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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  Not your average SUV - 2008 Land Rover LR3
  By maddog72 - November 23 - 6:44 pm

  This is my second LR3 have over 150,000 miles of driving in both. Present 2008 has 63,000 miles. I have extensive driving experiance in all types of vehicles from H1 Hummers to Toyota Prius. Land Rover LR3 is not for everyone, if trips to the mall or shopping is all you do get a mini van. My LR3 is used 60/40 60 % on road 40% off road. It is the only vehicle that you can drive down the interstate at 70 mph and then go off-road and back on the interstate and do so with the easiest driver input. This is a truck, it is big, heavy to get good gas mileage you have to drive it like you want good gas mileage. I average 18 mpg with highs of 21 mpg on trips in flat country. Off road this is a tool

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  Bought this junk to prove my daughter wrong 4/8/17 - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover
  By mike Marshall - November 23 - 12:21 pm

  Admittedly bought this 2006 RR with 135K miles in mint condition, 2 owners, proper maintenance ONLY because my 17 year old daughter is a car lover like her dad but knew RRs were horrible in quality and reliability and very expensive to work on. So, against my better judgement bought this RR. Within the first 2 weeks one of the front air suspension struts blew out. Cost $800 to repair. Basic oil change was $150. Front brakes due for replacement but British mechanic says CANNOT TURN RR ROTORS SO ONLY NEW ONES AVAILABLE. Got suspicious of this mechanic so took to my regular mechanic who simply put on after market brake pads, but still cost way less (still $250) than the $800 the "British Mechanic" repair shop was trying to soak me for. Rear view camera works about 25% of the time. SUV sits up so high with no running boards or handles on front pillar that very difficult to get in or out for us shorter people and puts heavy wear and tear on sides of both front seats creating upholstry tears and paint wearing off plastic trim parts that are very cheaply made. Even the rubber key was so worn it barely worked=poor design and material usage and they are $400 to buy and have programmed! After 2 weeks and $1000 in repairs with more to come on those expensive air bags suspension ($800 PER wheel!) I decided to sell it. After driving a 2001 Lincoln Navigator which was of average quality, I would choose the Lincoln for less expensive repairs for both labor and parts. I myself bought a 2008 Infiniti QX56 SUV with 119K miles and cannot say enough good things about this SUV in EVERY category. It is a FAR superior SUV to the RR in EVERY way (and all others that I tested/researched). The RRs are currently the "cool SUV" to drive thus my young daughters lust for it but knew it was going to be a mistake as is the case with most English cars. (owned a 99 Jag XJ8 for 5 years=huge repair bills done all at under 69K miles!) Owned an 86 Bentley Mulsanne for a year just for fun but just after one minor repair it costs $2000, so got that out of my car loving system. English make some beautiful cars but some of the most unreliable and expensive to work on. Got disgusted with American cars as well despite trying to "be American, buy American" but quality still not where it should be at any of the Big 3. Finally broke down and bought a Japanese car, something I swore Id never do as they have always been so UGLY but many have finally figured out how to actually make a car look nice looking. If you want a really nice HUGE comfortable, powerful, high tech SUV. Def. try the Infiniti QX56 with almost 400 ft lbs of torque it does zero to 60 in 7 seconds, rides like a big Cadillac sedan in the comfort area and lots of room for hauling things when needed. Even my 17 year old daughter loves it, esp. with the technology upgrade package (BOSE, Nav, rear view camera, rear entertainment) and the roar of the factory exhaust is quite nice as well. One of the nicest cars Ive ever owned and have had almost 100 cars over the years. Stay away from RRs unless you want to spend a lot of time at the repair shop spending ungodly amounts of repair money. Heck, I dont even like the looks of it! Too top heavy on windows making it look like a "green house on wheels" and interior is WAY to small for serious Costco trips, minimal storage, many cheap parts at dash/console areas as well, esp for the high price that is charged when new. When driving it, it reminded me of driving something out of the 80s. Very outdated. Power is just average, esp. when compared to my former Lincoln Navigator and ESP. the Infiniti. And note** your car insurance will increase significantly compared to other same year or older SUVs like Lincoln Navigator being that RRs are so expensive to repair. I got a $600/yr increase in premiums "just because it was a RR" according to my AAA rep. Sold the RR within 3 weeks just to save my money and sanity! "It pays to be cool" but I aint no fool! Sold the RR and got her an 2007 Infiniti FX35 which is also far superior to the RR in every way except the view height of sitting high in the RR.

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  21 months of experience - LR3 for sale - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By LR3Dude - November 18 - 4:13 pm

  I knew I was taking a risk. My previous Disco II engine was replaced at 22K miles. I have 14K on the LR3 HSE and no problems the first 6 mo. Then everything broke loose. First was electrical – every warning light went off when the LR3 was wet or below freezing, numerous sensors replaced, suspension faults, automatic door locks would open and close setting off the alarm (removed horn fuse), wood dashboard replaced, fuel tank replaced (recall), replaced fuel tank return hose disconnected and gallons of gas poured out on my driveway when I attempted to start the LR3 (my wife and kid had to step in the gas to evacuate), ash tray broke and awaiting parts, etc.

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  Love/Hate Relationship - 2001 Land Rover Range Rover
  By wytex - November 18 - 12:08 pm

  I love the look and image of Land Rovers and Jaguars. The 2001 Range Rover that I purchased has had way too many problems, but it still has an appeal that makes me continue sinking money into to keep it rolling. The styling has a classic appearance that makes its age irrelevant. I like to fly fish and this vehicle is a perfect match to my bamboo fly rod and Filson vest and waders. Once I reach 200K miles in this vehicle I will likely buy a newer Range Rover and go through the whole love/hate routine again.

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  Very Disappointing - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By tv200 - November 17 - 6:13 pm

  Eleven years of Land Rover ownership and looking to jump ship. Very poor reliability and questionable design. Multiple electrical problems, warning lights and messages galore. Lurches from slow start, brakes squeak, radio sometimes decides to take a break from working, tires wear early and unevenly. Alarm goes off randomly, doors lock and unlock selves as radio goes off and on (keys not even in car.) Sunroof leaks. Poor winter traction, especially when braking. Windshield heating element distorts vision at night. Brights activated accidentally with turn signal use, rear wiper, when working, activated accidentally when using windshield wipers.

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  Freeloser - 2002 Land Rover Freelander
  By harndt - November 11 - 7:36 am

  What was Land Rover thinking?! I have replaced the engine, transmission, heater core, thermostat, exhaust plenum, rear window actuator (twice) and have had my car in the shop longer than Ive been able to drive it! Land Rover will not take responsibility for this mistake of a vehicle. I was told the engine broke because the valves bent. They built the engine with "Interference valves" meaning they do interfere. If they are slightly off, the pistons will smash into them, causing them to brake- causing you to need a new engine. I only have 60,000 miles on mine and have spen more repairing it than I owe on it. Does anyone know of any class action lawsuits? Because I am on board.

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  Great to drive, for 2 only though - 2003 Land Rover Freelander
  By johnmpc94 - November 2 - 2:40 pm

  Bought this SUV used, and have had no problems yet. Vehicle was recalled once, and we spent 1hr 30mins at the dealer, then left with the entire vehicle smelling like gas. Fast for a 2.5L V6, handles like a go-cart, and comfortable for the driver. Passengers in the back seat suffer. Seats at near 90 degree angles, and are hard as concrete. Not good for people who grocery-shop with the family, as the cargo area doesnt have enough room for two weeks worth of meals. Ive noticed lately that the back hatch is having trouble as well. When closed, the back glass doesnt go up correctly. Only thing wrong with it is the back left power window, which hasnt worked since we bought it. Otherwise great.

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  UNRELIABLE LEMON - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By Mike - November 1 - 10:00 am

  This is my wifes car. She acknowledges that it was a bad choice. Like someone else said, this is not a real SUV. This is a very low car that should really be a station wagon, but a wagon is better because it has more cargo room. The cargo room in the LR2 is a joke. What were they thinking? You could fit one stroller in there and thats it. This is a city car. It will get you from A to B in relative style, and its easy to park. Thats it. It is not a good grocery getter, not a good family car, nothing like that. This car is really meant for single young professionals who are frugal with their money and want to drive a brand name. Electrical left us stranded more than once.

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  beautiful car - 2005 Land Rover Range Rover
  By chebli - October 31 - 7:56 pm

  this truck sound and ride like a car. very elegant and sufficient car.loaded with premium navigation system

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  Overall a great vehicle! - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By bill4516 - October 29 - 2:40 pm

  Bought a used 2005 LR3 V8 with 75,000 miles. Now just about to turn 100,000. Overall I love this vehicle and (knock wood) have not had any mechanical issues. Besides its amazing appearance, it was cheaper than a used Tahoe 4X4. It rides very smoothly and has just the right amount of power. The a/c ( I live in Phoenix) works great. Im hoping that it stays reliable. It hasnt however been problem free. The glove box door broke, the little door that covers the cigarette light wont stay up ( I dont smoke), the handle for the back storage area floor board came off and my side molding has come off twice. Once while four wheeling and once in a car wash (poor design). Still love the car!