Positioned at the upper end of the compact sport/utility market, the Defender, like the rest of the Land Rover line, was designed to appeal to affluent buyers. The Defender's unique attribute is that its unsurpassed off-road performance came in a classic package. Its main competition came from the Jeep Wrangler and the AM General Hummer.
Year-to-year changes[]
1993[]
The new 1993 Defender 110's single powertrain was a 3.9-liter aluminum ohv V8 engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. The full-time 4-wheel-drive system featured a 2-speed transfer case with a floor-mounted shift lever, which provided both high- and low-range 4wd. The car was available in one trim level and one body style only. The only factory option was a $900 set of aluminum wheels. However, a wide range of dealer-installed options were available, including a roof rack, mud flaps, front brush bar, rear lamp guards, an electric winch and several tops. Yes, even the roof was an option!
The Defender came from the factory with a full roll cage and tonneau cover. Optional tops included a cloth convertible top with sliding side-door glass and zip-up plastic windows in the rear "safari cage" section, or a Bimini-style half top. Other major options included a 2-passenger rear seat with 3-point seatbelts, a rear-seat auxiliary heater, air conditioning and full carpeting.
1994[]
The 110 was replaced by a new Defender 90 in 1994.
1995[]
In its second year in the United States, the Land Rover Defender 90 remained the only V8-powered open-air sport/utility available on the continent. For 1995, the vehicle received a new, upgraded 5-speed manual transmission with a revised shift pattern and an easier-to-operate clutch.
Retail prices[]
- $27,900 (1994 Land Rover Defender 90)
As of late 1994:
- $28,650 (1995-1996 Land Rover Defender 90)
As of September 14, 1995:
- $32,000 (1996 Land Rover Defender 90 Hardtop)
As of mid-1996:
- $32,000 (1997 Land Rover Defender 90)
- $34,000 (1997 Land Rover Defender 90 Hardtop)
Gallery[]
