1998 Land Rover Discovery Sport Utility Vehicle Review & Performance

There's no mistaking the Discovery for anything but a Land Rover-even if you miss seeing the lettering on the

hood. It's understated and very British. It stands tall, a boxy design made up of aluminum panels with minimal

concessions to aerodynamic efficiency. It's a design built for function and practicality and that appeals to its

buyers. Discovery buyers say they don't want a cookie-cutter sport-utility-they want something different.

And the Discovery is different. The rear of its roof panel is raised to increase headroom for rear-seat

passengers. Small, distinctive alpine windows wrap around the top edges of the elevated roof to let in light

and increase visibility in the mountains.

Efficiency on the outside is matched by strength underneath. A stout ladder chassis rides on live axles with

coil springs. A proven all-aluminum V8 engine drives all four wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission.

The all-wheel-drive system works full time for sure traction in all conditions. When it gets slippery, the center

differential can be locked. When it gets steep, the two-speed transfer case can be shifted into low range.

Two trim levels are offered for 1998, LS and LSE. Both are well-equipped, with heated eight-way power front

seats, leather upholstery, cruise control, dual sunroofs, air conditioning and one-touch down front windows. From

the outside, the LSE is differentiated by its chrome bumpers and body colored grille, bumper end caps and mirrors.

The Discovery is capable of towing 5500 pounds and a nicely designed class III trailer hitch receiver is

integrated into the frame. A HomeLink system opens garage doors and gates or turns on house lighting at the touch

of a button. In the event of an accident, an inertia switch stops fuel flow, unlocks all the doors and turns on the hazard lights.

Four big passenger doors provide easy access to the Discovery interior, though its a bit of a step up to get

inside. Once seated, however, occupants will find the Discovery comfortable, user-friendly and lavishly equipped.

Both models come with firm seats swathed in leather. The high seating position gives drivers a commanding view of

the road and the driver can easily see the front fenders, an important feature when off-roading along the edge of

a bottomless crevasse.

Dual-zone climate controls and separate sunroofs for front and rear seat passengers are standard. Everything

appears to be long-wearing and carefully installed. The window switches are lighted for nighttime convenience, a

feature missing on many sport-utilities, but they are mounted in an angled panel on the center console and sorting

out which switch operates which window takes some practice.

Official seating capacity is for five, though the rear seat is best suited to two riders. There is plenty of

headroom front and rear. The raised roof really contributes to rear-seat comfort. Rear legroom is not a strong

point, however. A large cargo door swings open to provide easy access to the back and a roll-up cover is provided

to hide valuables. The spare tire is mounted outside the door on back to maximize cargo space. Optional side-facing

jump seats are available, but they are best left to small children-or left off the options list, as headroom is

severely limited and climbing into them is a chore.

Both models come standard with a long list of luxury features, such as power windows, mirrors, seats and door

locks. But they also come with heaters for the front seats and outside mirrors, an auto-dimming interior mirror,

a rear window washer and wiper, headlamp washers, electronic cruise control, and remote keyless entry. Heavy duty rubber floor mats do a good job of handling water, snow, mud and dirt.

The Discovery LSE comes with a wood-trimmed center console and a premium Harman-Kardon stereo. A six-disc CD changer is mounted under the passenger seat; it's too bad an in-dash CD player isn't available because loading the changer is fussy.

In day-to-day use, the Discovery acquits itself well. The 4.0-liter V8 engine is smooth. Ride quality is

surprisingly good, given its off-road capability. Despite its relatively short wheelbase, the Discovery does a

good job of filtering out road vibration. In fact, the ride is on the soft side.

Away from paved roads, the Discovery shines. Land Rover has in no way ignored the needs of serious off-roaders.

Long suspension travel and plenty of ground clearance let the Discovery cross terrain that few would attempt in

rival machines. Put the transfer case in low range, lock the center differential, and the Land Rover heritage comes

to the fore. It will get you there, and bring you back, no matter how challenging the route.

The downside to this emphasis on off-road capability shows up when the Discovery is driven hard through paved

turns. Though well controlled, the body leans in corners. With familiarity, the driver learns the Discovery is

sure-footed and maintains its grip on the pavement.

Steering is excellent, and the short wheelbase is a great aid when maneuvering in tight quarters. The V8 engine

provides good acceleration, but is a bit thirsty. The four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes work very well, but we wish they offered more pedal feel.

Wind noise is noticeable on the highway, along with tire and transfer case noise, but they are not obtrusive. Also, the flat body sides contribute to buffeting in high winds or when driving behind tractor-trailers.

In dynamic terms, we rate the Discovery superior to its rivals from Jeep, Infiniti, Ford, Chevrolet and GMC. The new Mercedes ML320 is the Discovery's closest rival in the prestige competition, but it's a different type of vehicle with a different type of chassis. The ML320 rides on a fully independent suspension that gives it an advantage in ride quality. A clever electronically controlled all-wheel drive system gives it surprisingly good off-road abilities, but it doesn't offer the phenomenal capabilities of the Discovery.