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:

• 

  Upper Class Compact SUV - 2003 Land Rover Freelander
  By Rover723 - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Although the Freelander is compared with the Honda and Rav4, I dont think it should be. After riding all three, the Freelander feel much more solid and designed for much more aggressive off road experiences while really giving off a "European" feel while on the black top. Weighing in at 4500lbs due to all the steel reinforcements, it can use a little more HP, but it still has a little punch accelerating. The interior is all business but still has a conservative upper class feel. All in all the 2003 model gives much more SUV than others in its class and brings with it the prestige of Land Rover.

• 

  Yes - sadly I join the masses - 2003 Land Rover Freelander
  By s white - February 22 - 8:06 pm

  Today I join the mass of disappointed Freelander owners as I became victim too, of the mysterious disappearing coolant. Well, not so mysterious. Yes - Land Rover of Harrisburg called, the car they sold to me just a little over 2 1/2 years ago -JUNK! I was told I was actually lucky I made it to 110,000 before the engine went. Yes - Land Rover of America told me they had no knowledge of any problem with the engines. Guess employees there are blocked from using Google. Cant get most parts. We were trying to find a rear windshield wiper and rear window motor. Now we know - Land Rover has cut off all ties to the Freelander including parts support. DONT BUY. SELL QUICK!

• 

  Freelander Lemon - 2005 Land Rover Freelander
  By trburton - February 18 - 1:10 pm

  I babied my Freelander for 55,000 miles. Not a scratch. Never replaced Rotors & replaced pads only once. Loved the handling & snow traction (800 miles from TN to DC & back in 8 inches). No problems until transmission started slipping at 45,000. It was replaced under warranty. Engine made noise when I picked it up at Dealer. Noise continued in cold weather at startup. Dealer said "not to worry". In August noise started & engine disintegrated

• 

  disco rave - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By ljmurphy - February 14 - 12:23 am

  I owned Hondas and Jeeps all my life and now i have the privilege of driving a Discovery SE. It is by far a superior SUV vehicle. Nothing even comes close. I am disappointed they have dicontinued the body style though. It has always been a very distinctive looking vehicle which set it aprat from all the others out there on the roads. I intend to keep mine for as long as it will last. The guys/gals over at Landrover Warwick, RI have really made the vehicle that much more enjoyable. You certainly get red carpet/white glove treatment whenver you walk in their showroom. Thank you Landrover for a wonderful ride!

• 

  Best Vehicle owned - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By Trevoro47 - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I work out of town for a living and average around 40,000km a yr on my vehicles, the Land Rover LR2 has been the best vehicle I have owned and I have owned everything from trucks to cars to vans and I wouldnt drive anything other than my Land rover. admittedly the cargo space is a little tight but aside from that this vehicle is solid! I live in Canada and going through the 7 months of Canadian winters you need a reliable vehicle. Aside from the schedule maintenance I havent had a single issue with it, even after putting 30000 km on it in 9 months the engine still purrs like a kitten. Love it thanks for the dependability Land Rover. Good job!

• 

  LR V8 SE - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By retfalvi - February 10 - 12:53 am

  As expected the "Queen of SUV"s. Love the solid feel and the quietness of the V8. Straightforward design, cannot go wrong with a Jaguar engine. Features are tailored to my needs. This will be a keeper.

• 

  Could be for you - 2004 Land Rover Freelander
  By bedhead - February 8 - 2:00 am

  depending on what youre looking for, this could either be the best or the worst car youll ever buy. this is for someone who wants an suv but isnt too interested in off-roading. someone who if they were getting a coupe/sedan would opt for a convertible. someone who wants a quality-made car with something more than a plain-vanilla GM make. someone who wants to stand out a little on the road without having to spend $70k. i love it, this car is for me, its easily worth the small premium.

• 

  Loving my new LR2 - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By highwaydude - February 7 - 7:10 pm

  I am going on my 3rd week of owning the new LR2 and have had no problems. It rides very comfortable, very quiet on the road, and the best sound system I have yet to have in a vehicle.

• 

  wouldnt buy one - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By powershopper - February 6 - 8:00 am

  The test drive was impressive so much so that you could visualize yourself driving on the off-roads on the weekends but discover there is no compass! The windshield sensors dont work right and so you have to manually operate them which can be hazardous on long drives. (There is no intermittent control) Ive had the car for three months and it has been in the shop for at least 3 weeks. Lots of trouble with the compressor and rattles we cant get rid of. There are a lot of blind spots. Should be more luxurious for the price. Hard to find climate control buttons. Doesnt have a lot of pick up for a V 8. Car has a nice exterior appearance. Im a little worried about taking it on a long trip.

• 

  Good but quirky - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By RJD - February 3 - 4:36 am

  As the other reviewers said, it is solid, heavy, and safe. I feel comfortable when wife is driving it with our daughter. But for the money, there are so many quirky things that go wrong, the tire pressure guage is faulty, had an issue with brakes, the issue with water coming in the car from the sunroof, etc. It is a solid car, but Costco is the only jungle Im headed to. Too many off road features and not enough attention directed to designing a slick, ergonomic cockpit. Way too many buttons, and the nav totally stinks. A paper map is more useful. My Acura TL has a nav that blows this away. Ill be turning my lease in in 2 months and not getting another.