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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  Dont Do It - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover
  By pippy - March 4 - 8:16 am

  I finally got it, I thought it was the love of my life-the body-the presents.Its a Ego booster big time. First week leaks. fixed under warranty messed up keys 6months another dealer replaced the keys under warrenty. Problems Problems Problems road side assistance stinks, computer gone bad at 5000 miles not covered under extended warranty battery change $500 more money and sence get it. Never Again

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  Great Car - 2004 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Ed Jones - February 27 - 2:00 am

  I have nothing bad to say about this car it has performed exceptionally well in every area we have asked it to do.We took it off road in the desert and it was pratically unstopable

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  Too new to fix. - 2003 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Sajo - February 20 - 10:00 am

  I love my New Range rover, but unfortunately it has been in the shop 5 out of the 14 days ive owned it.

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  Third time is the charm - 2007 Land Rover Range Rover
  By David - February 11 - 10:13 pm

  Bought an 03-had problems, bought an 05-it was a better vehicle. Just bought the 07 and I think Land Rover finally got it right. The new suspension is noticeably tighter with less body roll around corners and the new seats "hug me" better than my other 2 RRs. Also considered the MB S550 4matic, although its comparing apples and oranges, I felt the RR offered similar luxury with more overall safety for my family. My only complaints are that the still too complicated radio/nav system is located too far away from the driving position, although Im 62" the stretch is uncomfortable. And the back- up camera picture quality is terrible. Id also like to see a diesel option.

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  after a year, not a single problem... - 2008 Land Rover Range Rover
  By iainmc - February 2 - 9:46 pm

  I am very surprised (especially considering my previous experience with a 98 rr hse) that i have not had a single problem with my 2008 rr hse. Its been great.

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  King of the road & sandpile - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Thrilled owner - January 30 - 8:43 pm

  This car does it all very well, it is fast, brakes and handles perfectly, and is the heavy weight champ of off- roading. It cleans up well for a night on the town but it looks just as well under 20 lbs. of mud.

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  Range Rover - 2003 Land Rover Range Rover
  By smurf - January 27 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is a beauty. Big but nice. My husband works for L.R. N.O, I get to see and ride in them all the time, I really like the new range rovers they look like the bubble eye Mercedes or Lexus.

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  Best in the world!!! - 2005 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Robert - January 23 - 2:13 am

  I have owned many SUVs!!! All imports. I had a cayenne for a very short time and an X5 for 2 years. I liked the BMW better than the Porsche but the Range rover has surpassed them both. I looked at these new redesigned models in 2003 and almost pulled the trigger but ended up with the BMW. It was fine but they are a little too common. I wanted something Big and comfortable with a timeless style. I think the Rover really fits the bill. This is the first purchase of a SUV...I have always leased in the past but I want to keep this one for a long while. It has everything I need. I was saddened to see someone trading off for an A8l...it is just a car afterall and audi is hammered on resell.

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  A beautiful can of problems - 2004 Land Rover Range Rover
  By mwatson - January 21 - 1:43 am

  For the first four months I absolutely loved this vehicle. It is hands down the most beautiful SUV on the road. Then the front differential went out while driving down the highway. Then the steering wheel adjuster started going crazy and locking into its lowest position. Then some gasket wore out. And I am told I have to replace the brake pads pretty much every 10-15 thousand miles. And now the electronic air suspension stopped working. And I have owned the car for a little less than three years. It is, however, fun to drive, its a gorgeous car, and you can take it to the best restaurant in town or to the beach without feeling out of place. Would I buy another one? Probably.

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  Awesom double R - 2000 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Badbcd5312 - January 15 - 2:00 am

  my RR is awesome its the best car ive had. and ive had alot of high-end luxury cars