Comments on: 2009 Land Rover FreeLander 2 Review

By: Janek

Janek — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:15:43 +0000

Following Bret’s request for info on the pulling power of the FL2…can anyone update us on how the FL2 copes with pulling 1.5 tonne or more?

By: Miss J

Miss J — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 03:03:50 +0000

I had one of the first Freelanders a 98 or 99. 2l Turbo Diesel. Was the best car I have ever owned. Yes it had some problems but they were minor and lets face it every car has issues. There has not been another car that has equalled that Freelander for comfort, drivability or fuel consumption. Best 21st gift I got myself. While it certainly couldnt compare on the beach to my Patrol it certainly could go far more places then anybody gave it credit for. More places then my sister in laws xtrail thats for sure! I am now looking to get out of my TI Patrol and am going back to the Freelander. They are a fantastic car!

By: BMAC

BMAC — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 11:54:11 +0000

I bought a Freelander 2 TD4 in Dec 2007 and have done just over 80,000kms both on and offroad. Offroad has included beaches and bush around the Sunshine Coast (Qld). In that time haven’t had a single problem – absolutely love it! Great for a quick trip down to NSW on the highway, for getting around the farm near Kenilworth or a trip to Bribie or Fraser Island. Negatives were two product recalls in that time but didn’t have any problems with these issues prior to recall. One more year and I think it will be time for another one!!

By: Bret

Bret — Tue, 05 May 2009 05:10:02 +0000

Dennis,
Do you have any “serious” towing experience with the FL2?

I’m interested to know how it might cope with a 1500kg caravan loaded up.
Quoted max braked towing capacity is 2000kg. Is it reasonable to expect it to get anywhere near this figure?

By: Dennis

Dennis — Tue, 05 May 2009 03:34:50 +0000

Lot’s of interesting comments on the FL2, some of them better informed than others. I used to own the original 1998 1.8 petrol model and regularly took it from Singapore into the Johor and Perak jungles in Malaysia and it never missed a beat. The hill descent control, later adopted by BMW and others, was a revelation.I tried the same trips in a Vitara without much enjoyment. Now in QLD, I have a new FL2 TD4 SE. The difference in size, quality, and performance, is so great I’m surprised LR gave it the same name. I can only suggest that those who think this thing is overpriced and no better than cheaper Jap 4×4s have never driven a Freelander. But, they should.

By: Aaron

Aaron — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 12:09:03 +0000

I’ve had mine for a month now. Couldn’t be happier – great looks, great to drive, plenty of room and power in diesel engine. Would recommend anyone considering it.

By: David

David — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:14:47 +0000

I bought an HSE TD4 in Nov 08 and am absolutely rapped. It’s well built and very well finished, very solid, drives exceptionally well on all types of road, is extremely comfortable, has a brilliant sound system (the standard HSE system is all you need), cruises very quietly, has no signs of any reliability problems and I don’t expect any – it really is that good. I look forward to years of cruising around the country and finding those off the beaten track places with ease and comfort. The french diesel is hugely torquey (400 torques!) and feels much quicker than the acceleration figures suggest. Great glass roof too! Extremely impressive – and just that bit different and unique amongst a handful of boring and too numerous Japanese and German ‘car-like’ SUV’s which leave me cold. There are few others around with the style and substance of the Land Rover/Range Rover range. Try one and enjoy.

By: Aaron

Aaron — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 06:13:59 +0000

I just bought a new Freelander 2 TD4 HSE after test driving it. Also sampled the Audi Q5, impressive car but didn’t think it was worth $15k over the Freelander with same specs and same (city driving) driveability.

Hopefully won’t find have too much reliability issues, but that’s what warranties are for!

Like Larry I’ll be interested to know what’s the best place for servicing too.

I’m picking up my new car in a couple of days :)

By: Larry

Larry — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 13:30:15 +0000

We’re looking to buy a SUV. Have test driven the FL2 HSE and love it. Our only concern is the question of reliability. So far reviews I have read from owners are generally positive, however there are still a few who are disappointed.

To the guys who own Land Rovers could you let us know where the best place is to have them serviced in and around Sydney?

Good service can go a long way to easing any feelings of regret if problems arise.

By: NotTheStig

NotTheStig — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 13:41:09 +0000

I dunno, I had one of these as a loaner the other day…

I just didn’t like it. The leather felt like vinyl and it just didn’t feel very much like a quality vehicle as many of the buttons (like the radio selectors) just felt cheap although it appeared that other switches (windows) were from Volvo ?

The radio display was totally unreadable with polarised sunglasses and while we are on visibility, what is the deal with the speedo numbers following the circle of the gauge around ? – makes it hard to read the numbers… Big LCD below the dials is for the Terrain selector thing but one wouldn’t use that very often so why not use it for something else ?

I couldn’t see any cruise control indicators – are there any ?

Window switches on top of the doors – not great to locate…

If you don’t get Nav, you get a empty hole in the centre of the dash – urgh.

It drove OK but it wasn’t anything to remember. Not as good as a Tiguan IMHO…

Probably the best small off roader but only 1% of buyers will do that !

By: Tom

Tom — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 10:55:00 +0000

I don’t know about the Vitara, but I’ve been 4wd’ing in a Suzuki Sierra (which became the Jimny) and with a lift kit, it out 4wd’d a land cruiser, even with its 1.3L engine. Super low-range gear box plus strong chassis plus small wheelbase = 4wding weapon.

By: Alex

Alex — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 10:40:32 +0000

Why do you keep writing Vitary? It’s Vitara. And you are quite wrong. For a start, have you ever actually used a Land Rover Freelander to do any off roading, let alone driven one on the road? The Land Rover has the terrain response box which isn’t just a piece of electronic gimmickry, it works fantastically and provides a great off roading experience. I have the system in my Range Rover and I have taken that off road numerous times on different surfaces so I know it works. I don’t think the Vitara would have enough ground clearance to get really serious, it’s pretty low to the ground.
And just out of curiosity, what do your magazines say about Land Rovers?

By: Car Advice Reader

Car Advice Reader — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 09:28:52 +0000

Alex, I’m not joking! Both the Vitary and the Jimny have low range gear, and therefore aren’t in the same class as the soft-roader. Although Vitary is a light duty 4wd (I’m not a big fan myself), the Jimny is a serious albeit small 4wd, that can hang out with the best of them. I have subscription with 4wd Action Australia, and Overlander Magazines, and know of many occasions where the Jimny and Vitaries have crossed the Simpson desert, and many other tracks!!

By: Alex

Alex — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 08:59:45 +0000

Car Advice Reader, you are joking? Are you actually saying that the Vitara has more off road capability than a Land Rover? Vitaras are pathetic! And the X Trail is also better. The Land Rover is not just another soft roader meant to be kept in the city, it has real capability, in fact I’m pretty sure CA ran a story about one crossing the Simpson Desert with ease! I’d like to see the Vitara do that and the Jimny wouldn’t have enough power to.

By: Car Advice Reader

Car Advice Reader — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 06:57:21 +0000

Shane, the Freelander 2 is still a softroader just like Xtrail. On the other hand, the Vitary can be classed as a Light duty 4wd. And the Jimny is the most off road capable out the lot!!

By: Shane

Shane — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 06:30:05 +0000

I cannot believe that some people are trying to compare the Freelander 2 to Xtrail, Suzuki 4WD. This car is competiting in the market against vehicles such as Volvo, BMW, Audi. TO try to compared the features and interior to that of an Xtrail is monkey business. I would prefer a auto diesel any day of the week compared to a manual version. The Xtrail manual has faults with the clutch mechanism which cannot be taken off the road without a hefty expense bill that will not be covered by warranty. Even if you compare the costs of the Toyota Kluger AWD to that of a Freelander 2 at similar costs, i would take the Freelander 2 anyday

By: Daniel

Daniel — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 22:16:51 +0000

I gotta say that I try to love my Freelander 2. Its a great car altogether, rides great and looks amazing. But it don’t love me. I can’t trust it and its surely trying to drive me mad. I’ve been back to dealer so many times that all the attendents know me by name. Electric, fuel pump, breaks, fuel meter, and window problems have pained me since the second week of purchase — and it has been a year and a half now. A car with all the pluses highlighted on the review and a such a low price tag was bound to have a catch. It just ain’t reliable.

By: Sumeet L.

Sumeet L. — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 00:57:49 +0000

I have had my brand new 2009 Feelander 2 TD4 HSE with sunroof and premium pack for about 2 weeks now. I have to say this:

I was in two minds before buying the FR2 and tested out BMW X3 and the VW Tiguan. Both these vehicles were simply no match and do not compare well with the drive quality, interiors and the overall looks of the Freelander 2. Its one of the best smoothest vehicle I have ever driven. I am yet to take it off road but on road it is the best small to medium SUV.

At the landrover dealer I checked out the Discovery 3 as well, The rear seat space are about the same as Freelander 2; being 6 feet tall I sat in both these vehicles and found there was no difference in space for passengers. I somehow prefer a sporty looking vehicle and found the Discovery to be a little boxy in shape. Plus for the price I was getting much more than what Discovery was offering and having small family I opted for the 5 seater Freelander 2.

So far it is smooth as ever, drives well feels great. The only thing I miss is the map pockets/ storage space under front passenger electric seat. Even though it is mentioned in the LR FR2 hand book, I find in mine it is a wide gap and missing?

I find it excellent value for money, those comparing with other Japanese/Korean brands should drive one and see one for them selves what it feels. Its like comparing an Aston Martin with a Toyota Celica and then complaining about the price difference… Hmm!

By: simon

simon — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 16:31:30 +0000

I love my Freelander 2 SE petrol too:

nothing has gone wrong with it
it drives like a dream, smooth, fast and very comfortable
its luxurious, looks hot & i sit up high in it.
its in a different class so why bother comparing it

i test drove the other suv’s but they didnt feel anything like the freelander.

i used to have an BMW X5 Sport, loved that too and it feels just as good

there are so many xtrails on the road they’re like lemmings, they are obviously good but really ugly, look at those rear lights, who did that to the car, it needs a exterior makeover badly.

if they priced the xtrail the same as the freelander, it would be interesting to see which car xtrail owners would have chosen.

proof is in the test drive

By: Darren

Darren — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 09:33:11 +0000

I love my Frelander 2 SE TD4. I’ve done 40,000km in it since September 07.

I was stepping down from a big 4Wd that had proven impractical driving around the city but I still wanted decent off road capability, passenger room, luggage capacity and towing capability. In short a real “all rounder”. I looked at all of its competitor’s in all price ranges and kept coming back to the FL2.

The car has been on road, off road, in the city in the country – you name it. It’s not a hardcore 4WD but what it can do has surprised me. I can play with the “real” 4WD’s if I’m careful and always carry extraction gear if I’m planning going to a place that looks tricky.

As for reliability, I’ve had no problems with it (or with the 2002 Discovery that it replaced.