2003 Land Rover Discovery reviews and
buying guide.
2003
Land Rover Discovery resources:
2003 Land Rover Discovery
The 2003 Land Rover Discovery has more power, refinement
and interior comfort. A new front end enhances the stepped
roof design, characteristic of the Discovery, making
it more resonant of the classic Range Rover. The Discovery
is the middle-child of the Land Rover SUV line, falling
between the Discovery and the top-level Range Rover
in size and price. It comes in three trim levels; base
S, mid-range SE, and top-level HSE.
Two new colors and seat patter ns for the interior
lend to more modern styling but the biggest changes
are engineering ones. The Discovery has had 368 design
changes, with extensive quality control and manufacturing
process improvements—a claim backed up by six free scheduled
maintenances throughout the warranty period.
Under the Hood
As with any SUV, comfort is important but it takes
a back seat to versatility and performance. The safari-tested
Land Rovers have made their reputation on these qualities
and the North American Discovery has been designed with
them in mind. The new engine has 30hp more than the
V8 it replaces, a 15% increase. It is a 4.6-liter aluminum
V8 with 217 hp and 300lb-ft of torque, enabling a tow
capacity of 7,700lbs in Low.
All this power is controlled by a 4-speed automatic
transmission from ZF that offers Normal Sport and Manual
modes and a two-speed transfer case with Hi and Low
range gearing. In a pinch, the Land Rover will get to
60mph in under 10 seconds but, amazingly, despite all
this power, it has the achieved ULEV (Ultra Low Emission
Vehicle) certification.
Permanent 4-wheel drive with Electronic Traction Control
(4ETC), Active Cornering Enhancement (ACE), ABS brakes
with Land Rover’s Electronic Brake Distribution System
(EBD), Self-Leveling Suspension (SLS), the Lower Anchor
and Tether for Children (Latch) and an extensive airbag
system all contribute to the Land Rover’s safety and
control technology portfolio.
Standard Features, Options Packages
and Style
Even the base S edition of the Land Rover Discovery
is packed with luxury features; dual-zone automatic
climate controls, cruise control, vinyl upholstery on
8-way power front bucket seats, Alpine AM/FM/cassette
audio system, automatic day/night rearview mirror, heated
power mirrors and power everything else, that is, steering,
windows, door locks, keyless entry, garage door and
fuel-door release. If you choose an HSE, add leather
upholstery, in dash satellite navigation and an upgrade
to the HarmonKardon audio system, amongst many other
details.
Add-ons include a newly optional Rear Park Distance
Control system and an assortment of stand-alone options
and major options packages like rear DVD entertainment,
a cold weather package or the suspension package.
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