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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  Worst Car of all Time - 2004 Land Rover Range Rover
  By flyboyz123 - May 20 - 10:23 pm

  This is the worst car that I have ever owned in my life. 1.) very unreliable, less then 2 weeks after purchasing the car the air suspension went out. Grand total =$2,000 2.) less then 3 months after getting the suspension fixed the transmission went out. Grand total = $6,000 3.) Worst gas mileage on a vehicle I have ever seen I would not recommend this car to my worst enemy, it looks good and is comfortable but thats where the buck stops.

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  Finest Lux Vehicle on the Planet? - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Champ214 - May 10 - 4:00 pm

  I love my supercharged RR. Its silver over ivory with piano black trim, very sexy combination. The ivory leather requires constant attention but looks great. Its very nice leather btw. Off the line acceleration is rather gradual, but once its rolling, it pulls very strong. I am averaging about 9.5 mpg which is acceptable for a vehicle this powerful and heavy. I looked at the Benz S550 and prefer the ride, drive, and style of the Range Rover. The only vehicle I can think of that combines ride quality, style, luxury, and class the way the RR does is the Bentley Flying Spur.

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  2005 Range Rover - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Ash - May 7 - 10:03 am

  Owned this car for almost 3 months. My second of New Generation Range rover. Quality issues seems improved in comparison to the 2003. Luxury seating package made a huge difference in offering more comfort. New integrated phone system is a great feature and I just enjoy safer driving. Nav system is a great improvement. 2005 seems tighter than 2003. Its just a great SUV. I only wish it had more leg room in rear seat.

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  Range Rover 2002 4.6 - 2002 Land Rover Range Rover
  By morgan - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Ever dince I puller out of the dealership with the Range rover 4.6 HSE, I have never looked back!!!! It is truly a luxury SUV with all the trimmings. Drives real smooth and overall a very comfortable ride.

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  Not a bad Rover - 2004 Land Rover Range Rover
  By MRTJ2004 - April 16 - 10:00 am

  The ride is smooth and interior is comfortable for long drives which is does often. Great for the dogs with the cage in back which can also be hooked up on the ceiling behind the front seat too not just the back. The only thing that has gone wrong was that on delivery the CD changer is broken. The changer wont eject...but the dealer is fixing the problem. The color choices on the vehicle are great. Wish they kept a light brown metallic for 2004. Almost purchsed the Porshe Cayanne S but a drive in the Range was smoother..not faster...but smoother. Air suspension is better on the Range.

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  Reliability issues persist and horrible gas mileage - 2012 Land Rover Range Rover
  By rngrvrregret - March 10 - 2:17 pm

  Purchased a 2012 RR HSE the last week of December - was in the shop within a month for a major repair that took a week - still having problems with the car - also, gas mileage is horrible (~13 mpg)

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  Incredible - 2003 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Britcar - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Unreal. Fantastic design. It is a BMW. Hop ethe Brits wont hurt it but I guess ford will keep things up. Needsd redsign of the instrument panel/nav. panel.

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  Best SUV or vehicle around!!! - 2003 Land Rover Range Rover
  By RRL - March 7 - 10:00 am

  After a long and extensive search for a new vehicle, I finally decided on the New 2003 Range Rover. It is everything that I or anyone, for that matter, want in a vehicle. Land Rover, out did themselves on this one. It drives better than a MB S500 and just as quiet and comfortable as a Lexus LS 430. The best part is that I can take it ANYWHERE if I wanted to...

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  Ranger Rover - 2005 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Range - March 2 - 10:00 pm

  i Love the new Range Rover, but it should have come with more horsepower -- at least 300 instead of 282

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  Love my Rover - 2003 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Rover20171 - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I have had my rover for a few months now. I originally looked in this market 2.5 years ago when my lease on my Jeep Cherokee was up. Looked @ X5 and RR. Ended up with a slightly used RR. Liked the fit/finish of the X5, but was turned off when sales guy got spastic when I tried to go over a curb. Was also pleased with my choice then- especially when I sw my neighbor with snow chains on her X5 this winter. The 03 brought the BMW fit/finish to my rugged ride. While doing so, it also cleaned up most of the 00s quirks and gave me a killer engine to boot.