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 - 2004 Land Rover Range Rover
  By john paul - December 6 - 10:00 am

  i have no complaints about this car

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  The Best SUV Ive Ever Owned - 2003 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Ms. E. - November 9 - 2:00 am

  More spacious and comfortable than a GX470 Lexus. I was really impressed at the quality and ride of this SUV. Ive been a long time Lexus owner and decided to switch after driving this vehicle. It is a dream.

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  range rover - 2004 Land Rover Range Rover
  By westminister - October 26 - 2:13 am

  I had used ordinary land rovers almost 20 years ago and finally decided to go to the top of the line in this family and that was Range Rover Westminster limited edition. The car turned out to be exactly what can be expected of its performance, ride, stability, safety and speed. I did not have any high expectations of fuel efficiency. When you use a car like this, you are not concerned about fuel efficiency. But, I have been pleasantly surprised with my experience of getting 14 to 15 mpg in city driving and 18+ for highway driving (in spite of high speed and full blown air conditioning use).

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  Class leader again - 2004 Land Rover Range Rover
  By UKrunr - October 18 - 2:00 am

  Ive also wanted an RR, and was not disappointed. The ride is superb, on/off road. The class, capabilities and presence are in a class of their own. The sound system is fantastic. Truly happy with the purchase.

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  The Best 4x4 Period. - 2004 Land Rover Range Rover
  By elboss - October 18 - 2:00 am

  The best and second to none

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  08 RR HSE - 2008 Land Rover Range Rover
  By HappyHour - October 9 - 9:20 pm

  Truck is awesome. Surprisingly smooth and stable on highway and then effortlessly trudged through a recent 24" snowfall while my neighbors all watched and applauded. Acceleration is pretty good even in the HSE. We did an aftermarket rear seat DVD and is our biggest gripe. If you need one go with the factory system.

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  Range Rover Review - 2004 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Steve McNair - October 2 - 7:56 pm

  I have been pleased with my ownership experience. This vehicle offers the rare combination of prestige, sportiness, and utility. It is at home on the freeway and on city streets. My only suggestions for improvement is more cargo and storage space. The glove box is woefully small and other than the center console, there is no other place to store anything bigger than a credit card. The other suggestion is to make the navigation system more user friendly. This car is extremely nimble, considering its imposing weight. The only reliability issue I have had has been a problem with the tailgate latch not closing completely. The problem was repaired at the dealership to my satisfaction.

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  Love My Rovers - 2008 Land Rover Range Rover
  By jshook - September 25 - 12:37 am

  I am on my third HSE (04, 06, 08) and have absolutely loved all of them. Apparently, I am fortunate in that I have never experience any major maintenance issues. My only complaint is the $100+ it takes to fill it, but that goes with the territory. These vehicles are fantastic in all conditions. I live in the midwest and drive about 30,000 miles per year, so I see my share of nasty conditions including blizzards, ice and torrential rain. I never worry if I am in the Range Rover. Keep good tires on the car and it will get you there safely and effortlessly. Regarding interior finish and comfort, it doesnt get better, except on the newer RRs. Buy this vehicle....you wont regret it!

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  No comparison - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Gulfvet66 - September 19 - 6:16 pm

  Everyone looks at you differently than if you were driving Lexus (ho-hum, been there done that) Best looking large SUV ever made. Gorgeous color combinations. Averaged 22 hwy when in cruise control. Nav is simple, sound system is amazing. Harmon Kardon 715 watts, Logic 7? Stop it!!!

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  Great Car - 2008 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Donselya - September 2 - 12:40 pm

  Bought a Westminster edition last January. No problems so far. Very fun to drive and definitely a head turner. I also love the ride quality. Quite expensive though.