New in the U.S. in 2002, the car-derived Freelander had fully independent suspension and no low-range gearing. Ride and handling weren't bad, but road noise was pronounced and its thirsty, underachieving 2.5-liter V6 and rough-shifting five-speed automatic failed to impress. The seats are comfortable but controls are awkward. Besides all-wheel drive it had four-wheel traction control and a hill-descent system that controls vehicle speed on steep slopes. It proved capable of tackling on- and off-road duties with equal aplomb. A convertible was added for 2003. 2005 was the Freelander's last year. Its LR2 replacement, introduced for 2008, uses a Volvo 3.2-liter, inline six-cylinder and six-speed automatic transmission.