An Affordable, Capable Off-Roader

IN BRIEF

The Basics

Land Rover's most affordable model (below the venerable Discovery and luxurious Range Rover), Freelander debuted in 1997 and gets its first major upgrade for 2004. Its ruggedly handsome new face is more like the Range Rover's, with body-colored bumpers and twin-pocket, clear-lens headlamps that shine 70 percent brighter than the previous units. Like the Saturn VUE's, its thermoplastic front fenders shrug off minor dings. Around back, its taillamps sit higher to reduce their vulnerability to dust and dirt.

Inside its cabin, a new instrument cluster in an all-new panel with new controls and switches, new door trim, improved HVAC system and premium …