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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  I dont think its luck - 2003 Land Rover Freelander
  By happyhippo - August 23 - 11:40 am

  I thought Id give my two cents on this SUV. Ive had this thing for 4 years and at 52000 miles Ive had very few problems. I think you here more from people that do than from people that dont and I think this FL is getting a bad rap. Its a european vehicle not a chevy or a ford. It takes a little more care and driver knowledge than US cars for sure. Knowing how to drive and what to listen for mostly. Ill admit there are apparently some inferior parts in some of these trucks and it doesnt sound like Land Rover NA is concerned at all about consumer relations. That being said, Ive loved this SUV from day one and intend to keep it for quite a while yet. BTW luck is almost never on my side.

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  Overall best luxury small SUV - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By lakes00 - August 21 - 6:13 pm

  I checked quoted and test drove the whole small SUV market. I chose the LR2 on features, looks, comfort and warranty. Within price range my finalists were the X3, Tribeca and the LR2. The LR2 won on features, comfort and looks. Lease price was the hardest part to digest, BMW and all others offered much better deals. I do love this little SUV, as it is so much fun to drive. Fuel economy is pretty decent for an SUV (getting 21.3 avg MPG). The standard Alpine radio is excellent. I do not recommend buying the Technology package. Tech package is $4000. For $350 I bought a Garmin navigation with Bluetooth that fits perfect in the NAV space..and the bluetooth does work with my Blackberry.

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  A million miles away from the Discovery - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By stephen murphy - August 20 - 11:53 pm

  To start with, I cannot express enough what a thrilling vehicle the fantastic new LR3 is. The old Discovery, of which Ive had three, is positively prehistoric, by comparison. Without going into technical detail I can say that the ride, handling, dynamic looks and attention to detail are all first rate. In fact, I also test drove the Range Rover and preferred the LR3 hands down. The designers and engineers deserve the highest accolades for bringing the LR3 to market.

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  Best SUV in class - 2010 Land Rover LR4
  By Stephen - August 20 - 8:43 am

  I just bought my LR4 a few days ago. I upgraded from an Audi A4. The LR4 is so much fun to drive, and you will definitely catch people looking at it. I test drove the Mercedes GL but decided to go with the LR4. I havent had any regrets. Of course, it is too soon to talk about reliability but so far I love my LR4. It feels so strong and safe on the road.

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  Great SUV - 2010 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By Rob - August 19 - 9:26 am

  Wow own a 2008 RRS and this is so much more of a truck...Can;t say enough good things run dont walk to buy one.

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  HSE7 - Pavement Sucks! Best 4x4xfar - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By andyv - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I had my HSE7 (replaced my RR Classic) with ACE and SLS and drove already 6k the last 3mos. What a fun to drive, I must say! ACE is great on those sharp corners! SLS off road makes you feel like being on the pavement - bring out the champagne while off the road.

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  I love my Freelander! - 2003 Land Rover Freelander
  By KPR - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Leased Freelander SE with the sunroof and the heated seats. Love this car. Dealership (Land Rover Massapequa NY) was phenomenal. Flip you the keys to test drive it and youre off. Sales process no hassle, no meeting with any "finance people". The interior is basic, like most LRs. Exterior is different, you wont look like everyone else in their Ford Toyota Jeep etc. Recently on a road trip into 40-50 mph wind and driving rain sleet. Car was comfortable at 70+. My parents have owned 5 LRs Disco and Range Rover, this car is as good overall as any. Yes the ergonomics of the cupholders and window buttons are odd but thats the way they are on all LRs.

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  I love my Range Rover - 2003 Land Rover Range Rover
  By tgwilburn - August 3 - 10:00 am

  What a great vehicle. I have owned many luxury cars and SUVs. This Range Rover is a perfect combination of the two with a heavy dose of exclusivity. Its great.

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  ROVER - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By 4x4xfar - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Nothing but wonderful, the new 4.6 v-8 makes a world of difference!!

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  the best midsize suv there is - 2003 Land Rover Freelander
  By j skaggs - July 27 - 10:00 am

  it rides better then a cadillac. It rides real smooth, its quite, it handles curves like a sports car, and it is real roomy