Overview & Reviews

Land Rover is a luxury SUV manufacturer that has its roots in England. Many of its vehicles are replete with the sort of leather-lined comforts that call to mind hunting lodges and high tea. Land Rovers are also known for being stellar trail-busters, endowed with the moxie to get down and dirty when the road gets rough. Currently owned by Tata Motors, Land Rover is one of just a few automotive brands in the United States to solely market SUV products.

After World War II, two British brothers, Spencer and Maurice Wilks, were impressed by the rugged and versatile nature of the U.S. Army's Jeep. They worked with the British automaker Rover to create the first Land Rover in 1948. Called the Series I, this truck was equipped with permanent four-wheel-drive, a canvas roof and optional doors. These early Land Rovers were crude but extremely well-suited for operations in the field.

The 1950s saw Land Rovers moving toward increased power and refinement. Launched in 1958, the Series II offered added horsepower and a somewhat less rudimentary exterior, with sills designed to disguise the exhaust and chassis. The first diesel-powered Rover was also produced during these years. The Series IIA came next, in a production run that lasted from 1961-'71. As the '60s drew to a close, Rover was acquired by Leyland Motors Ltd. (which would later become British Leyland).

Land Rover's storied Range Rover made its debut in 1970. Equipped with a V8 engine and a body made mostly of aluminum, the stylish vehicle was more consumer-oriented than its predecessors. In the mid-'70s, British Leyland was nationalized; by the mid-'80s, the company — renamed the Rover Group — had been acquired by British Aerospace.

The automaker officially entered the U.S. automotive market in 1987 when the Range Rover made its debut on American shores. It was followed in 1989 by the Discovery, which was initially offered only in two-door form. The Discovery was the first all-new Land Rover in 19 years.

In the 1990s, the sudden popularity of the burgeoning SUV segment placed the brand in an enviable position. In response, Land Rover's vehicles, while still retaining their go-anywhere attitude, became more luxurious, particularly after BMW bought the company in 1995.

The Land Rover family of vehicles has continued to grow. The late '90s saw the introduction of the Freelander; the compact sport-ute held the distinction of being the first production vehicle to offer Hill Descent Control. The latter optimized maneuverability on steep descents by automatically braking to keep the vehicle's speed in check.

BMW's control was short lived, however, and in 2000 Land Rover was sold to Ford. Ford worked hard to improve the reliability of Land Rover's vehicles, but by 2008 Ford's financial instability resulted in Land Rover being sold again, this time to the Indian automaker Tata Motors.

Today, Land Rover is still well known for its luxury SUVs, including the ritzy yet rugged Range Rover as well as smaller and more affordable models like the LR4 and Evoque.

User Reviews:

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  Best SUV for many reasons - 2007 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By Gordon - February 9 - 11:36 pm

  A car or SUV can always say it does something better than some other vehicle. Its a collection of hits or misses that makes a car great though, and the Range Rover Sport Supercharged has more Hits than misses. This SUV is unbelievable to drive along winding mountain roads. Power is there whenever you need it and brakes are better than almost every other car our there This thing stops faster than my friends Mazda 3 compact car! I

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  lr3hse7 - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By doctorp - February 8 - 2:26 am

  Ive only had a suspension fault issue. Everything else has been great. Except the mileage, but whadaya want for 3 tons.

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  So far, So good - 2004 Land Rover Freelander
  By jon d. - February 6 - 8:50 am

  fun to drive, has a few gremlins but nothing thats out of the ordinary.

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  Very satisfied - 2005 Land Rover Freelander
  By MonkeyDriver - February 1 - 5:03 pm

  I am absolutely in love with my Land Rover Freelander and have recommended it to many. For me, the ride and its ability surpass any shortcomings. Particularly its weight and gas mileage. I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  Great vehicle - 2001 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Maryland - January 28 - 5:33 am

  We bought this Rover certified used with 20K miles on it in 2003. We have used it ever since, and have put 51K more miles on it. We had issues with the air suspension (replaced under warranty) and the radio (an amp blew) but otherwise the Rover has been rock solid. We get a solid 17mph, which I consider fine given the size of the Rover.

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  Oops I purchased a Freelandrover - 2004 Land Rover Freelander
  By steenberg - January 23 - 7:03 pm

  Having now read all the reviews, I no longer feel alone. Day 2, my Landy was back in the shop, transmission replacement parts, repair 1 week. Brakes and rotors at oil change frequency. Consistent electrical problems. Coolant leak in side the care under drivers door mat. Non stop transmission problems, vibration on acceleration. 2 months after the first coolant leak, the same problem. Battery died. Electrical window problems. I have extended warranty and am $100 out, sick of taking the car back to the dealer. Car is not reliable. Dealer has been excellent! This year I have driven a rental car more than my own car, is this a lemon?

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  Great SUV for the price - 2010 Land Rover LR2
  By varnergirl - January 20 - 6:03 am

  I have previously owned a GMC Acadia, went down to a loaded Nissan Rogue to save on gas mileage, BAD DECISION. We just purchased the pre owned LR2 HSE and I am more than pleased. No, it is not as spacious as the Acadia, but drives like a pure luxury car. The gas mileage has been better than expected. In comparison to the price of the loaded Rogue we well overpaid for, this vehicle feels more stable and quiet frankly is worth every penny. I love the safety features and the ride. Land Rover made an affordable alternative for the Middle Class. Always check your options on a nice pre-owned vehicle you love before settling for a new vehicle you hope will grow on you.

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  Its A Lemon!!!!!! - 2004 Land Rover Freelander
  By lma710 - January 18 - 2:00 am

  This suv was a lemon. It spent more time getting fixed then being driven! Land Rover didnt stand behind their product!

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  Great Car w/ Fun, Flexibiltiy, &Security - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By lorry bolton - January 18 - 2:00 am

  This SUV is great.....for everything! Its fun and sporty, while being dependable and flexible. Great European handling almost like a great sports car...but its an SUV with great style and class. Not to mention its got 2 sunroofs.

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  Original Owner LR4 - 2014 Land Rover LR4
  By KG - January 15 - 10:06 am

  This is my 5th Land Rover and by far the best. I still have relatively low milage (under 30,000 miles) but the SUV is solid. Great interior space. Great visibility. Smooth ride. Classic and unique styling! Land Rover has come a long way in design, comfort, and technology. It is what it is (not meant to compete with BMW or Porsche in speed) but a fine vehicle for the performance purpose.