lines and gaskets. I've lived with the minor leaks for the last year or so. If I bought another SUV, I'd be a little hesitant to get the Discovery because of the price tag and replacement parts problem. But if you're willing to live with a little inconvience, its definitely a great car.

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
4
[Dec 05, 1999]
Mike
Model Reviewed: Disco II

Strength:

Build quality, suspension (ACE), ride on and off road

Weakness:

gas mileage

Being very skeptical on SUVs in general, I had a hard time agreeing to this purchase (my girlfried's vehicle of which I "own" half). Knowing that BMW's quality control is now firmly implanted at Rover and that the engine control systems are the same used on BMW's V-12s, I reasoned we were in for good things to come. We have not been disappointed - quite the contrary, we've been very pleasantly surprised by this vehicle's versatility.

We have the ACE option therefore road handling is stable, controlled and tight. The ACE is a must. 4-channel ABS, traction control AND hill descent control ALL work like fine swiss clockwork (or fine German automobiles). Note that the other wannabees use 2 channel ABS.

The only SUV better is maybe the 4.6HSE.

Similar Products Used:

4Runner, Cherokee, Land Cruiser

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Nov 14, 1999]
stephen
Model Reviewed: disco II

Strength:

roominess, luxuriousness, sound system, uniqueness, offroad abilities.

Weakness:

gas mileage

You know the mileage is going to be poor when you purchse the vehicle, therefore, rate the vehicle on your personal experiences. Was the gas mileage worse or better than the published values? I actually found the mileage to be a bit better than published...around 17-18 if i drove strictly on the interstate, say, on a road trip. Of course city driving will suck up more fuel. Aside from that the disco has performed flawlessly. The ungainly roll isn't as bad as one would think. Compare it to a sportscar and of course the difference is dramatic. But why are you buying an SUV if you expect sportscar performance? Its pick-up-and-go lags the cherokee, but again...sportcar or true offroad SUV? It has performed well in freeway conditions concerning acceleration and maneuvering. I hate the cupholders and the suede accents in the door...I can at least put seatcovers on when I 4-wheeling or out snowboarding or mtn biking.

Similar Products Used:

jeep cherokee, isuzu rodeo, toyota forerunner.

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Oct 22, 1999]
Anthony
Model Reviewed: Discovery SE

Strength:

World class suspension
Stellar seating position
Incredible off road capabilities and decadent highway ride
Commanding view and excellent seating position (front and rear)
Unique looks
Spacious interior

Weakness:

Poor gas mileage
Wide turning radius
Unusual window button arrangement
Lack of moveable rear window

While orginally looking for a Jeep Cherokee Sport we were offended by the salespersons lack of manners. On a whim we stopped by the Land Rover dealership and were impressed with the cleanliness, service and products they carried. We ended up spending a few thousand dollars more and got ten times more truck. Off road it handles like a ballerina but should the need arise it can conduct itself like a construction worker. Superior suspension sets it apart from all others. The V8 is a hog but one has to remember it is moving nearly 6000 pounds of truck. Nice extras include a closed box frame for extra strength and standard trailer hitch. Serious off roaders will appreciate the many recovery points and touquey engine. Not a rubber burner for sure but simply marvelous. The Series I is infinitely more off road worthy with it's simpler design and less rear overhang. A machine amongst toys and wanna bees.

Similar Products Used:

Jeep Grand Cherokee
Nissan Exterra

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
3
[Jan 24, 2001]
Dean
Model Reviewed: Discovery SD

Strength:

Very Sturdy, Fun to drive Very Unique

Weakness:

Off course gas milage, service is very expensive

I purchased this vehicle with 52k I have always wanted one of these before and was able to get a good deal on it. I was skeptical since of some the horror stories from previous owners and online reviews which went both ways. This is a safe vehicle anything that you hit you will demolish. I had the vehicle only a couple of weeks when I hit a large deer. My Disco had the full brush guard from the factory that wraps all the way around. I hit the deer at around 45-50 mhp and the only thing that happened was that it broke my head light and cracked the bumper cover. The bad thing I see about owning these vehicle is how expensive the parts can be. Hell an oil change costs 55.00 dollars at the dealership and another service shop that works on british cars charges close to 65.00 dollars. If you are at anyway mechanically inclined I would advise you not to purchase. Road manners are awesome this vehicle ride so quietly compared to others SUV's I have driven and off road this is where this vehicle shines it will about go through any obstacle that is comes across. This is not a vehicle for someone who picks the kids up at the soccer field or to the county club even though it does have those attributes.If you want to do that go and by one of those cookie cutter wanna be SUV's that are all show and no go. But if you want something rugged and fun but sometimes a bit quirky pick the Discovery ot the new II series.

Similar Products Used:

Chevy Tahoe, Ford Explorer

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
4
[Feb 02, 2001]
Dave
Model Reviewed: Discovery II

Strength:

-Seating capacity in its class (I have the rear jumper)
-Driver and front passanger comfort
-Handling in its class
-Off road...of course!
-Style

Weakness:

-Interior creature comforts (cup holders, on board computer features)
-Continuous minor repair needs
-Lack of "get up and go"

18 months ago, my wife was sick of driving the mini-van as she was ready to turn 40. We needed a vehicle that could seat at least 7 but still fit inside my modest 2 car garage.

The field narrowed to the Expedition, Durango, Montero and Disc II. We chose the Disco II based on its general comfort and interior size along with it's car like feel on the road. The fulltime 4WD and off road capability was not a deciding factor.

Overall, it's been an absolute great ride. It functions great for the general around town, moving the kids from one function to another, type functions in terms of size and management. The turning radius is a bit limiting but something easily managed.

Over the road it has also functioned great. The drivers seating is especially comfortable. I have not experienced the drivers fatigue on long trips (600 miles from ATL to ST. Louis) that I've had with the Toyota Previa.

As others have stated, gas mileage and pickup are lacking, but I knew that going into it. I didn't expect to miss some of the other small creature comforts such as over sized cup holders, on board computer stuff...but I have! The layout of the control panel and stereo is bit illogical but, not a show stopper stuff. I suspect that the Ford influence will fix this in later models.

I've had problems with the jumper seats sticking, windshield wipers detaching, and other minor repairs that seem to happen ever 2 months or so. I have to say, the service department at my dealer in Atlanta makes up for any inconvenience. My BEST experience with automotive service ever. The only complaint is that they do not often have a loner LR vehicle. Since I'm on warranty, these things are not too much of a problem.

Lastly, my wife was in an accident last November. Another vehicle made an illegal left turn and my wife hit the late model Ford on the passagerside rear end. Everyone was fine. The Ford was totaled and the Disco II was able to drive away with the need of a new front fender and some internals (about $4K worth). My wife stated that should could barely felt the accident and couldn't believe the damage to the other vehicle. Net-net, it's a tank in a car's clothing!

Overall, we love the Disco II, but will most likely trade it out with the warranty is out.

Similar Products Used:

Blazer, Durango, Expedition, Montero

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
4
[May 08, 2001]
Brian Horner
Model Reviewed: / Discovery Series II

Strength:

Looks- This truck makes me so happy when I wash it it hurts. It is just a great looking vehicle.

- Drives like a champ. Despite what others are saying - my Disco has some really good pickup for an SUV. When I drive up mountain grades to go skiing, I pass EVERYONE! It is like it doesn't even know the mountain is there.

Comfort - So comfortable I could sleep in it and has plenty of leg room even though I am 6 foot 2 inches tall. One of my favorite qualities in the interior is that you and the other front passenger don't have to fight for elbow room since it is so wide.

- Cult car, other Land Rover owners will nod, smile and even wave. During bad traffic, other LR owners will let me cut merge or change lanes without exception. Weird but I like it.

Weakness:

- GAS MILEAGE IS HORRIBLE! I expected bad but I guess I really didn't grasp how much 13mpg and only premium gas would cost me. It costs me $46 to fillup - every 4 - 5 days! In and about the Northern California Bay Area, I get about 260 miles to the tank.

- Another problem is that you may have trouble getting in some parking garages and car washes. It isn't a big deal but I figured I would mention it. So if you purchase a Discovey with a Safari rack means you will NEVER be able to fit in a underground or covered parking lot again.

- Bad emergency handling. If the car in front of you decides to slam on the breaks, you take your life into your hands by trying to swerve around it. I have come to grips with the fact that if someone stops in front of me - I will be slamming into them. Probaly not an issue if you get the advanced sway bar system that my dealer talked me out of for some reason.

I purchased this car for mostly on-road driving. Let's face it, you don't actually go off-road as much as you would think/want. This is just a terrific vehicle if you can handle the gas issue. To be honest - if this vehicle was not enough for you - your out of luck - there is no better that I could find. Off road, it was like a dream but I recommend that if you really want to go serious off-roading that you purchase a piece of crap truck to beat on. Otherwise you'll be inspecting your car for scratches more than driving it. ;o)

Similar Products Used:

Nissan Pathfinder, Ford Explorer, Lexus RX300 and Jeep Grand Cherokee

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
4
[Jul 18, 2001]
Alexander Strahan
Model Reviewed: Discovery Series II SE7

Strength:

Everything, awesome car for the money! Ace allows this car to perform like a sportscar. Offroad driving is a dream. Great on long trips.Looks.

Weakness:

It makes you want to put more miles on it.

Great car, all around an excellent job by Land Rover. I have had no problems. The car is great for long trips. The extra seats are a real plus with kids but I would not recommend them to adults on long trips. Offroading is top notch and is a lot of fun in a car like this. The seats have tons of support. The best looking car EVER! Acceleration is not a problem despite 188 horsepower and pickup is better than my 220 horsepower jeep. I'm going to keep this car till it dies. Dispite boxiness it's not top heavy at all.

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Oct 24, 1999]
Mohammad

Strength:

Solid & comfortable for a SUVehicle. Lots of power w/ its V8 engine.

Weakness:

Very poor on gas mileage.

(1998 Model) - If not caring about fuel consumption, this is the car to be in for city and off the road driving .. highly recommend it.

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
3
Showing 141-150 of 166  

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