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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  outstanding - 2005 Land Rover Range Rover
  By charles brahambbbbbb - June 22 - 2:56 pm

  I have owned five different land rovers since 1992 this 2004 range rover is absolutly the best performing model. The power and performance are excellent and the off capability is outstanding, driving in the ice and snow is actually fun! If you own a gas station all the better.

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  2nd time is a charm - 2000 Land Rover Range Rover
  By towman - June 21 - 10:00 am

  This the 2nd Range Rover I have owned. The first was a SE 4.0 1998. That model was under powered but other than that very reliable. The 4.6 HSE 2000 model is a great improvement. More power with about the same gas milage as the 4.0. Navigation system is much better than my wifes 740IL. Great highway car, supurb towing boats, and unmatched off road. This is not a car to just drive around town in. Buy it because you will use it for what it was designed for.

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  So far, so very good! - 2002 Land Rover Freelander
  By SCRUM HALF - June 21 - 10:00 am

  This car is everything I wanted in a min-SUV and more. Only a couple minor complaints. First, watch your head when you get in. I have to remember to duck. Second, the drivers seat is fixed in vertical position. There is not much extra head room once you are in, and the rear-view mirror blocks a large portion of your outside field-of-view. Takes some getting used to. That said, the Freelanders on-road handling is superb. It drives like a sports car, and it seems to have plenty of power for my needs, even fully loaded with the family. It cost a little more than I wanted to spend, but I definitely feel bathed in luxury. Cant wait to try it off road.

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  Dont waste your money. - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By Tom Mignano - June 18 - 9:43 pm

  Driving the vehicle during the winter months can be fun provided you get rid of the oem goodyear tires. They provide no traction with a vehicle this heavy. Ownership is expensive. For example the brake system is inadequate for the weight. Expect to pay around $700.00 per year if you drive everyday. The wiper arms for the year 03-05 are proprietary and will cost around $120.00 per year. Considering tires. new tires lasted 22,000. Im on my second set. So around 1300 more dollars for two sets during ownership. This vehicle is underengineered, expensive to buy and very expensive to keep. Even insurance will cost you more because of the weight of the vehicle will cause more damage.

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  TWO LR3S - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By Steve - June 17 - 2:33 pm

  I purchased two LR3s new. One has been plagued with electrical problems, the other perfect...go figure. The dealer, as nice as can be, has not yet been able to correct cruise control and ABS problems on the troubled LR3. Im on my third trip to the dealer. Fortunately, they give you an LR3 free as a loaner. That said, they are wonderful cars..maybe the best overall vehicles Ive ever owned. I live in the mountains near Telluride, Colorado. Our home is off a rural dirt highway. I often use the suspension height lever to clear deep snow. You will love this vehicle..you will probably love your dealer (at least ours), but be prepared for some trying moments.

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  The Best SUV and Sport Car - 2011 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By sobemen - June 14 - 7:10 am

  I traded in my Porsche Carrera S for this vehicle. I am delighted with the performance, handling and overall the elegant looks of this SUV. The finish quality is superb and the purchase experience was the best. I will keep this car for a long time as this fits and exceeds all my needs. I am extremely happy with my purchase decision and find myself "staring" at the vehicle often.

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  Perfect fit - 2012 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
  By heathrow - June 12 - 10:16 pm

  Prestige, fully loaded, 4-door: This car manages to be playful, rugged and sexy at the same time. It feels incredibly fresh when inside, the cabin is airy and roomy, but it really drives like a much sportier, smaller car. I love that this is an informal, off-road ready car that can take a beating, but oozes luxury and freshness.

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  Remember wear the lock button is - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By elbert - June 12 - 10:00 am

  This car is wonderful does not have as much power as I would like but I was warned so I cant complain I do wish landrover would move the window and lock controlls from the center cosul to the doors like in every other car I have had.I do love the safty of this car and the felling that you can never get hurt.

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  Get off the road - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By yyttt - June 12 - 10:00 am

  Thi is an awsome car. I got it in may and personally I think everyone should have one.

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  I would have no other - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By eeeeee/l; - June 12 - 10:00 am

  I would recomend this car to everyone who is reading this review.I love it in every way.