1995 Land Rover Discovery Driving Impressions Review at Automotive.com
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Land Rover
Discovery
1995

1995 Land Rover Discovery Review: Road Test

Below is a full, detailed 1995 Land Rover Discovery review and road test from New Car Test Drive. A full evaluation of price, equipment, the driving experience, and specs are all here in a structured, easy-to-navigate format from journalists with limitless ...     read more
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1995 Land Rover Discovery Review

The most versatile sport/utility around
Driving Impressions
The Discovery?s suspension is familiar with Land Rover technology, meaning it performs as ably on rutted roads and muddy tracks as on city boulevards. The Discovery is as comfortable as the Grand Che{{{Cherokee on the highway - even though it has one of the shortest wheelbases in the category - and off-road it has no match in providing a smooth ride over the most difficult terrain.

The only engine available, Land Rover?s familiar 3.9 liter, aluminum V8, produces plenty of torque that translates into remarkable off-road capabilities, including an ability climb slopes up to 45 degrees.

Although the Land Rover V8 has what it takes for picking its way up impossible slopes and through rock piles, it?s no match for the Grand Cherokee V8 in straight-ahead performance. Acceleration is methodical at best, and there?s thirst to go with it - EPA estimate of 16 mpg on the highway lags behind some of its competitors and frankly isn?t the Discovery?s most attractive feature.

And if heavy towing is part of your sport/utility plan - say 5000 lb. or more - we?d recommend one of the American full-size sport/utilities with more power. Don?t misunderstand: We don?t doubt the Discovery can meet its tow rating. It?s just a question of how long it?ll take to get where you?re towing.

Taking engine power to the four wheels is a standard 5-speed manual transmission designed specifically for the Discovery, or you can opt for the same 4-speed automatic that?s found in the upscale Range Rover. Either way, the feeling is of an ultra-efficient, no nonsense powertrain that is devoid of the noise, vibration and harshness that once plagued the utility market. The full-time 4WD has both a high and low range, and a manual differential lock is there for especially difficult moments.

Chassis stiffness is the hallmark of a superior sport/utility vehicle, and here the Discovery excels. There is body roll during cornering attitude around the bend, aided by precise, power-assisted steering, and follows through as if it were a luxury sedan. Next Page


1995 Land Rover Discovery