2002 Land Rover Freelander review from North America

Our well-maintained 2002 Freelander with 50K miles (just out of warranty) blew an engine on the highway -no warning lights.

Same highway a few months later, I noticed that the heater wasn't working so pulled over. No warning lights, but past experience suggested caution. All the coolant was gone - gasket problem. Stranded for 3 hours the day before Christmas. Car gone for a week when we really needed it.

First day back in use with kids in car, on the entrance ramp to the highway - never reached 40 mph, the transmission stopped working - nothing over 2nd gear. Limped to nearest gas station, then towed to dealer. Repair took weeks.

This time the dealer agreed it was "not totally reliable" and we read everything we could about these pieces of junk disguised as cars. Worst car I've ever had. No warning lights - well documented problem - lots of blown engines, transmissions, and other problems at relatively low mileage.

After hiring a professional to get help with this, the dealer bought back the car. Dealer was great, but absolutely NO help from Land Rover at all. They were totally unresponsive.

I was without the car from Christmas Eve until late February - 2 months before this was resolved - with no loaner. Out over $4,000 in repairs (shared costs), and Christmas holiday was fairly wrecked.

We treat our cars well - one has 210K miles on it. I really wanted to keep this car for a long time - at least not have it burn out at 50K miles and demonstrate extreme unreliability. Now I worry every time I see one on the road - will they lose power on the road and lose more than just their car and money?

If you own this car it is extremely important that you constantly watch all the gauges, and assume that something will give out with no warning at all - even with the best of maintenance. One of the most dangerous pieces of equipment I've ever used, bar none. The idea that people are out there on the highway with kids in their cars is very scary.

Land Rover - do the right thing - recall these cars and give people their money back.