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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  Wait unitl you have to sell it or trade - 2003 Land Rover Range Rover
  By AXD - December 24 - 10:00 am

  The truth will come out when you try to sell it or trade it in value brings you to reality. These vehicles dont hold their value like a Mercedes or Lexus. Good Luck!!!!!!

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  Not Worth the Money - 2011 Land Rover Range Rover
  By sbohnsack - September 30 - 6:05 am

  I have a 2010 and have had nothing buy issues. With 19,000 miles the rotors are warped and the tech said I am 5,000 miles away from needing back breaks. Before the Rover I had a GMC Denali I still have it. The Denali has 105,000 miles and I still do not need breaks. In addition the Rover Satellite radio and electronic system is a joke for the money you pay. My recommendation is save the money or buy a BMW, Porsche, or Mercedes bottom line the Rover is not worth it.

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  A nightmare wrapped in a prettty package. - 2004 Land Rover Range Rover
  By maxmoney - July 27 - 1:53 am

  This car was one of the best cars I purchased until I hit that 50-60K mark. After I reached 60K it was downhill from there. Had it in the shop countless times because of having to replace the suspension (which I converted to coil instead of replacing the expensive air suspension), had to replace the radiator twice, an alternator (because the coolant from the radiator that leaked caused it to malfunction), a fuel pump replacement, countless brake pad and rotor replacements, and top it off with hard-to-find tires. This used to be a fun vehicle to drive but each time I turn the key im worried if ill need AAA to tow me from the side of the road.

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  Disappointed Again - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover
  By hsm - July 23 - 5:30 am

  This was the Range Rover to make amends for the RR problems of the past. It seems it is not to be. Since buying new, Ive had repeated problems with "check coolant" light, oil service reminder that would not reset and now a "Suspension System Fault" that they cannot seem to fix (Land Rovers build problem, my dealer is great). The alarm signal sounds, the message light says drop speed below 30 mph. I think Im done with Land Rover, the is the second lemon Ive had in three model years. Designed well and fun to drive, just dont go too far...the reliability is not what it should be for a car in this price range.

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  Range Rover - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover
  By David S - June 14 - 8:33 am

  There is no doubt that the Range Rover (RR) is the best looking SUV, but it is far from the best SUV. In fact, it just may be the worst. When you hear the rumors about the high level of frequency that the RR needs maintenance, believe them. One of the most frustrating attributes of ownership is having an $80,000+ vehicle needing to go in for service every 3 or 4 months. Not only that, but the service department at the dealerships are expecting the maintenance. There are no apologies or concessions offered. I feel that the time spent and the frustration used while owning this vehicle is highly unwarranted.

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  Dont You Be Sorry - 2000 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Sorry_I_Bot_It - April 17 - 2:00 am

  22.8 MPG? Never happen. More like 11 in the city/16 Hwy. VERY disappointed in fit/finish, quality, and warranty efforts for amount of money spent. I am SURE it is off-road capable if you can suffer the repair work afterwards. With only one dealer in most towns you are at their mercry. Roadside Assistance? A joke. Rattles on a $60,000 car? Sorry but not covered by warranty. Wind noise? Will if you insist, guess we can cover it. Its a cool looking car. . . but like the Hummer, its a bummer.

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  Worst car ever made!!!! - 2004 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Karmafan84 - December 29 - 4:26 pm

  I have owned this car for two years and it has been a love hate relationship. beautiful to look at, stunning interior, fast and nimble for how big it is. The problems come from ALL THE PROBLEMS. Been in the shop 10 times now, had to replace the suspension at a cost of 4k and still have problems, the sound system and navigation regularly short out, the engine coolant reservoir blew and had to be replaced, the seals are all starting to leak and it is very noisy at highway speed, and the front parking sensors no longer work. Not to mention the people at the dealership are extremely rude and told me that it is pretty old and reaching end of life. its only 5 years old!

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  Worst Car Ever Owned - 2000 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Apllw - April 4 - 5:13 pm

  The best day of owning this vehicle was the day we sold it. And even that was a loss. Vehicle was always breaking down. No heat on driver side. Brake job. Heated seats never worked. Driving around town I would get cramps in my arms from the effort it took to keep this vehicle driving straight. This vehicle was a gem to drive on vacation or long term trips- and the AWD was amazing.

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  Problem every 2,000 miles. - 2004 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Disappointed - January 26 - 9:30 pm

  Bought with 50,000 miles and thank god I bought a 3rd party warranty ! By 75,000 it had 2 ball joints go, needed a brand new radiator, then a new transmission, then I got stranded in another state with a blown water pump, 2k miles after that the fuel pump went, then $1,200 worth of electrical work. I put less than 10k miles a year because its ALWAYS in the shop. Will NEVER by a Rover again ! And advising my friends not to either !

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  Chronic problems - 2010 Land Rover Range Rover
  By cabledave - October 17 - 9:56 am

  If you are looking for a way to flush $80-95K down the toilet, look no further. Chronic issues. Now that we own it we are finding out about Land Rovers numerous design flaws that have festered for years.