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:

• 

  Dollar value - 2003 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Dick Terry - October 15 - 2:00 am

  Value for your dollar questionable? Feels more like a $60,000 dollar vehicle.Overall very enjoyable much more fun to drive than previse landrovers. Needs little tweaks here and there hopefully Ford will listen to consumers suggestions? Ill see how I feel after a year of driving? P.S. dont turn off reverse sensor, Wife did $2,500 dollars damage its their for a reason!!!

• 

  Deeply Disappointed - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By SUVFan - October 10 - 6:26 pm

  The Land Rover HSE is an excellent looking vehicle. However, that is about as far as it goes. I have had the HSE for seven months and it has been in the shop seven times (six for electrical problems - one for molding clips and road noise). The tires are making the loud road noise so they have to be replaced before 20,000 miles. Gas mileage is horrible.

• 

  I know but I still cant part with it - 2002 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Rocks5 - October 8 - 6:23 am

  We are into 6 years with this car and have had issues (all handled by warranty and extended warranty) but cant part with it. It has had enough work to seem new still and rides like it. It tows like a truck and during the worst Colorado winter on recent record was the only vehicle to get out of the neighborhood(including Hummers and a Ford f250 4 wheel drive). We have an SRX Caddy awd and an Audi w Quattro. We keep the RR as a second car now, but, when it snows the Range is what my wife insists on having drives. Its quirky but gets the job done when we really need it.

• 

  Warning to all... - 2003 Land Rover Freelander
  By Sarah - October 6 - 1:26 am

  I bought my car in 2005 and it was under warranty until 2008. While under warranty, they had to replace 2 window motors, the sunroof motor, a fuel valve and eventually they put a rebuilt engine in this money pit! Fortunately, I did not have to pay for any of that-I just spend endless hours/days at the dealer. I should have been forwarned. In the past month (mind you I am 8 months pregnant)its left me stranded on the highway twice. Battery was the first cause (ok, batteries need to be replaced) but 1 week later, here I am stranded without a car again (it died while driving and Im waiting on the problem this time.) I am furious and WILL NEVER BUY any sort of Land Rover product again!!

• 

  Warranty Only Please! - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By kcslc - October 5 - 11:00 pm

  My LR3 was a heartbreaker. I just traded it in after only 18 months of use. In that time it cost me nearly $1,700 at the dealer, and it was looking to need nearly another $1,200+ in work. Air compressor died, keyless entry died, rocker mouldings fell off regularly, front axle bearing bad, undiagnosed HDC fault, pass door lock died. This in a vehicle with 62,000 miles on it. I average 20k miles a year and had more problems in 15k on this vehicle than any other vehicle Ive owned! If you can stand the maintenance, this is an awesome vehicle. I almost kept it.

• 

  My new SE3 - 2003 Land Rover Freelander
  By phocuschad - October 5 - 10:00 am

  When looking at a five door SUV, I think there are a few other places to look. The Freelander is excellent offroad, but if you arent going to take it there, it isnt really worth it. But since this is the only choice for someone who wants storage, wants offroading, wants comfort, and wants open air. The SE3 combines everything, and is worth every penny.

• 

  Land Rover 04 - 2004 Land Rover Range Rover
  By lsd1 - October 5 - 4:47 am

  Love the Land Rover design and purchased a certified 04 Range Rover a few years ago. The car was wonderful to drive and the most comfortable SUV found. Navigation system was not has hard to figure out as others have suggested. I did have mechanical issues such as engine light repeatedly coming on, steering column falling in my lap, tail-gate latch failing . . .but nothing kept the car off the road (albeit the steering column issue was tricky and fixed ASAP). I have since sold this SUV, but still in love with the styling and going to give Land Rover another chance. Trusting that the new owners have made some headway on reliability, while keeping awesome design.

• 

  LR3 Review - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By Darley - October 3 - 4:43 am

  This truck is driven mostly as a family shuttle and grocery getter. But theres the occasional roadtrip up and down the east coast, when I really make use of the 300HP and command feature. This truck comes alive at high speeds and the ride feel solid, but luxurious. Poor on gas, but what do you expect from a 3 ton truck. I suggest replace the air filter with a K & N for better fuel mileage and performance. I really enjoy the LR3s blend of the utilitarian look with the luxury amenities. If youre in the market for a purposeful luxury truck, the LR3 is the quentatiential vehicle for you. It doesnt scream poseur, ostentatious, or what’s the point like many competitors.

• 

  My favorite vehicle - 2004 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Derek - October 1 - 2:30 am

  I have had this truck for 3 1/2 years now and it has been nothing but fun. It is super quiet at freeway speeds, great performance when needed, the ride is very comfortable and in every seat. In the snow, our friends with other SUVs park their trucks and get in ours as they can always count on our truck getting through any kind of snow environment. It has great prestige with my clients. Yet its not loud and obnoxious like an Escalade, which is an expensive Suburban with fancy headlights anyway

• 

  Amazing, Nothing like the RRS 2010 - 2010 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By TN-Nashville - September 30 - 5:10 am

  You feel like you are in a cockpit, as you drive in complete luxury. The engine has a great sound and lots of pick up. It has the best of both worlds: sportiness and comfort.