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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  Love hate relationship - 2010 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Russ - October 30 - 3:13 pm

  This car is excellent on streets, but it ends there. Horrible reliability and it can barely go over a pothole. Its simple to fix to- Front and rear differentials! Go with the G Class instead.

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  Dont believe the (negative) hype - 2005 Land Rover Range Rover
  By DaTB - October 27 - 12:03 am

  We bought this truck a few years ago as a b-day present to replace my husbands aging 01 RR 4.6 HSE. After buying several brand new and slightly used cars, I decided upon a pre-owned, still-under-warranty 05 RR (which is THEE way to go since you let others pay $30k more for the same vehicle to determine if its solid, or a lemon). And this beast is one impressive machine: its amazingly torquey and can induce whiplash if youve got a heavy foot, it has a cavernous interior, gigantic, ultra-comfortable seats, intuitive and well laid out touch screen, insane, gale-force A/C, and unsurpassed build integrity. But, it is anemic at speeds above 30mp & could use a few more tech features. Love it!

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  Dont wake me if I am dreaming! - 2003 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Katy B. - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This is my third range rover. I cant begin to tell you how superior my new 2003 really is. It seems like a completely different suv. I owned a 1997 a 2001 and now the spectacular 2003. The BMW technoloy is running through out the new suv. Its 4x4 capabilites are like no other. The 2003 gives you style and class. When you need it the acceleration of the BMW designed V-8 will impress you. I tow a 6500lb boat. The Range Rover takes this is stride with its 288 hp engine. I have owned many SUVs and nothing compares.

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  I love this car! - 2003 Land Rover Range Rover
  By bbroyd - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Ive driven Range Rovers for the past seven years (a 1996 4.0 HSE and a 2000 4.6 HSE). This is a very different vehicle! Its smooth ride and quiet interior are the two most dramatic improvements.

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  Big Chunk of Cash...Big Chunk of Truck - 2004 Land Rover Range Rover
  By HectorD - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Having always wanted a Rover, Im thrilled with this one. It is among the most beautiful SUVs on the market. Its off-road capabilities can be matched by only an H1, but this is a far more practical vehicle for everyday driving. Despite poor fuel economy, I have no complaints about this vehicle.

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  Ultimate Luxury SUV - 2005 Land Rover Range Rover
  By nina abdo - October 13 - 1:03 pm

  Great luxury car. Doesnt feel like youre driving an SUV. Love all the extra special features.

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  King of the Hill - 2004 Land Rover Range Rover
  By renaldop - October 11 - 8:43 am

  I love my Range Rover. It is fun to drive both on and off road. I have a Lincoln LS V8 that I am planning to trade in, probably for another Range Rover (or Range Rover Sport). My RR has been in the shop a few times, but this is not out of the norm for such a highly technical masterpiece. Additionally, the top notch service at the dealership certainly helps. Ofcourse, they always provide either a Range Rover or LR3 for me to drive while my vehicle is being serviced. Although Lexus makes a "cute" and “inexpensive” SUV, it certainly doesn’t compare to the class and pedigree of the Range Rover. Range Rover is the best vehicle for a person that is willing to pay a little extra for the best.

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  04 rover - 2004 Land Rover Range Rover
  By vettvet - October 10 - 2:00 am

  vehicle is excellent. this our 2nd rover and it is much improved over the 2000 4.6. we are very happy with our choice. the optional leather package is the way to go

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  a great drive - 2005 Land Rover Range Rover
  By luvmyrover - October 6 - 10:33 pm

  This is my second Range Rover. My first was a 1995. Love the new body style. The drive is fantastic. It is equal to sitting in a barcalounger and the view out the windows is your tv. It is one of the smoothest vehicles that I drive. I travel 11/2 miles on dirt road, and you would never know I have left the pavement. I have had a few unusual mechanical problems; however the dealership has taken great care of me. Will most likely buy a 2006 or 07.

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  Worse vehicle ever - 2001 Land Rover Range Rover
  By tripper - October 6 - 2:46 pm

  This has been a terrible vehicle. Since owning i have replaced the transmission at 45k, replaced air shock system, and now a new head gasket with only 72,000 miles on it and it has never been off road or out of the garage in the weather. Land Rover and Bear Valley Rover have not stood behind their product. It is a poorly made vehicle. I have owned BMW, Chrysler, Pontiac, Fiat, Oldsmobile, Buick and they were all better than this product. Even the car tag screw holes were drilled off-level so the car tag sits crooked.