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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  Evoques all senses - 2012 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
  By caroma - December 2 - 3:04 pm

  Absolutely fun to drive, definitely a lot of sport in this less utility vehicle. Styling turns heads. Prestige of a premium brand name. Well done interior. Land rover packaging really sucks. I liked the prestige interior, but magne ride is available only in dynamic. Liked the hood scoops but available only in coupe.... Otherwise its a fun a little ride.

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  Sams - 2004 Land Rover Freelander
  By srice - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Looked at Mazda Tribune, Jeep Liberty, Ford Escape...all same price range, and Freelander has less cargo space, less towing and smaller engine. We chose freelander because of financing options, all wheel drive system, looks and we will not be towing much.

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  Off-road There is no Equal - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By Edmund1001 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  I have had no major problems with the vehicle in the 9 mos. of ownership. While I believe the Jeeps to be superb off-road vehicles (owned every model at one time), the Discovery is phenomenal off-road. The dealership offers excellent service and many perks, such as a day of off-roading that is first-class and exciting. The vehicle has a stiff suspension, but is comfortable on the highway with no drift. This is made to go on safari but has comfort amd luxury for everyday driving.

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  My New Ex Boyfriend - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By My New Ex Boyfriend - November 27 - 4:40 pm

  Yes, its true...I ran to him when 6000 lbs or better meant notaxes that year! and now he has cheated on me. He got into bed with a gas pump and I just cant trust him anymore! He was quite the looker, but boy he has a drinking problem. Seriously, I loved the look of this truck, I like the classic stying. The romance fades from here. Although its never left me stranded, OK once - E means empty, there is no forgiving here. Have already done the brakes and I am on my 2nd set of tires. Front end is leaking as it is prone to do. O2 sensors have been replaced two times. Rear door latch failed and while rounding a corner door flew open and bent hinges

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  DO NOT BUY A RANGE ROVER!!! - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Russ M. - November 26 - 9:36 pm

  I normally do not like to complain, but someone has to help you from making this mistake! Bought it with 22k miles, immediatiely ran into elecectrical issues that caused the rover to "blackout" completely while driving- No power at all. Dealer can not find or fix the issue ( Has happened twice) Then at 72,000 miles, then engine blew up without any warning lights!!! a $10,000 dollar repair!!! All repairs cost a fortune!! Wipers were $300 dollars! If you have more money than scents, buy this vehicle!! If you like to be stranded on the side of the road, late at night with tractor trailers wizzing by at 75 miles per hour while you wait 2-3 hrs for Rover service to arrive, buy it! L-E-M-O-N

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  Best Car Ever Owned - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover
  By RR Lover - November 26 - 1:01 am

  I have owned many cars including Porsche, Mercedes, and BMW. Although these were all great vehicles, I never liked any as much as this Range Rover. It has the perfect combination of luxury, class, smooth and solid ride, power, sturdiness, quiet cabin, rides high, family size, storage, safety, etc., etc., etc. Couldnt ask for more... At 110k and going strong, luckily, I have had very few problems with this RR.

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  Red Rover - 2003 Land Rover Freelander
  By Andy King - November 25 - 5:36 am

  This vehicle has been great for us, and I enjoy driving it. Its a high- scale suv with a very attractive exterior.

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  Great SUV - 2008 Land Rover LR3
  By Wolfey - November 22 - 7:10 pm

  Bought my LR3 HSE a little over a month ago. Traded in an H2. I absolutely love this truck! It surpasses the Hummer in every way. Im getting over 18 MPG. The build quality is excellant. The ride is great and the handling better. Slap the selector into sport mode and this puppy hauls like a sports car. And I love that 550 watt stereo.

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  Diamond in the Rough - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By kwon303 - November 21 - 9:43 pm

  When I decided to buy this car I knew what I was getting into. Land Rover is known for off road greatness as well as luxury, but also very poor reliability. With that being said I still bought one and dont regret it. I love this car. I bought mine used because they depreciate so much that it just was not worth it for me. Not to mention you can find this car in L.A. at a dime for a dozen at a good price. I definitely got the extended 100,000 mile warranty to hedge my bet. Also you have to test drive it and check how it get out, transmission is key. No slips and your good to go also clean interior tells you everything you need to know. Gas is not great but what do you expect. Overall Great car.

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  FREELANDER 04 - 2004 Land Rover Freelander
  By D.M. ATWOOD - November 21 - 10:00 am

  HAVE DRIVEN THE FREELANDER FOR TWO MONTHS. HAD TWO SMALL PROBLEMS RIGHT AWAY WITH A SWITCH AND THE OUTSIDE TEMP GAUGE BUT BOTH WERE FIXED RIGHT AWAY. VERY FUN TO DRIVE, IN FACT THE FOUR OF US IN THE FAMILY DEBATE OVER WHO DRIVES IT.