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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  Looks are very deceiving - 2005 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Range Rover - November 9 - 10:00 am

  Real quick review: this SUV is beautiful but the maintenance is very poor. I have owned for over 3 years and have been in the dealership service department as if I worked there. I dont know if its the manufacturer or the technicians but there is always an issue. If you have time or money to waste this SUV is right for you. I highly recommend purchasing extended warranty.

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  I love this vehicle! - 2010 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By M. Gilmore - November 9 - 10:00 am

  Even though I owned an LR3 with no reliability probs I was a touch nervous having read other reviews about the RR Sport. Sitting in the tow truck on my way back to the dealer after one week I was not too happy! Turned out a faulty cell in battery was why my car was dead. Changed it and since then a dream come true. I got black on black with the contrast stitching (a must) looks beautiful. Drives like a dream, such a comfortable seating position and great power I never want to get out of it. If you are thinking of this vehicle just get it, you deserve it. I have had only fun driving since the battery debacle of first week and highly recommend this car. Looks great inside and out,I love it!

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  Stylish SUV - 2015 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
  By Cliff - November 6 - 6:12 pm

  The Evoque is a fun car drive. It looks great inside and out. The ride is comfortable most of the time, although larger bumps are not suppressed. It is a great handling SUV. My gas mileage is about 21 in mixed driving, although the Evoque on board computer says its 23. The transmission has 9 speeds, and it can take a second for it to find the gear you want in comfort mode, it reacts faster in sport mode. The paddle shifters work well. I would not recommend this as a family SUV its too small, but if its just you or just you and a friend or spouse, its a great size. The panoramic sun roof is a great feature at night or when its not too hot out. The stereo and navigation controls can use some improvement, they are slow to react to touch. The climate system is excellent. Overall, after one month and a thousand miles, Im happy with the Evoque, it could use some updating in the electronics, and the gas mileage could be better, but I just enjoy driving it.

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  owner - 2005 Land Rover Freelander
  By S Tidline - November 5 - 12:23 pm

  I have a 2003 Freelander. I love the vehicle. I had a Discovery and sold it because it was too big and cost too much to maintain. The Freelander drives very smooth. It is comfortable and really nice. The other great thing about this car vs. the DIscovery is is use 87 grade unleaded gas! I love the car and hope to only upgrade to a later model one day!

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  Great Little SUV - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By mks - November 4 - 9:33 pm

  Havent been this happy with a vehicle in a long time. Luxury, fun and practical all in one. Averaging about 19 mpg with an average speed of only about 35 mph combined driving. Have a fully loaded SE that I got for several K less than the wifes hybrid Highlander and like it much better. Feels more solid and handles much better. Love the stereo and Nav system. Very sure footed in the snow and smooth on the highway. Just fun to drive.

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  Got Gotten! - 2005 Land Rover Freelander
  By Bubbles - November 4 - 3:13 pm

  This is the first car I financed in order to buy this car last minute, I had to scramble to get it. Within the same month of buying it, I had 2 take it back to the dealership because the car wouldnt start, they fixed it then couple of weeks later the temp gauge started lighting up. They looked at it 2x, first stating coolant level down, then claiming the cap containing coolant needed to be replaced, now after 2 wks temp gauge still light red. I then took it to Land Rover dealer and they also recommended engine replacement to the tune of $10k. I was shocked, depressed, and felt like someone just really took advantage of me. I GOT GOTTEN!!

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  My Freelander02 - 2002 Land Rover Freelander
  By Oscar Rios - November 4 - 2:00 am

  This is a Premium SUV in all aspects, however it can take a lot of gas if you dont change those spark plugs yearly. the sound system is awsome and the offroad capability is remarkable i love it. parts are hard to find most of the breaks and other suff are dealer items you can find them in exclusive auto parts. have fun with your landrover!

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  Multiple Problems - 2002 Land Rover Freelander
  By jmiddleton - November 4 - 2:00 am

  The day I bought the car the problems began. I have had problems with the gas gauge reading empty when it wasnt. One day the engine coolant container desided to break for no reason at all and smoke up my engine. I havent taken it off roading because I am afraid it is going to break down on me. The dealer told me that it is usual for the breaks to go out at about 15000 miles. I have had warning lights come one multiple times for no reason. And the list goes on.

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  Range Rover - 2003 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Chris Cantale - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Best joice I ever made, Rides like a dream, looks like a dream. I had to pinch myself when I bought one because I thought I was dreaming. I highly suggest buying one. Its a little expensive but it was worth every penny!

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  New and loving it so far - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By sww - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Finally bit the bullet and made a decision and glad I did. So far the LR2 has been great fun to drive and is a very comfortable ride. I purchased the cold climate package (love the seat heaters), Nav and stereo upgrade (I think they have me hooked on Sirius) and the lighting package, which might be my favourite part. The lighting package is like having a stadiums worth of spotlights behind you showing you the way. Added on the roof rails (they should be standard)