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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  qualitty - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover
  By dole - November 3 - 10:10 am

  I traded in an escalade I am very surprised how much more solid and higher quality the range rover is. I drive a 645 bmw and I think the build quality is better on this vehicle.

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  Very Nice Ride - 2004 Land Rover Range Rover
  By givergreen - October 29 - 10:00 am

  Looking for lux car (S500, 745il, A8) but ended up with 2004 Range Rover with int lux pkg and 20in wheels. This is my 2nd SUV (Still owns a 2000 Landcruiser). Very classy design in and out. Everything feels solid and well made. Ride is good even with 20in wheels. Engine power is adequate for this heavy SUV, but it needs more for steep hill at 80mph+ loaded with passengers. Almost as quiet as the LCriser, but not as smooth. Sounds system is good, depending on the music. Nav is very bad. Turn on the radio/cd and your NAV screen is gone. It needs a dedicated button to go back to vehicle position map. I know most of my way around so I seldom use the NAV.

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  Overpriced/Unreliable - 2003 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Jeffrey Thompson - October 27 - 12:50 pm

  When I purchased this vehicle it had only 8k miles...I love the way the car looks but since my purchase it has been one nightmare after another..Ive had to make repairs almost every month..It has many design flows. After five years of owning it I would have to say I will never buy another RR. It is over-priced and over-rated...I made my final payment on it in December..Today is January 20th, I am picking it up from the shop. The cost this time was $5500.00. I hate I bought this vehicle..

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  less than Lexus LX470 - 2005 Land Rover Range Rover
  By tonyther - October 23 - 10:00 am

  I have LX470 for a year and its excede my new new range in terms of comfert and reliability. i have it for a week and i went to the dealer to time to fix to warning lights. its not the car you expect for daly use.

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  if you hit new range rover 2013 you may be waiting for over month to get it repaired - No parts - 2013 Land Rover Range Rover
  By zlatopolsky - October 14 - 1:27 am

  Driving I feel strange like I swing in a crib . it is not solid like previous model. After driving my car for 1 week I was unlucky to be hit from behind by Honda into bumper. My car immediately lost control, sled from right lane to the left through entire highway changing direction . As a result of this crash I had back and front bumpers damaged. I do not understand why hit from behind made me crossing highway like a billiard ball It was very unsecure and scary. When I had to pick up a body shop I was told that only one certified BS in town to repair such cars. I do not like this low option equal to 1. In addition to it I have to wait 4 weeks for parts to be delivered.

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  Rover is most reliable - 2005 Land Rover Range Rover
  By BMW Engine 2005 Rove - August 19 - 10:00 am

  I hear and read so many reviews of people stating this car is terrible. I got to tell you in my opinion my car has had zero problems besides a cup holder breaking and I am sure that was from me putting something to large in there. Just for the public wanted you to hear a positive review that this is a head Turner/ reliable/ fun SUV and in my opinion the most enjoyable car I have ever had.

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  Very costly - 2003 Land Rover Range Rover
  By mlaxiniowa - August 7 - 8:23 pm

  We enjoy this car when its working. However, weve had repeated radiator problems. All repairs are very expensive and service is lacking. Can take up to 6 weeks to get parts.

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  Range Rover 2 year owner review...... - 2005 Land Rover Range Rover
  By SH - July 24 - 1:36 am

  Overall it is a great vehicle. Ride for an SUV is excellent, interior well laid out with superior craftsmanship. Better than anything else I test drove. Reliablity for its size and amount of technology is good. Great ride in snow, off road and highway. Acceleration is good for moving 6700lbs. Excellent service by dealership, they stand behind the vehicle.

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  2003 Range Rover @ 2200 miles - 2003 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Thomas R. - July 22 - 10:00 am

  got rid of my Mercedes ML320, which was totally loaded and had a sticker of $50k when purchased new in 2001. The Ml was nice but was in the shop for a lot of little things that I felt should never have broken. This Range Rover exceeds the ML in all catagories. For style, ride, and shear "show" value. The mercedes is nice but you see them everywhere. When you see a Range Rover , you notice it.

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  2003 rRR - 2003 Land Rover Range Rover
  By randy riggs - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I bought the 2003 Range Rover after owning a 2001 Lexus RX300. I wanted a more "real" 4WD auto and one that not everyone had. The RR is that car! It is a very smooth ride on rode and very dependable off. I love the build quality and the BMW influencfe even though now that Ford owns them.