Overview & Reviews

Pedigree means everything at the top end of the sport-utility market, and no luxury SUV has more pedigree than the Land Rover Range Rover. The Land Rover name dates to 1948, when the Rover group began building bare-bones 4x4 vehicles with extraordinary off-road capability. The Range Rover emerged from this off-road tradition in 1970, billed as the first Land Rover civil enough to be driven by a person in a business suit. This two-door SUV was stylish, yet quite primitive by today's standards, but it was immediately popular among wealthy U.K. consumers with a taste for the safari aesthetic. Sales in the United States started in 1987, though quite a few Range Rovers were imported through the gray market in the years preceding.

Now in its third generation, the Land Rover Range Rover still carries considerable prestige. From an off-road perspective, it's one of the most capable SUVs available at any price. From a luxury perspective, it's probably the most elegant and distinctive utility vehicle on the market, despite a few rough edges. High pricing keeps all but the very rich from buying a new Range Rover, a fact that only adds to the appeal of this elite 4x4.

2013 Range Rover Specs
The 2013 Range Rover is a five-passenger luxury SUV available in two trim levels, both featuring 5.0-liter V8s. The HSE model produces 375 horsepower and 375 pound-feet of torque, while the Supercharged's V8 develops an impressive 510 hp and 461 lb-ft. Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control.

A permanent four-wheel-drive system is standard on all Range Rovers, along with low-range gearing and nearly 11 inches of maximum ground clearance. The standard Terrain Response system allows the driver to customize powertrain, suspension and electronic stability and traction systems to best handle five predetermined off-road conditions.

Engineered in the late 1990s during the brief period when BMW owned Land Rover, the Range Rover is nevertheless aging quite well. It employs unibody construction (instead of body-on-frame architecture) and a fully independent suspension (instead of solid axles). These changes make all the difference when cruising on pavement, as the Range Rover now delivers the composed ride and secure handling expected of a true luxury SUV. Yet BMW engineers went about their work carefully so as not to compromise all-terrain ability.

Cabin design is a mix of traditional and modern in the new Range Rover. The upright seating position, blocky dash and large steering wheel evoke the feeling of an old-school Land Rover, while supple leather seats (with contrasting piping), walnut inlays and a navigation system with both on- and off-road mapping assure you that this is indeed a contemporary luxury vehicle. The cabin, like the exterior, manages to be both retro and modern at the same time, especially with the new gauge cluster that is, in fact, a large LCD screen. Nevertheless, its controls can be rather arcane in fine British tradition. A roomy reclining rear seat makes it possible to carry a pair of adults or three children in back, but cargo room is only average due to a high load floor.

If you're looking for a premium SUV with unparalleled off-road abilities and a legendary pedigree, the new Range Rover is an obvious choice. If you want to save some money and get a bit more on-road talent with that same legendary pedigree, the Range Rover Sport is a good compromise. However, any Land Rover has an albatross slung around its neck in the form of disappointing reliability. Buying one has been known to cause headaches (and breakdowns), which is certainly ironic given their status as go-to vehicles for adventures to Outer Mongolia.

Used Land Rover Range Rover Models
The present-generation Range Rover dates back to its introduction for 2003. Between then and '05, a BMW-sourced 4.4-liter V8 rated for 282 hp was the only engine available. It came with a five-speed automatic transmission. However, in 2006, then-parent company Ford replaced this engine with a pair of Jaguar-sourced V8s. The HSE featured a 305-hp 4.4-liter V8, while the Supercharged had a 4.2-liter V8 that was (surprise!) supercharged to produce 400 hp. The same number of transmission gears and four-wheel-drive system were employed as in the current Rover. The current 5.0-liter V8s showed up for 2010.

Buyers interested in technology will want to pay particular attention to year-by-year changes when shopping for used Range Rovers of this generation. The navigation system was CD-based until Land Rover upgraded it for 2005 (although it's once again a bit behind the times). A rear back-up camera and adaptive headlights were added to the standard equipment list for 2006.

There were significant changes made for 2007 when the interior was given a mild refresh, with twin gloveboxes, new cupholders and a slightly more intuitive control layout. The customizable off-road settings debuted that year along with an upgraded rear differential and an electronic parking brake. Airbags were also relocated for better performance and a driver's knee airbag was added. For 2010, there were minor exterior updates, a new LCD instrument cluster and navigation system, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring and a 360-degree parking assist camera. Updates were also performed on the adaptive suspension, Terrain Response and stability control systems.

There were two previous generations of the Range Rover. Both are coveted on the used market, but potential buyers should know what they're getting into, because Range Rovers have been phenomenal off-roaders, but reliability is poor and repair costs are high.

Sold from 1995-2002, the second-generation Range Rover is the better bet of the two for buyers seeking a luxury experience. Note that 1995 was an overlap year: Rovers bearing a "4.0 SE" badge are the new model, while those with "County Classic" or "County LWB" badging are the old design. For 1996, Land Rover added a high-line 4.6 HSE model, and for the sake of acceleration alone, this is the better bet: The Range Rover 4.0 SE was powered by a 188-hp 4.0-liter V8, while the 4.6 HSE took a 222-hp 4.6-liter V8 with considerably more torque. A four-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive were standard on all models, as were leather upholstery, wood trim and a high-end audio system. Interior furnishings were opulent by the standards of the day, with ample comfort for front and rear passengers.

Second-generation Range Rovers still had solid axles front and rear, but engineers fitted self-leveling air springs to improve their manners on pavement. There's only so much you can do with old-fashioned hardware, though, and compared to other high-end SUVs, the Land Rover Range Rover's ride quality was harsh and body roll was excessive around corners.

Shopping for a first-generation Range Rover could make sense if you're looking for a dedicated off-road vehicle and don't mind repair bills or doing your own repair work. Only a four-door version of the Range Rover came to the U.S., and initially it had a 3.9-liter V8 (rated for anywhere from 178-182 hp, depending on the year) and a four-speed automatic transmission. A long-wheelbase model known as the County LWB joined the lineup for 1993, and not only did it have another 7 inches of rear legroom, it upgraded to a 200-hp 4.2-liter V8.

User Reviews:

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  RIP OFF!!! - 2004 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Jean - September 15 - 4:36 am

  this car was a total problem almost right from the start. we didnt listen to all the talk about the air suspension problems dealing w/this car and low and behold when we bought it, after the lemon-law didnt apply, we had major troubles w/the air suspension becoming inactive (we had to take it in 4 TIMES!!) whats worse is customer service wont even help us with the problem. they wont offer us a fair trade in or a good price on a new one even though it was completely their fault. big car companies should know that when you spend this much on a car you pay for good performance and service. we didnt receive either. save yourself a lot of trouble and purchase a Lexus.

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  In the shop within a month of purchase!! - 2012 Land Rover Range Rover
  By rngrvrregret - October 18 - 4:52 am

  Do not buy this car!! The reliability issues are huge. Within a month of my purchase the coolant light was on - then the Heating/AC wouldnt work - and finally it needed a major mechanical repair that required me to have it in the shop for over a week!! I previously had a Lexus for 5 years that never needed more than an oil change. Do yourself a favor and dont be seduced by the Prestige - its not worth the headache.

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  Rover needs to step up electronics! - 2010 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Candace R. - July 10 - 1:53 am

  Unfortunately, I have had nothing but problems w/ the electrical & BlueTooth systems. Rover has been back to the dealer going on 3 times now. The speakers rattle horribly & the BlueTooth has so much static & drops calls so often that I have unlinked my phone. The phone system would also allow me to pick up calls, but then my callers could not hear me & I would have to pick up & speak through my cell. The camera dies out sometimes, but always seems to come to life when I schedule service. Pixels on display disappear or spread out occasionally. The driver settings clear out everytime I get out of the car. Its a real shame because the car is BEAUTIFUL & so much fun to drive!

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  My dream has turned into a nightmare! - 2015 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Greg Barsamian - May 14 - 12:15 pm

  I am a long time Lexus owner, both SUV and sedans, and stepped into a Range Rover Sport three years ago. Honestly it was the most exciting car I had driven. It is fast, handles like it is on rails and is good looking. So in 2015 I decided to add to my collection with the new HSE. I decided to go for the supercharged 6 for fuel economy since I live in Los Angeles and I am not towing anything. The car is very good looking and I have no issues with the interior finish but I did have an annoying rattle that the dealership cant seem to find and stop and the electronics have frozen up several times and I needed to turn off the car to reboot. Additionally, it takes 1-2 minutes when you start the car to initialize everything so dont try multi-tasking until the car is good and ready. For example, there is no chance of turning down the volume on the radio while activating your seat heaters while backing up. By the way you will do that more than you think. But the worst is my transmission has gone out three times and on the cars first birthday it got a brand new transmission. Isnt that special. Okay now 10 days after getting the new transmission, I pulled into a restaurant and couldnt get my car out of drive!! It literally wouldnt shift into any gear except Drive and I had to shut the engine off to put it into Park. Bravo the new tranny lasted almost 2 weeks. So ask yourself why are you buying the car?? You will look hot on your way to the dealership or being towed on a flatbed.

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  Absolutley Unreliable - 2008 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Ben - November 21 - 11:40 am

  I bought this Land Rover after trading in my 02 Chevy Tahoe. I quickly realized it was a big mistake. The morning after buying it it would not start. This $80,000 cluster of garbage wouldnt start on the second day. Afterwards, there were 15 engine and electrical problems in the car and then the transmission completely broke down. I ended up filing a lemon law suit in January 08 and now I bought a 08 Chevy Tahoe ltz. So far, not a single problem and it is much better in every category than the Land Rover.

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  worst SUV - 2001 Land Rover Range Rover
  By leboniz - September 15 - 5:27 pm

  I spent thousands of dollars on repairs air suspension failed converted to coil spring with new shocks $2500 at landrover specialist, water pump failed $600 , heater core leaked inashboard $1800 due to dashbomoval, overheated due to radiator leaks $550 , Alternator & battery $1000 , windows regulator $600 , windows master switch $180, tires $600, brakes pads & rotors $400, Muffler $350, coolant tank $120, at end electric problem in door actuator door can not open & AC heater control stoped, rádio stoped, , transfercase chain stretched out, i gave up and sold at big lost $3000 , it ruined my life and hard earned money :(

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  Wouldnt buy one again - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Lee - December 29 - 5:00 pm

  Owned a 2003 R/R for just over 2 year. It spent over 6 months in and out of the workshop with over 44 different problems. Like a fool I bought a new one 3 months ago and this time I went for the top of the line 2006 Supercharged Wesminster Limited Edition, at almost $100,000. Numerous problems already and it is now in the workshop having a complete brand new ($12,000) engine installed. Crazy! It is less than 3 months old and done just 4000 miles. It has numerous other faults and defects including the paintwork which is covered in orange peal, dirt under the paint, too heavy clear coat etc. etc. The Range Rover MUST be avoided at all cost. Stay away from this SUV because you will regret it!

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  DO NOT BUY A RANGE ROVER!!! - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Russ M. - November 26 - 9:36 pm

  I normally do not like to complain, but someone has to help you from making this mistake! Bought it with 22k miles, immediatiely ran into elecectrical issues that caused the rover to "blackout" completely while driving- No power at all. Dealer can not find or fix the issue ( Has happened twice) Then at 72,000 miles, then engine blew up without any warning lights!!! a $10,000 dollar repair!!! All repairs cost a fortune!! Wipers were $300 dollars! If you have more money than scents, buy this vehicle!! If you like to be stranded on the side of the road, late at night with tractor trailers wizzing by at 75 miles per hour while you wait 2-3 hrs for Rover service to arrive, buy it! L-E-M-O-N

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  DourResearch - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Listen2reviews - October 30 - 6:46 am

  I bought what I expected to be a quality car, it is not! Wonder why the company has changed ownership 3 times??? They cant fix their cars, and wont hire good mechanics, or service people. The car started to have electrical problems, blackouts, being stranded, suspension, and under warranty were supposedly fixed, but thye continued! and Ive been stuck with innumerable bills.Dealer says things happen... Their service department is horrible, and the interior quality competes with kia, maybe! VERY EXPENSIVE to maintain, and getting parts is a pain.

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  what a shshame! - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover
  By nothappy - October 20 - 8:43 am

  Bought this car, expecting "royaltys car", The exterior and the interior are beautiful, but once it has a few thousand miles, problems start to happen, as if the car is 15 years old. Problems with stability, breaks, powertrain, and the interior which seemed well done, is not, the color fades, it looks old. I would not recomend this car to anyone, for the price a BMW, infinity or lexus are 100% better