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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  Overall very happy w/new 07 Range Rover - 2007 Land Rover Range Rover
  By giggyice - April 23 - 2:23 pm

  I had been driving BMWs for a long time and had always wanted to try a Range Rover. My poor BMW salesman was dissapointed when i didnt buy another 7series, but I just needed to get this Rover out of my system. While it isnt a 7series, it is very luxurious. I am dissapointed with the its sluggish acceleration, the non-powered tailgate, and gas mileage, but other than that I love it! Plenty of headroom, leg room and its great to sit up high!

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  My First New Land Rover In 30 Years - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Kendall - April 22 - 12:36 pm

  I have owned at least 1 Land-Rover since 1974 when I bought a new Series III 88. I vowed never to buy another new L-R as a used LR,RR or Rover sedan was,for me,a better value. The high-tech LR3 changed that. This is the best one yet! At this time, it is even more high-tech than the new RR. The interior retains features from the Range Rover Classic that were so popular in the P5 and P6. The heated windscreen was first seen in the 67 6- cyl L-R 109. Computer integration of engine,drivetrain,suspension, etc. is amazing! EAS bags are now protected from the elements. Navigation system is fantastic compared to 98 RR. WELL WORTH THE NEW STICKER PRICE! Best value of all new RR & LR models!!!

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  I Love my LR2 - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By nekemomo - April 16 - 7:13 pm

  I have to say I was getting discouraged with some of the cross- overs as I was looking for a new vehicle. My husband sent me the link to check out the LR2 and I instantly was intrigued. We went and test drove the vehicle and it was a done deal. It handles exceptionally well, has a smooth ride and excellent technology. Whenever I am driving in town people check out my car, and I get tons of compliments. You dont see many of them on the road, which is another great thing about Land Rover. I couldnt be more in love with my car!

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  I got a Lemon - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Sunridgefarm - April 16 - 8:53 am

  I have had my LR3 for 8 months and it has already been in the shop for over 50 days. First a bunch of lights went on for no apparent reason, the shop had my car for over a week. Then I took it in for its 7500 mile check and the next day it started to surge forward then the engine would die. That took 3+ weeks to fix (new fuel tank). I got the car back and within 3 hrs. the engine light went on. Another 10 days and a new feul pump, the service manager took it home to test it and the light went back on. Finally got my car back and within 24 hours the check engine light is back on. I have had it and am filing a Lemon Law claim.

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  Good but not great - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Londoner - April 11 - 4:16 pm

  This is my second RR...last was an 02 before the body style change. My 06 RR HSE is great car to look at and drive, but the build quality and issues really do bug me. As a professional software engineer I would be ashamed to ship a product that clearly hasnt been finished and tested properly. The Sirius satellite radio doesnt display the correct station information when you next start the car. Already has a new audio control unit after 2000 miles because last one kept dying...dealer fiddled with it, but eventually had to replace the unit. STILL have a rattle in the car which dealer cant find! I will probably get an 07 RRSC but be aware of quality issues if you want to get a RR.

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  Tested Tough - 2002 Land Rover Freelander
  By Free_lander - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Weve had a Freelander for 2 years now. We spending a lot of time on back woods, and above tree line trails. Like most forein cars this SUV runs best at higher RPMs. Lack of power, was caused by my driving habits. I use the sport trani the freelander has all the power I need. We have taken trails rated for advanced or expert drivers, it never skips a beat. Last winter we were driving over Rabbit Ears pass by Steamboat they closed the pass while we were going over. We cruised right through. If fuel economy is is your deal, Go buy a Honda Its worthless Off Road but it gets the milage. for a 4X4 with reasonable milage get a Freelander. We love it!

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  Love my HSE - 2000 Land Rover Range Rover
  By lwell - April 10 - 4:06 am

  I have enjoyed my HSE far more than I expected. It is a work horse, yet comfortable and elegant. No issue so far at all, very reliable.

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  Absolutly fantastic the king of suvs - 2004 Land Rover Range Rover
  By pedromirmiranda - April 6 - 2:00 am

  i also drove a cayenne its good but its not the king like range rover is, just put one to the side of another and you will se the diference

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  Still love it!! - 2005 Land Rover Freelander
  By lyn - April 5 - 5:36 am

  Bought new 2005 left over. Car has left me stranded two times. Once it was ignition switch, second coil. Road side towed it in. Air is spitting water at passenger side. Now Im smelling something that is making me sick when heat is on for long periods of time. Smells like coolant. clicking noise like the like the locks are going by themselves. Need another appointment. I love driving the car, but have to admit when the car is out of warranty I getting rid of it. Just not trust worthy and to costly to repair. The oil changes and brake jobs cost way too much!

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  Bad, bad, bad - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By Run Away Now! - April 2 - 9:16 am

  Purchased this vehicle as a demo model. Has been nothing but unreliable since day one. Yesterday I had to junk it because the engine failed totally! Beware of this year and model car. Look online for issues involving oil pump engine failures. The car was in the shop more than out -- sometimes months at a time -- power window failures, leakage, tailgate failure, numerous mechanical issues and basically a very rough riding car. Since this model year, I will pride Land Rover in coming out with the LR3 --I have heard a much better designed car. But dont buy a 2003 Discovery!