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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  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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  BestSUVin the World - 2001 Land Rover Range Rover
  By H - April 25 - 7:56 am

  I have always admired the Range Rover from afar, and knew one day that I would have to get one. That day finally came and I must say that I love the Range. I read people reviews and with any product your going to have the good with the bad. The Range Rover is "King of the Hill" hands down. This SUV is in a class all by itself, case in point the next time you take that baby out for a ride count and see how many other Ranges you come across. You dont see them all over the place like the so-called- comparison SUVs BMW X5, Mercedes M- class, Cadiallac Escalade. You can pull up to the light and literally count about 3 BMWs and at least 2 Escalades. The Range reign supreme.

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  land Rover Range Rover - 2003 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Jasonic - April 24 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love the vehicle. Awesome ride and much improved power over the 2002. Interior is near perfect.

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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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  Good but not great - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Londoner - April 11 - 4:16 pm

  This is my second RR...last was an 02 before the body style change. My 06 RR HSE is great car to look at and drive, but the build quality and issues really do bug me. As a professional software engineer I would be ashamed to ship a product that clearly hasnt been finished and tested properly. The Sirius satellite radio doesnt display the correct station information when you next start the car. Already has a new audio control unit after 2000 miles because last one kept dying...dealer fiddled with it, but eventually had to replace the unit. STILL have a rattle in the car which dealer cant find! I will probably get an 07 RRSC but be aware of quality issues if you want to get a RR.

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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

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  Pleasantly surprised so far - 2004 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Curtis Hall - March 27 - 10:33 am

  I recently purchased my 2004 RR HSE in 4/08. I must say I have been pleasantly surprised with the quality and workmanship of the RR. I have had to take it to the dealership for the 37.5K service (free complimentary service). Nothing major but while at the dealership I did have a couple things repaired 1.) New dashboard readout console--mileage numbers began to fade. 2.) Problem with locking mechanism on rear hatch--problem fixed 3.) Transmission Failsafe Program came on--Sensor reset (that does make me a little nervous). Dealership repairs are expensive so look for a independent LR shop.

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  Phenominal!!!!!!!! - 2003 Land Rover Range Rover
  By crocketthc - February 16 - 10:00 am

  This is quite frankly the nicest car I have ever owned. The build quality is remarkable and the interior is that of a Bentley. The BMW engine is a pleasure to hear roar as this beauty glides down the highway. I have had her up to 135mph, and she is tight and sits right down and holds the road. I have already flipped her on her side and we didnt roll until at least 60 degrees! Then my buddy and I pushed her back over and drove home. Im getting a new bumper and right front fender. I drove in my dads Toyota Land Cruiser and his Lexus GS 400 and I felt like I was "slumming" it!!

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  first month - 2003 Land Rover Range Rover
  By indianhead - February 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car after having owned 2 of the second generation models, the difference is incrediable to say the least. All areas have been improved to the level of the very best european sedans, i know i have owned both a s class mercedes and seven series bmw.