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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  Got One - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By Simper - October 25 - 3:20 am

  I just purchased the new RR Sport. Its excellent. The car looks and feels gutsz, but drives smoother than a truck. The interior feels like a combination of a BMW and a Range Rover. Very high quality, but now with a driver intended focus. Its pretty quick, nimble and sounds mean. Its definitely a guys drive. I could be happier.

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  Best truck I have owned - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By TN - October 24 - 2:46 pm

  changed from a lexus GX to LR3 and its been great. Rides a lot better than the lexus, handles well, tows my boat over anything where the lexus always felt strained. Advanced drive systems do work well in the truck off road. Alot of room and a great load carrier. If you need a real SUV and not just a road machine then this Landrover is the one to go for. It can be thirsty and so far i have only had one fault which was fixed by the dealer while i waited.

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  Fantastic First Car - 2010 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Harvard AMG - October 18 - 11:10 pm

  I love this vehicle. I truly adore it. The engine is sometimes hard to control, especially for a teen driver, but I still believe that using it for everyday use is not only feasible, but encouraged. There are a few issues with reliability, such as an issue with the gearbox. But, I love to drive it around town. Fuel economy is a little dismal, but the Supercharged engine is worth it. I recommend buying it used. My parents purchased the car for me with 2,000 miles on it. My other choices were the GL450 (the front grille of the 550 irritated me), The X6 M, or the E63 AMG Wagon. Given that Range Rover had the most prestige, luxury, and the most advanced technology.

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  Freelander - 2004 Land Rover Freelander
  By Haiti - October 18 - 2:00 am

  I have experienced mountain trails with this car. It has taken me throught the worst of weather out here in Las Vegas. Like when it rains and we gwt a flood. I like this car because it provides a smooth drive. I think it could use a navigation system though. I give this car a 9.5 because it really can take you places. The only thing you really need to get done on the car is an oil change, and tires rotated, other than that I recommen this car LandRover Freelander to anyone.

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  SE-7 - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By guillermo islas - October 18 - 2:00 am

  The Discovery 2003 incorporates the engine 4.6 and transmission from the 2002 Range Rover, the brakes were improved also over the 02, the front suspension was reconfigured to reduce body roll without the need of the expensive ACE system, so you basically are driving a cool series II Discovery with all the better things that were just available in the expensive RangeRover that made it famous. It is a vehicle designed 100% for offroad, that transfers a great handling SUV for your daily drive in highways. Probably the only car that looks in place offroading in high mauntains and at the vallet parking at the Opera in the same Saturday.

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  Class leader again - 2004 Land Rover Range Rover
  By UKrunr - October 18 - 2:00 am

  Ive also wanted an RR, and was not disappointed. The ride is superb, on/off road. The class, capabilities and presence are in a class of their own. The sound system is fantastic. Truly happy with the purchase.

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  The Best 4x4 Period. - 2004 Land Rover Range Rover
  By elboss - October 18 - 2:00 am

  The best and second to none

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  Love This Car - 2002 Land Rover Freelander
  By Schully - October 16 - 10:00 am

  After reading the mixed reviews posted on this message board, I have to admit I was a little skeptical about the Freelander. However I didnt want to rule it out until I drove it. During the test drive I realized that the people leaving the bad reviews must never have driven one. The second I put the car in drive, I was in love. Ford, Mazda and Jeep should not even be in the same class. There is no way to fully explain it. All I have to say is drive one for your self. I just picked up my new one yesterday and I am very very pleased. The only negitive thing I can say is that I wish there were arm rests.

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  LR3 HSE7 - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By KandG - October 16 - 3:16 am

  We cross shopped the BMW X5 4.8is, X5 3.0 (0nly one with a manual) and Volvo XC90 V8. LR3 won out over others for features at price point and legendary capability of the marque. So far so good. Mileage has been better than average (approx 19.7mpg) LR3 is very stable at triple digit speeds on the autobahn. Utility, versatility and ergonomics are great. Steering feel is perfect and not overboosted like the Volvo. Only wishes really are for a manual tranny, cloth seats/rubber mats (leather is too much to upkeep) and Tdi options stateside. Navigation could have better input control such as a column stalk/selector. Touch screens tend to get tedious. Voice Command is really unnecessary.

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  So far so good - 2008 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By bestdeal - October 15 - 2:00 pm

  Range Rovers have a history of failing over time. The $6000 dealer cash sealed the deal for me. Although the Range depreciates faster than any other luxury SUV I feel it is still a good value. It just needs to be taken into consideration before purchased. Residual value is low. Dont let the TMV fool you! You can get a Range for well under factory invoice. I got mine for $5500 because of the dealer cash.The advertised $795 with no money down can be beaten by a large margin!