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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  Crazy in love - 2010 Land Rover Range Rover
  By KIT SCHREINER - February 8 - 6:03 am

  I love the look, I love the roar, I love the thrill, I love the ride. This is without a doubt my favorite machine. It is as close to an orgasmic experience as you can get even my toes tingle when I lay down the throttle. It exceeds ALL my driving expectations and experiences, including my X Mercedes SL500 and an X Cadillac Escalade EXT. At the moment I am not concerned with reliability because I am enjoying the ride which doesnt come cheap, or easy! It was in the shop yesterday for an update to the computer and it pained me to drive their loaner HSE something. And then my eyes fixed on this gorgeous piece of equipment heading my way and it was my Rover. Hello Darling!

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  Range Rover - 2009 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Lia - January 29 - 9:06 pm

  Dried shaft problem,coolant pans always some how links,brakes,I was so please to own one,but I had so many problems,always in the shop for repairs

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  Love it - 2008 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Jay - January 21 - 10:13 pm

  I have had the car for six months. No issues to speak of. car had a bad window seal which was repaired at purchase. Otherwise, no issues. Car is very quiet and fit and finish is ex excellent. Beutiful and roomy interior. Outstanding sound system. kids love DVD in rear seats. Navigation is easy to use. i dont like voice command. often doesnt understand me. Very fun to drive. Wants to go off- road but is Lexus quiet. Only car that I have had (and I have had some nice vehicles) that I truly enjoy as much now as I did when I purchased it. Hopefully, I will continue to have good luck with it.

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  The Most Realistic 04 Range Rover Review You Will Read - 2004 Land Rover Range Rover
  By randa314 - January 14 - 2:42 am

  I purchased my 2004 HSE last year for roughly 13k and I have without question LOVED everything about the vehicle. Comfort, the performance, the overall ride of the vehicle. Ive been pleasantly surprised by the gas mileage. Not sure how I would measure by the gallon, but I will say that when I fill up for 75.00 a tank, I can go from central VA to North Jersey on one tank and still have some fumes left over. A full tank gets me roughly 476 miles total for highway driving. For my local 20 minute each way commute to the office and my around town stuff, I can get through an entire week on one tank. Due to lack of characters, I will need to continue in a seperate review.

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  Awesome - 2005 Land Rover Range Rover
  By ahmed - January 9 - 10:00 am

  It is a good car

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  Overpriced Never Ending Nightmare - 2003 Land Rover Range Rover
  By cdjudd - January 8 - 4:06 am

  I had always been a fan of Range Rovers since I was young, and who wouldnt be. I figured surely after all the rumors of the quality control issue they had surely lined that out with the new models. That is just not the case. If anything they have become worse. They run the "certified pre- owned" crap making you think they will stand behind it. Thats non-sense. From the minute I drove it off the lot it was nothing but a nightmare. Electrical issues became a daily routine. Lights flickering on and off. Then transmission issues of all things. All these things in which they try to fix but when not successful they then throw it back in your face and offer no more help.

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  Spend wisely and buy a Trail Blazer - 2003 Land Rover Range Rover
  By AAOct2002 - January 7 - 2:00 am

  First off, my truck was in the shop SEVEN times since it was deliverd to me in 09/02. Repair visits 1-3 involved the same steering and seating electrical problem. Repair visits 4-7 involved the navigation system, which was STILL FAULTY after I sold the truck. The Nav voice system would NEVER work. Of course I took this matter up with Land Rover USA and the Dealership and neither did a thing except apologize, schedule another repair visit and give me an Enterprise rent-a-car for the seventh time. As a matter of fact, that is when I drove the Trail Blazer and WOW!!!! What a truck!

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  Perfect blend of Land Rover and BMW - 2005 Land Rover Range Rover
  By teamyonex - December 15 - 5:16 am

  Purchased in May as dealer was anxious to clear inventory for 06s. 1% over invoice. Wife drives a BMW 5-series, and the connection between the RR and BMW is unmistakable. Very tight build. 13.7mpg overall. Rear facing sight lines arent that great due to pillar and head rests, which could be an issue for some. Awesome stereo. Plenty of acceleration for my tastes. Considered a Cayenne S, but decided against it due to rear leg room. RR is 7" longer, and is much more comfortable in the back. Aerodynamics are strange: water pools on hood even at 70mph, and rear end has an updraft that gets it dirty in about 5 seconds. But a fine vehicle, one that Ill be hanging onto for a long time.

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  Congratulations Land Rover! - 2003 Land Rover Range Rover
  By BL - November 24 - 2:00 am

  The 2003 Range Rover is for all of the devoted Range Rover fans that have stuck by this company through the years. Now that Land Rover is able to provide their customers with the most extreme capability, luxury, and unquestionable dependability (thanks BMW), maybe everyone else will finally catch the Land Rover bug! Ive had my 03 Range Rover for 3 months and I cannot think of one thing I would change or complain about. For all of those nit picky people that think otherwise, go drive a G-wagon and see how this awesome machine outshines everything that tries to compete with it. Cheers to the Brits for an amazing accomplishment!

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  Easy to Drive - 2010 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Neil Schroeder - November 21 - 8:30 am

  Just purchased vehicle therefore too early to determine reliability. First impression is a great vehicle. Smooth, quite, plenty of power and fun to drive. The interior is very classy and I cannot wait to go on long trips to Colorado. More to follow after a few months of ownership.