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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  Quirky, but loved anyway - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By Red Rover - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Test-drove it and had to buy it. Instead of a labored acceleration from stop, the Disco accelerates with ease and relative quiet. The turning radius is more than acceptable. Braking is excellent. For such a tall SUV, body lean during cornering (even without the touted ACE option) is minimal. As stable and sure-footed as a billy goat off-road, but refined enough to serve as a daily-use vehicle. Road noise is minimal, and the suspension is neither too stiff OR too soft. Drives like a wet dream in the rain on city roads, so dont let anyone ever tell you that its useless in town. Whether towing, mudding or hauling, what a capable vehicle.

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  Best by far - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By RAH - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Got to love land rover

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  Extrememly satisfied - 2010 Land Rover Range Rover
  By cewilder21 - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I am so very please with the Land Rover we just bought! It is such a beautiful vehicle and very smooth riding! Land Rover of Cary was helpful in my decision making choices of which way to go. The customer service at Land Rover of Cary was highly exceptional as well as the salesman. He was able to answer all of our questions and very knowledgeable about the vehicle. A big thank you to him! I would recommend anyone to go to Land Rover of Cary--they are the best!

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  Great Buy! - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By DPA - June 8 - 12:50 pm

  I bought the LR2 in July 07 and just hit 28,000 miles. Other than taking it in every 7500 miles for service, there have been no problems to report. It rides very smooth on the road, and handles well at high speeds.

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  great vehicle - 2004 Land Rover Freelander
  By patrick101 - June 5 - 2:00 am

  I rencently acquired my 04 Freelander SE after seeing it at the Phoenix Auto Show. Realized then Im glad I waited. This is a far superior vehicle than the outgoin model. Plus I think Ford is good for LR: Fantastic sales, service experience, vehicle is solid, powerful, weighty, fast and ez to drive. Also a steal with my trade. Best rated tires matched to the vehicle. The 5 speed steptronic transmission is great. All in all with its Land Rover adaptablity, the only downside in the mileage. But oh well. Cant help but love my lil landy. Also for the record, I am a first time LR owner.

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  disco fever - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By big mike s - June 5 - 2:00 am

  I love to take it offroad in Sedona Arizona. It looks great on those red rocks. Very capable.

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  Great Vehicle SHORT TERM.. NO longevity - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By jaison - June 4 - 10:46 pm

  Love the vehicle for the past 6 months+ few quirks that the dealer had to fix. Terrible gas mileage. I am not a stickler on gas though I am getting ONLY 10 miles to the gallon on average between city & hwy. It says that it should give you 14 city 18 hwy (B.S.) That is 60 percent less than expected! I have come from an Escalade and even that brougth me close to 15 mpg. Love staying with american products.

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  2005 SE7 - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Brett Morey - June 2 - 11:13 am

  Purchased this LR3 from a private party with all service records. What a tremendous SUV. Have owned a few MDXs and am new to Land Rover but thus far very impressed with the ride quality of this vehicle. Honestly I expect that the cost of operation for this vehicle will be higher but the safety, features like Navigation and panoramic Sunroof with fold flat seats made this vehicle top on our list. Whether its a short trip to the store or a long drive up North were thrilled to take the LR3 on an adventure.

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  The best Truck Ive Owned - 2003 Land Rover Freelander
  By Suzq - June 1 - 11:53 pm

  In my years of truck ownership Ive owned them all. Land Rover is by far the best. This car drives like my sons BMW three series on the road, and better than my old Hummer off road. People trip when they see this car; which is its only down side. Theres constantly finger prints on my windows. The seats are really comfortable, even on a straight through 1,000 mile road trip. It handles great in all weather, and like a dream in the rockies. Only minor complaints for this car like the cupholder, but nothing to cry about. Ive only had to bring it in to the dealer for the oil change.

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  A great truck and convertible. - 2004 Land Rover Freelander
  By Billb - June 1 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for a new truck, and when I saw this at the Chicago Auto Show, I knew I found a winner. The Freelander handles great in any condition. It has great pick up. It fits in the city, and can handle the country. The lines are fanatastic. After a hard day, there is nothing better then taking the top off and driving the stress away. For the price you can not beat the value.