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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  03 Rover - 2003 Land Rover Range Rover
  By azviper - January 24 - 10:00 am

  The only problem I have had is with the motor in the steering column went bad after 100 miles making it dificult to drive as the steering wheel will not telescope out and down. Apparently it is a common problem as the motor had been backed ordered for months.I love everything else about this SUV.

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  #1 SUV.... - 2003 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Ryan McC... - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This to me I have found is the best SUV on and off road (Except HUMMER, of course.

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  Dealer Buy Back - 2003 Land Rover Range Rover
  By JBeasley - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Many problems, from tranny to headlamp issues, the dealership decided to buy it back.

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  She Delivers - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Oregonian - January 12 - 2:00 pm

  This Rover fills all my needs, and does it very charmingly. I ski, and its a champ on the mountain. I haul kids and gear, and it delivers with grace. I tow my boat, and it pulls with ease. I take dirt roads, and it loves it. I go from point A to point B, and this Rover takes me there in style and comfort! However, in return it expects handsome spending habits from its owner. Fair enough.

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  Dressed up Hot Trash - 2004 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Liquidair33 - December 25 - 2:30 pm

  Just wanted to drop 0.2 cents about my 04 Rover. Rides nice except that the transmission lurchs into and out of third, shop doesnt know what the deal is. Also when the brake pad sensors go off to tell you that they are worn, well that actually means that youll need new rotors. If the battery runs out when you leave your lights on, well it wont be able to be jumped by a tow truck slave and youll have to get a new $300 battery and new head gaskets (I guess they just wear out after 65K). You will look very fly driving this ride but make sure you get a dependible back up ride for when its in the shop. And some room on your Credit card for the repairs.

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  Finally got myself a good SUV! - 2003 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Greg Thomas - December 23 - 2:00 am

  First I had a Chevrolet Tahoe with its plastic interior parts and it didnt make it home before it started having problems and the factory had to buy it back. The Range Rover has it all, looks, quality, luxury and performance. The dealership, Land Rover of Marin is the best I have ever had the pleasure of dealing with.

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  2003 range - 2003 Land Rover Range Rover
  By silrover - December 23 - 2:00 am

  This is the best suv produced today.It is rock of gabralter solid.It glides with grace over NYC potholed streets.There is always enough power and its application is smooth.The interior is among one of the finest ever to grace any auto,it is silent, all the controls are legible, easy to use, and most importantly feel like they were made with great care and quality.The materials are first rate.It blows away the interior of my wifes 2001 mercedes- benz S430.I thought my prevoius 2001 toyota land cruiser(which my son now drives) was the best suv all around, but there is clearly a new benchmark. this suv truly feels worth more than the price of admission.

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  Nice SUV - 2003 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Wayne Joyce - December 12 - 10:00 am

  I drove the S500, AUDI A8, 745Li but bought the Range Rover. What a great vehicle! Rides like a Sedan. Feels like 1st class inside.

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  SUV that Drives like a sports car! - 2013 Land Rover Range Rover
  By docnaro - December 9 - 3:43 am

  Just purchased a fully optioned Range Rover. Solid build quality, rapid acceleration, superb carving on highway, active screen. 14 MPG in city, 22mpg @ 70mph, 21mpg @79mph. Eco drive takes getting used to, especially when taking off across traffic

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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