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:

• 

  WORTH THE BUCK - 2001 Land Rover Range Rover
  By LHoward - September 23 - 11:06 pm

  A delight to drive on or off road. If I want a sport car I will buy one, but I was looking for a well built and safe vehicle for me and my Wife. Superior comfort with a real luxury SUV feel. Has power and with the automatic suspension you can adapt to the road. If you cant afford 60k dont try this vehicle, but if you understand safety/luxury be my quest you wont be disappointed.

• 

  Love my FullFat Range Rover - 2005 Land Rover Range Rover
  By bergml - September 23 - 2:19 am

  107K miles, no major faults to note. All records going back to new. Typical fiddly LR stuff here and there (door handle release cable, dead battery---but it was the original that lasted 7 years, and these things are typically hard on batteries, occasional goofy electrical gremlins, cooling hoses randomly burst---this is well documented) but all in all, the truck has been tremendously reliable and is very comfortable and nothing feels as safe when youre having to navigate through blinding snow storms and 10 degree temps. My truck has the lux package so the seats are straight out of a 7-series BM and are very comfortable. Find one that has been looked after and youll see why we love them!

• 

  worst SUV - 2001 Land Rover Range Rover
  By leboniz - September 15 - 5:27 pm

  I spent thousands of dollars on repairs air suspension failed converted to coil spring with new shocks $2500 at landrover specialist, water pump failed $600 , heater core leaked inashboard $1800 due to dashbomoval, overheated due to radiator leaks $550 , Alternator & battery $1000 , windows regulator $600 , windows master switch $180, tires $600, brakes pads & rotors $400, Muffler $350, coolant tank $120, at end electric problem in door actuator door can not open & AC heater control stoped, rádio stoped, , transfercase chain stretched out, i gave up and sold at big lost $3000 , it ruined my life and hard earned money :(

• 

  Rover Regulator - 2003 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Herbee - September 7 - 10:00 am

  This is the pinnacle of my rover experience. My very first car was a rover sedan. It is unbeleviable how good these vehicles have become. Definetly, the best british vehicle I have ever owned. Fit, finish and comfort are first class. On a recent 5000 mile trip from Chicago through the canadian rockies and back to Chicago the truck performed flawlessley. Fuel mileage has been very acceptable. On one leg of my journey 21.5 MPG highway. I would definetly recommend the new Range Rover to anyone in the market for a SUV in this price range.

• 

  The Ultimate SUV - 2003 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Loves SUVS - September 7 - 10:00 am

  The new 2003 Range Rover is the best SUV on the road. I should know, I have an H2 Hummer, Mercedes ML 320, Lexus RX 300 and the Range Rover. The Range Rover is the best one, it has everything standard and it is great in bad weather. Its AWD gives it great Traction and the air suspension is a lot fun to play with. The Navigation system is great. Cons - Fuel economy and no DVD Entertainment.

• 

  Best car I have ever owned - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover
  By tommyd - August 30 - 3:43 pm

  I have owned many cars, but this is the best. I bought it used and just bought a new 2010 that arrives in 2 weeks. This car on the highway is nothing short of amazing. A gulfstream Jet on wheels. After a long drive I am not the least bit tired the seats are outstanding. Timeless design. I know 4 others who own a RR and all plan on purchasing again, I think the 2010 is likely the next level, I will report back

• 

  Range Rover - 2004 Land Rover Range Rover
  By jrollofson - August 19 - 2:00 am

  The Range Rover is for the driver who has previously always had to have two vehicles to match all their driving needs. This car delivers the luxury and comfort of a Mercedes or BMW while performing in the snow better than any other SUV. You can feel great about going to the Opera, shopping, or skiing in this vehicle!

• 

  Range Rover Supreme - 2004 Land Rover Range Rover
  By bigdogpve - August 19 - 2:00 am

  My 2003 Range Rover is a fantastic improvement over my 1997 HSE 4.6. The power plant has a excellent power band. It averages 13 miles per gallon but can The suspension handles anything from rough outback to crusing the freeway at 75-85 with the same excellence. The Logic 7 sound system is fantastic. The brakes were not engineered to my needs so I replaced it with a Brembo 15" Rotor system and can handle the Palos Verdes Hills with authority. The Navagation System is a bit complicated but it will get you there.

• 

  There is nothing like THE Range Rova! - 2004 Land Rover Range Rover
  By NHroverlover - August 1 - 6:43 pm

  I bought my RR as a Cert Land Rover, and purchsed the extend warr. I absolutely love this truck. The " Snob factor" , everyone looks and stares at you when your in this SUV. Dealership service has been perfect, and they have even picked me up at the airport at 11 pm to get my baby back from being in for a schd service.

• 

  A nightmare wrapped in a prettty package. - 2004 Land Rover Range Rover
  By maxmoney - July 27 - 1:53 am

  This car was one of the best cars I purchased until I hit that 50-60K mark. After I reached 60K it was downhill from there. Had it in the shop countless times because of having to replace the suspension (which I converted to coil instead of replacing the expensive air suspension), had to replace the radiator twice, an alternator (because the coolant from the radiator that leaked caused it to malfunction), a fuel pump replacement, countless brake pad and rotor replacements, and top it off with hard-to-find tires. This used to be a fun vehicle to drive but each time I turn the key im worried if ill need AAA to tow me from the side of the road.