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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  Grey/Grey Westminster - 2004 Land Rover Range Rover
  By TadM - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Even people that dont like cars covet the new Range Rover. It handles and rides like our old 1998 BMW 740iL. We looked at the no personality Lexus LX470. The RR is amazing in the rough stuff.

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  Dollar value - 2003 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Dick Terry - October 15 - 2:00 am

  Value for your dollar questionable? Feels more like a $60,000 dollar vehicle.Overall very enjoyable much more fun to drive than previse landrovers. Needs little tweaks here and there hopefully Ford will listen to consumers suggestions? Ill see how I feel after a year of driving? P.S. dont turn off reverse sensor, Wife did $2,500 dollars damage its their for a reason!!!

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  I know but I still cant part with it - 2002 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Rocks5 - October 8 - 6:23 am

  We are into 6 years with this car and have had issues (all handled by warranty and extended warranty) but cant part with it. It has had enough work to seem new still and rides like it. It tows like a truck and during the worst Colorado winter on recent record was the only vehicle to get out of the neighborhood(including Hummers and a Ford f250 4 wheel drive). We have an SRX Caddy awd and an Audi w Quattro. We keep the RR as a second car now, but, when it snows the Range is what my wife insists on having drives. Its quirky but gets the job done when we really need it.

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  Land Rover 04 - 2004 Land Rover Range Rover
  By lsd1 - October 5 - 4:47 am

  Love the Land Rover design and purchased a certified 04 Range Rover a few years ago. The car was wonderful to drive and the most comfortable SUV found. Navigation system was not has hard to figure out as others have suggested. I did have mechanical issues such as engine light repeatedly coming on, steering column falling in my lap, tail-gate latch failing . . .but nothing kept the car off the road (albeit the steering column issue was tricky and fixed ASAP). I have since sold this SUV, but still in love with the styling and going to give Land Rover another chance. Trusting that the new owners have made some headway on reliability, while keeping awesome design.

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  My favorite vehicle - 2004 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Derek - October 1 - 2:30 am

  I have had this truck for 3 1/2 years now and it has been nothing but fun. It is super quiet at freeway speeds, great performance when needed, the ride is very comfortable and in every seat. In the snow, our friends with other SUVs park their trucks and get in ours as they can always count on our truck getting through any kind of snow environment. It has great prestige with my clients. Yet its not loud and obnoxious like an Escalade, which is an expensive Suburban with fancy headlights anyway

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  status - 2001 Land Rover Range Rover
  By broncoyianni - September 23 - 10:25 pm

  this is one of the most comfortable vehicles on the road, you feel like you are in charge and own the highway, it has some quirks, but what car doesnt, i feel very safe and that is a big factor in driving on the roads today, it is a driving dream, feel as though i could drive it coast to coast non-stop, the biggest thing is keeping up on maintenance, preventive is always the best way, get a feel for your rover, its a status symbol that you will always enjoy, mine has a 102,000 miles, going real strong, if you do buy one make sure the air ride is in place, a little maintenance, but the ride is worth it.

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  Giverny Green - 2004 Land Rover Range Rover
  By fragras - September 12 - 10:00 am

  Quality and detail excellent. Very comfortable and loads of features. Not a high performance firecracker but easy to drive and handle.

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  swiss army luxury vehicle - 2005 Land Rover Range Rover
  By nilo - September 9 - 2:43 am

  the range rover does it all - its at home towing a boat - going camping - family trip - black tie event whatever you need it does it - the only this its not is a sports car and its not trying to be one. amazing on the hwy at 85 mpg - solid in the rain.

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  Luxury Package Range Rover 2004 - 2004 Land Rover Range Rover
  By MJander - September 5 - 10:00 am

  If you are even halfway considering a luxury sport utilty vehicle, you owe it to yourself to drive this ultimate "Mark III" Range Rover. The craftsmanship of the interior marterials is far superior to those found in premium sedans costing several thousands more. The offroad-ability is merely an added bonus! Others considered: E500 wagon, E500 sedan (2wd)and Audi Allroad. None approached the vault-like construction or opulence of the Range Rover. The only downside is the gas mileage; however, this is greatly offset by the tax advantages of this vehicle.

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  BC - 2003 Land Rover Range Rover
  By BC11 - August 28 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle is a pleasure to drive whether on snow or dry pavement. It is by far the best vehicle that I have ever owned or driven.