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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  Great car all over - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Sultan - July 8 - 6:23 am

  I bought this car based on an SMS message from the dealership, stating they have a special year-end offer. I saw the car first at the begging of 06 and it caught my heart but the price was over my budget. But with the new offer I could not resist. The dealer didn’t have a test drive vehicle. So I bought the car anyway based on research done on the net,especially this site. I noticed a lot of reviewers complying of fuel consumption. To me its not a problem because I live in the middle east and gas is cheaper than tap water (you are more than welcome to move here ). I fill up a full tank for $20. I recommend this car to any one with class and at the same time has some coolness left in them

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  2003 Range Rover vs my old Escalade & ML - 2003 Land Rover Range Rover
  By georgekessel - June 11 - 2:00 am

  This Rover drives so nice, and has such a good quality feel to it (both inside, in the genuine wood - none of that cheesy Cadillac 50cent plastic fake wood) and in the way that it handles bumps. It drives like a dream, and with the hyper-adjustable power seats & air suspension it just blows away every other SUV that Ive owned or tested. I race SCCA showroom stock, so when I picked an SUV I judged it pretty harsh. I liked the interior room of my ML500, but the ML drivers seat is uncomfortable without lumbar or a usable armrest. If you can afford it, this Rover is the finest SUV on the planet

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  Rova - 2003 Land Rover Range Rover
  By jaden - May 31 - 10:00 am

  I absolutly love this car, i have had no problems with it AT ALL! Get yourself one

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  2008 Range Rover best ever - 2008 Land Rover Range Rover
  By jeff brother - May 28 - 9:33 am

  This is the best suv I have ever driven. I have owned several Mercedes and Lexus, nothing compares to my Range Rover. Awesome ride and comfort from the interior. I am hooked for life.

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  THE BEST - 2004 Land Rover Range Rover
  By bigpoppeer - May 14 - 10:00 am

  The best car I ever drove!

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  range rover - 2004 Land Rover Range Rover
  By IICHILL4U - May 8 - 10:00 am

  This is by far the greatest truck ever built!!!!! It combines ruggedness and luxury in a package unparalelled by any other vehichle on the planet!!! Land Rover only makes SUVs so theres no surprise that they reign supreme in this market. Land Rover put it best. Not A. The.

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  A SURE THING! - 2003 Land Rover Range Rover
  By T. Hickok - April 30 - 2:00 am

  If youre in the SUV market and are overwhelmed with the current availibility. The 2003 Range Rover is " A SURE THING!". I currently own a 2001 HSE and recently purchased the new 2003. There simply is no comparison. My best friend drives an X5, my other buddy drives the Mercedes.Theyre all comparable to the 2001 Range Rover. Up against the new 2003, they simply cant compete. The car drives like my friends 740il, handles like my E320, and still performs admirably in off road conditions. Go ahead and test drive your top favorites and then test drive the new 2003 Range Rover. Youll find yourself driving home in one, "Its A SURE THING".

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  Overall very happy w/new 07 Range Rover - 2007 Land Rover Range Rover
  By giggyice - April 23 - 2:23 pm

  I had been driving BMWs for a long time and had always wanted to try a Range Rover. My poor BMW salesman was dissapointed when i didnt buy another 7series, but I just needed to get this Rover out of my system. While it isnt a 7series, it is very luxurious. I am dissapointed with the its sluggish acceleration, the non-powered tailgate, and gas mileage, but other than that I love it! Plenty of headroom, leg room and its great to sit up high!

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  Love my HSE - 2000 Land Rover Range Rover
  By lwell - April 10 - 4:06 am

  I have enjoyed my HSE far more than I expected. It is a work horse, yet comfortable and elegant. No issue so far at all, very reliable.

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  Absolutly fantastic the king of suvs - 2004 Land Rover Range Rover
  By pedromirmiranda - April 6 - 2:00 am

  i also drove a cayenne its good but its not the king like range rover is, just put one to the side of another and you will se the diference