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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  This is what a proper suv should be - 2008 Land Rover LR3
  By discovery3 - March 14 - 11:38 pm

  Where to start??? I have 2008 discovery3/lr3 with the luxury, cold weather, and heavy duty package with front parking sensors And rear entertainment center. Best car I have ever owned!!! And I have owned alot, 15+ since I was 18. This one is staying around for a while. There is nothing it cant do.. well everything except gas mileage. It is quite thirsty guzzling down premium petrol.

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  Best vehicle Ive ever owned - 2007 Land Rover Range Rover
  By LagunaDriver - March 11 - 11:16 pm

  I am loving my 07 RR. I feel fabulous in it. I think Im in love! I have had some problems - electrical (trapped wires when fitted). This led me to buyers remorse. Once reunited all was forgiven and forgotten. Fuel ecomomy is hopeless (ave 15.8mpg) but Im past caring - I love the driving position. I love the comfort (solid ride). Love the back up camera. Rear seats are small for passengers and trunk doesnt hold that much. Who cares - love is blind! Although dont buy black - nightmare to keep clean!

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  Unreliable - 2005 Land Rover Freelander
  By Mr. Collado - March 11 - 10:53 pm

  The car has stalled 2 times and the dealer is unable to find the problem. Lights go on on the dash board such as breaking and traction control and the dealer has been unable to fix it.

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  LR3 - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By Michael B - March 11 - 5:30 pm

  I bought my LR3 through the Internet the process was painless. I got the car at a great price. Since I bought the vehicle I have not been let down. I just got beck from the beach where I used the sand feature and it was incredible. I was actually able to drive the car right through the surf. The car is comfortable with more than enough room and the features seem endless. From my reasearch of SUVs out there, the capabilities of the vehicle exceed most any on the market and the gas mileage is not that bad either. We owned a Discovery prior to the LR3 and the two vehicles are like night and day as far as the comfort and features. They really have done a great job on this car!

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  Still love it. - 2003 Land Rover Freelander
  By OrangeSE3 - March 10 - 10:46 pm

  I purchased mine used in 2004. Did have a coolant/oil issue. Land Rover replaced the engine under original manufacturers warranty and Ive not had an issue since. I average around 22 MPG. Its a great vehicle and fun to drive. Handles amazing in the snow.

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  Knee Problems but overall great car - 2011 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By flipper8 - March 9 - 7:56 pm

  Leased my RRS 2 weeks ago, and have found that the combination of the driving position/ accelerator pedal position and accelerator pedal stiffness is causing a lot of knee pressure and discomfort. Feel like I am developing knee tendinitis. This is the only drawback about the car (but a major drawback) as I enjoy the look and ride of the vehicle a lot.

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  5 years no problems - 2002 Land Rover Range Rover
  By sony - March 6 - 3:50 pm

  I have had this vehicle for 5 years and have had no problems and would recommend it highly to anyone looking at one. This is the only vehicle that I have purchased and not leased and I dont regret it for one second.

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  $s no object - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Mr Apple - March 2 - 7:43 pm

  i have had no problems w/my RRSC.It is plenty fast and very thirsty, keeping the tank full of premium is an every other day experience.(i checked it for holes) In a nut shell it is a must have for anybody with the financial ability.

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  WOW!, What a Truck! - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By 4by4realtor - February 29 - 6:46 pm

  Having a SUV and actually using it has taught me what makes a good SUV and this is it. I have a 2002 Toyota Highlander, and had a 1995 Trooper. I absolutely love my Disco II. I am 62"and so have had to learn how to get in it smoothly, but once I am in I am completely comfortable. The truck handles great on and off the road. In fact usually you cant drive an SUV like a car, but this one handles much better than most SUVs. I highly recommend this truck. Try to find one before they are all gone. I got mine for 10K below sticker due to the LR3s release. Best value on the market.

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  LOVE it! - 2008 Land Rover Range Rover
  By JDH - February 25 - 3:56 pm

  Wow, what an amazing car. I love everything about it! Gas mileage is expected, but we knew that going into the purchase. After coming from an 02 LX470 and handing it down to our daughter, this is a definite improvement. By far the nicest car we have ever purchased. Luxury, yes. But, living in AZ, we have taken it off-roading a few times. Very capable as that was what the car was built for. Its too bad that most of these dont leave the pavement and parking lots, owners dont know what theyre missing. Have yet to experience the "legendary reliability", as we havent had one issue yet other than routine maintenance (purchased 6/08). Even so, it cant be worse than our 750li.