1997 Land Rover Discovery Reviews, Pricing & Specs
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 1997 Land Rover Discovery appreciate its off-road capabilities and unique design, describing it as fun and trustworthy for adventurous drives. However, many found the initial acceleration to be slow and fuel economy lacking. The aesthetic appeal and premium features received praise, but the cost of maintenance and parts were commonly noted as drawbacks."
I have owned this truck for about 2 months. It accelerates like the pyramids from a dead stop. It will climb straight up a telephone pole. Great for off road fun. Definitely will not pass a gas station. It absolutely rocks. The head turning appeal is amazing. It is big- Yellow and Brutish. The 2 in lift, limb risers and 9 running lights draw some comments. Even though it has a number a battle scars (this is a serious off-roader) it is extremely impressive. So far it is quieter than anything else in its class. This is one of 250 XDs made in the Special Vehicles shop. I will be keeping it for some time.....!
October 20, 2010Despite the entry of several excellent (mainly Asian) contenders to the 4WD market, the Land Rover name still stands at the pinnacle. Before Rover built the luxury icon, the Range Rover, it was building jeep replacements in the form of the Land Rover. A practical, cheap and indestructible work-horse, it soon became an icon. Top Gear rated the Land Rover as the best car of the century, mainly for the fact that more people in more countries have seen one than any other vehicle. The Range Rover came along and created a new class of 4WD - here was a car you could plough your paddocks with when the tractor broke down, then take to the theatre at night time. By the early 1990's, other car manufacturers had found a market for the cheaper, but comfortable 4WD buyer. People started buying them more for the commanding driving position than their off-road capabilities. The Land Rover Discovery was born. Taking the old standard-spring chassis of the Range Rover (now riding on air suspension) and even using the same windscreen, the Discovery became a favourite of people all over the world, and helped to keep Land Rover profitable. The 1997, 5 cylinder diesel automatic version I drove was a different experience to what I was used to. It rode high, but extremely comfortably, and took bumps and obstacles without blinking. Far from the rough 4WDs I had driven before, this was one of the smoothest cars I'd ever driven. The turbo-diesel engine is good on fuel and works well off road, but is far from the fastest machine. Crossing traffic and merging are exercises in caution. Fit and finish are much better than earlier cars, and the cult following is there for a reason - these are great cars.
July 22, 2008This was the top of the range 7 seater with a 3.9 V8 and an LPG conversion. When driving quickly, we used to get about 11 MPG! Filling up on LPG gave you a good feeling, as it was half the cost. It was awesome off road, but on the road, cornered like a sponge. However, the interior was fun... two electric sunroofs, 7 leather seats and heated at the front.
April 18, 2008What owners say
I have owned this truck for about 2 months. It accelerates like the pyramids from a dead stop. It will climb straight up a telephone pole. Great for off road fun. Definitely will not pass a gas station. It absolutely rocks. The head turning appeal is amazing. It is big- Yellow and Brutish. The 2 in lift, limb risers and 9 running lights draw some comments. Even though it has a number a battle scars (this is a serious off-roader) it is extremely impressive. So far it is quieter than anything else in its class. This is one of 250 XDs made in the Special Vehicles shop. I will be keeping it for some time.....!
October 20, 2010Despite the entry of several excellent (mainly Asian) contenders to the 4WD market, the Land Rover name still stands at the pinnacle. Before Rover built the luxury icon, the Range Rover, it was building jeep replacements in the form of the Land Rover. A practical, cheap and indestructible work-horse, it soon became an icon. Top Gear rated the Land Rover as the best car of the century, mainly for the fact that more people in more countries have seen one than any other vehicle. The Range Rover came along and created a new class of 4WD - here was a car you could plough your paddocks with when the tractor broke down, then take to the theatre at night time. By the early 1990's, other car manufacturers had found a market for the cheaper, but comfortable 4WD buyer. People started buying them more for the commanding driving position than their off-road capabilities. The Land Rover Discovery was born. Taking the old standard-spring chassis of the Range Rover (now riding on air suspension) and even using the same windscreen, the Discovery became a favourite of people all over the world, and helped to keep Land Rover profitable. The 1997, 5 cylinder diesel automatic version I drove was a different experience to what I was used to. It rode high, but extremely comfortably, and took bumps and obstacles without blinking. Far from the rough 4WDs I had driven before, this was one of the smoothest cars I'd ever driven. The turbo-diesel engine is good on fuel and works well off road, but is far from the fastest machine. Crossing traffic and merging are exercises in caution. Fit and finish are much better than earlier cars, and the cult following is there for a reason - these are great cars.
July 22, 2008This was the top of the range 7 seater with a 3.9 V8 and an LPG conversion. When driving quickly, we used to get about 11 MPG! Filling up on LPG gave you a good feeling, as it was half the cost. It was awesome off road, but on the road, cornered like a sponge. However, the interior was fun... two electric sunroofs, 7 leather seats and heated at the front.
April 18, 2008Brill off road capability. Bit slow on the pull off due to being nearly 2T and on an auto diesel engine shes a bit hard to get going. But once she is - she's fine. Fuel wise - you can expect about 30mpg, so running on BioDiesel will reduce costs, and give approx 37mpg to full price (unless you make it yourself for 20p per lit)
July 24, 2008extremely nice vehicle has all the features only draw back is expensive parts. gets good gas millage for a vehicle of its size approx 18-20 in highway great for cruising and of reading a bit bumpy for some due to hard suspension
December 28, 2009it is a land rover , only a few who can understand the essence of a true explorer vehicle which is able to drive you pretty much anywhere you want to go , the amazing performance with little help from the winch, lock diff to low and you can climb up a tree or a dam . it is a quality that you cannot get from another vehicle . this is by far is the most fun to drive in and out of mud ,riverbed , four by four that has ever been constructed . its a land rover thing .... i love it.
April 20, 2009Good looking car and comes with all the fully loaded bells and whistles such as twin power sun roofs and power everything as well as air conditioning in the rear etc but is not fo rth e average family person. Needs to be taken care of. Great vehicle in the snow and off road but be ready to put in some time and money in replacing parts.
December 28, 2007The D1s are great off road. Parts are easy to come by. Fuel economy is poor, but so are all true SUVs with gas engines. If you don't have a big daily commute and you do not demand Japanese reliabilty, the Rover fits the bill.
March 20, 2012all you need to say is late brakeing non signaling and not giving way. having a big vehicle has its plus points also leather air con cruise control and 4wd makes it even better still! like they say once you have had big you will never go back!
October 20, 2009She is my metal baby!!! Metalic Red and Gorgeous!! Beefed up suspention too :) LOTS of fun off road and I trust her 100%. Dont like mud on the inside,but love to try and get some on the outside. I polish her once a week too....yeah I know.....It`s a Land Rover LMAO
September 25, 2008
