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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  if you hit new range rover 2013 you may be waiting for over month to get it repaired - No parts - 2013 Land Rover Range Rover
  By zlatopolsky - October 14 - 1:27 am

  Driving I feel strange like I swing in a crib . it is not solid like previous model. After driving my car for 1 week I was unlucky to be hit from behind by Honda into bumper. My car immediately lost control, sled from right lane to the left through entire highway changing direction . As a result of this crash I had back and front bumpers damaged. I do not understand why hit from behind made me crossing highway like a billiard ball It was very unsecure and scary. When I had to pick up a body shop I was told that only one certified BS in town to repair such cars. I do not like this low option equal to 1. In addition to it I have to wait 4 weeks for parts to be delivered.

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  Used 03 - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By ZooLoB - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Overall ,this is a good vehicle but could use some work in the comfort category. I love to drive this vehicle but the seats are not good for long trips nor is the gas mileage. I do think that this vehicle is a steal at the prices, this is by far the best value discovery and best value in the SUV arena right now.

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  Mixed Emotions - 2003 Land Rover Freelander
  By St. Louis Owner - October 2 - 2:00 am

  I have a love/hate relationship with my Freelander. The quality isnt what I would expect from LR. Two main issues I have had is watering spraying out of the AC after 10 minutes of driving and problems with my locks. I have had it in the shop at least 7 times to have the AC fixed but they couldnt figure it out and their answer was That is how the car was designed. I am VERY DISAPPOINTED with the customer service group at Land Rover. I hope you do not have to deal with them for any complaints. Very rude people. Dont get me wrong, I still love my freelander but I now second guess if I over paid for something I had higher expectations for.

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  Terrible Fuel Economy - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By Ejags - September 11 - 5:30 pm

  I owned a 2002 Bmw 530i prior to this vehicle. Great performance and 25 mpg on highway. Wanted to go back to sport utility for a change. I learned a painful lesson at the fuel pump with this vehicle. The LR3 rides great and is dependable. Just dont get one unless you absolutely neeed a SUV. The fuel mileage is so bad you will fill up $50 to $60 every 3 to 4 days. Otherwise great vehicle.

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  I still have money for the groceries! - 2003 Land Rover Freelander
  By ev barrett - September 7 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle despite the price is a complete SUV. It performs well and is very comfortable for a 6 ft plus person. Window controls on the center console is a little awkward, smoke occasionaly rising from under the hood still mystifies me, but with only only one recall so far, Im pleased. Seventeen inch wheels really set it off, and manufacturer incentive financing makes it a deal.

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  Fun in the Snow - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By caskier - August 30 - 2:33 pm

  Bought this car new in Feb 06 primarily to drive from LA to Mammoth Mtn and ski (300 miles each eay). Only problems involved a leak from the front differential after 6000 miles. Dealer replaced 3-times under warranty. Brakes are expensive to replace, but love the stopping power. RRS is great vehicle in the snow, traction and handling are great. I use a different set of wheels and snow/ice tires for the winter. Great heated seats. Back seat is not very comfortable, should be able to recline.

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  Freelander - 2003 Land Rover Freelander
  By Geoff B - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Freelander is an excellent SUV. Performs well for both on road an off- road applications. Surprisingly more able than expected off-road. Has great driving position. Major draw-back is poor fuel economy combined with small fuel tank limiting range.

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  I do not recomend this car - 2007 Land Rover LR3
  By kimabob - August 8 - 11:46 am

  My last 3 cars have been Land Rovers. I like them because they are so big and roomy. I dont get claustrophobic in them. So as usual I got a land rover when it was time for a new car. I dont recomend this car one of the worst things with high gas prices is the 15 mpg and premium gas. The first few weeks the engine was smooth and fast but now it is pretty loud and a little bumpy. All the features are a little hard to remember how to use. Folding the second row seats flat is a little bit of a struggle and there is not as much leg room as expected in the back seat. The third row is pretty comfortable but with the third row up there is only a couple inches to put bags. And only 1 of the three sunroofs open

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  HSE Disc II - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By Swanson - August 8 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the 2003 HSE Disc II. I received everything I expected and more from my Land Rover. I love the redesigned look for the 2003. The vehicle has great acceleration and towing capacity. If your lloking for a luxury SUV with great off road handling, this is the vehicle for you.

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  Very costly - 2003 Land Rover Range Rover
  By mlaxiniowa - August 7 - 8:23 pm

  We enjoy this car when its working. However, weve had repeated radiator problems. All repairs are very expensive and service is lacking. Can take up to 6 weeks to get parts.