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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  Love my Landrover - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By LandRover LR3 - October 26 - 1:16 pm

  Overall we couldnt be more pleased with this vehicle. It demands attention. The dvd player they installed is probably my only complaint. We have already brought it in for service..but that has nothing to do with the actual car. We have three little children and they learned how to put the seats up and down quicker than I did. The trunk space is a bit small when the the third row is up...but is still manageable. It is roomy, elegant, and worth every penny. The air conditioning vents are supplied throughout the car...and lots of cup holders. Great for the kids and great for my husband and I when we have a night out together. We will forever be Landrover owners.

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  Sporty, Luxury -- Fun to Drive! - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By Rick - October 24 - 4:50 pm

  This vehicle is mostly just simply a lot of fun to drive. It handles great (for an SUV), feels solid and tight, looks great (you can judge for yourself) --- and wraps you in luxury and more options than I can count. The sound system is outstanding - the best I have ever had in a vehicle (including high-end Mercedes). This is my first Land Rover product and I have been very impressed by the overall quaity of the interior and exterior fit and finish, and the overall feeling of sportiness and luxury. Also, it is actually very spacious on the inside.

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  Dont wake me if I am dreaming! - 2003 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Katy B. - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This is my third range rover. I cant begin to tell you how superior my new 2003 really is. It seems like a completely different suv. I owned a 1997 a 2001 and now the spectacular 2003. The BMW technoloy is running through out the new suv. Its 4x4 capabilites are like no other. The 2003 gives you style and class. When you need it the acceleration of the BMW designed V-8 will impress you. I tow a 6500lb boat. The Range Rover takes this is stride with its 288 hp engine. I have owned many SUVs and nothing compares.

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  I love this car! - 2003 Land Rover Range Rover
  By bbroyd - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Ive driven Range Rovers for the past seven years (a 1996 4.0 HSE and a 2000 4.6 HSE). This is a very different vehicle! Its smooth ride and quiet interior are the two most dramatic improvements.

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  I Like It - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By terribleted65 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Fun vehicle to drive and comes standard with a boat load of features. Fuel consumption and per gallon price make me choose my other vehicle occasionally.

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  LR3 - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Forke - October 14 - 6:46 pm

  I have had my LR3 since December and absolutely love it. It is quick, quiet and sophisticated. Any friend I let drive, wants one.

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  King of the Hill - 2004 Land Rover Range Rover
  By renaldop - October 11 - 8:43 am

  I love my Range Rover. It is fun to drive both on and off road. I have a Lincoln LS V8 that I am planning to trade in, probably for another Range Rover (or Range Rover Sport). My RR has been in the shop a few times, but this is not out of the norm for such a highly technical masterpiece. Additionally, the top notch service at the dealership certainly helps. Ofcourse, they always provide either a Range Rover or LR3 for me to drive while my vehicle is being serviced. Although Lexus makes a "cute" and “inexpensive” SUV, it certainly doesn’t compare to the class and pedigree of the Range Rover. Range Rover is the best vehicle for a person that is willing to pay a little extra for the best.

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  Best of the Best - 2004 Land Rover Freelander
  By gjrugby - October 10 - 11:46 am

  We purchased our Freelander not three days ago, and we love it already! Filled it up with gas after leaving the dealership (87 octane) and drove around the city for a bit, then on the highway to our hometown. We drove for around 2 hours on the highway plus another hour of stop-and-go driving, and STILL got 20 mpg when we were all said and done. That was the first day. She is still clean and running like brand new!

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  04 rover - 2004 Land Rover Range Rover
  By vettvet - October 10 - 2:00 am

  vehicle is excellent. this our 2nd rover and it is much improved over the 2000 4.6. we are very happy with our choice. the optional leather package is the way to go

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  30,000 mile review - 2007 Land Rover Range Rover
  By OC Driver - October 3 - 11:13 pm

  I originally leased this vehicle for 30 months for a monthly cost of $1,375 (CA tax). The lease just expired and I bought the car (Chase financing 60 months $840 a month). I had owned Mercedes (E and S class)for 10 years and was nervous about getting into a LR. This has honestly been the most reliable and fulfilling vehicle I have ever owned (which is why I bought out the lease). Ive had two problems: electric mirrors got out of alignment (five minute fix) and driver side seat wiring failed (two day drop off). Service experience (Land Rover Newport Beach) is a joy - quick in/out - local Mercedes service was a good hour from drop off to rental car. I am very happy!