Land Rover Discovery reviews

2002 Land Rover Discovery Driving Impressions

As mentioned, the Land Rover Discovery needs to be driven off road to be appreciated. Its suspension system performs unbelievably well in the mountains and in deserts, jungles, and grasslands.

The Discovery performs reasonably well on the road, but this is no sports car and should not be driven like one. It feels firmly planted in corners and can be driven through a turn hard once it takes a set. However, its forte is not quick transient response, such as what you'd experience in a double lane change maneuver or barreling down a country road. This is a tall vehicle that sways and yaws a bit.

Active Cornering Enhancement greatly improves the handling of the Discovery on the road. It's an expensive option, but does substantially reduce body lean in corners. It electronically measures lateral acceleration and then hydraulically applies torque to the chassis via two piston/lever units that replace the front and rear anti-roll bars. Essentially, it's an active suspension. If you like to drive quickly, you may really appreciate this feature. It can also add a measure of safety by enhancing stability.

It's in extreme conditions that the Discovery really shines. We've driven the Discovery through deep, unplowed snow, over icy roads and on treacherous primitive paths around the world. It always went places where other 4WD vehicles could not go.

Exceptional wheel travel and suspension articulation allow the Discovery to go where few vehicles have gone before. When the left front wheel drops into a big hole, for example, the right rear wheel is less likely to lift off the ground. To that, add a high ground clearance, generous angles of approach and departure, and the capability of wading through 20 inches of water.

A Panhard rod keeps the live front axle running straight and true, whether bounding over Borneo or cornering hard in Birmingham. A Watt's link performs a similar service at the rear. It's this precise control of axle geometry that makes it possible to allow the axles to travel so far, literally stepping over bumps and irregularities. The net result is a good ride on pavement and superior traction and stability where the pavement ends.

Hill Descent Control maintains a controllable speed during steep off-road descents: The system works in low range below 34 mph. Simply press a button and keep your feet off the pedals. Hill Descent Control automatically applies brake pressure and uses engine braking, so the Discovery confidently creeps down terrifyingly steep grades. It's a great feature and it works really well.

The Discovery's rigid body is mounted to a separate truck-style frame. It is a superb design for off-road driving. The frame is fully boxed, something other manufacturers are just starting to, uh, discover. Side-impact beams are designed into all four doors, rather than just the front doors, as is the case for many SUVs.

Land Rover's sophisticated traction control system detects wheel slip and automatically applies brake pressure to the spinning wheel, routing torque to the wheels with the best traction.

Electronic Brake Distribution takes the anti-lock brake system well beyond standard ABS. EBD provides quicker, safer stops by transferring braking force from the rear to the front as the vehicle stops, ensuring optimum balance and stability. Still, the Discovery's brakes could use some work. There's a fair amount of brake pedal travel. Slam the brakes down and the Discovery does not stop as quickly as we'd like.

Optional Self-Leveling Suspension (SLS) uses rear air springs to maintain optimum ride height whether the vehicle is heavily loaded, unevenly loaded or being used for towing.