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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  excellent early experience - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By happy - May 26 - 3:13 pm

  I have had the vehicle for just over two months and 3000 miles. I have been a long time SUV owner(14 years; five other vehicles), most recently in an FX 45. I spent considerable time "shopping" the Land Rover, BMW and Lexus vehicles. This vehicle was far and above the superior in the group. Recently took a 1200 mile trip with the family and found the vehicle to be quite comfortable and a pleasure to drive. At this point I would highly recommend strong consideration of this vehicle.

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  Rose with a thorn - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By S. Colson - May 24 - 11:53 pm

  Bought my supercharged RRS loaded, including factor DVD and adaptive cruise control which were options I really didnt have much interest in. Factory DVD system requires headphones with wires, but...they dont come with this $70k+ vehicle. Adaptive cruise control makes interstate trips a real joy...set your cruising speed and forget about putting your foot on the gas pedal or brake. Transmission downshifts around town for this heavy SUV take a toll on gas mileage. Seats are adjustable, but still a little too firm. Acceleration and exhaust note are great. Lots of looks and compliments on this red beauty with 20-inch wheels. Wife loves it too!

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  Finest Lux Vehicle on the Planet? - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Champ214 - May 10 - 4:00 pm

  I love my supercharged RR. Its silver over ivory with piano black trim, very sexy combination. The ivory leather requires constant attention but looks great. Its very nice leather btw. Off the line acceleration is rather gradual, but once its rolling, it pulls very strong. I am averaging about 9.5 mpg which is acceptable for a vehicle this powerful and heavy. I looked at the Benz S550 and prefer the ride, drive, and style of the Range Rover. The only vehicle I can think of that combines ride quality, style, luxury, and class the way the RR does is the Bentley Flying Spur.

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  Climbs Rock - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By 4x4xfar - May 9 - 10:00 am

  If you are looking for an adventure, this is the vehicle to go in. I have owned the 2003 model for a few months and have gone rock climbing with the vehicle a few time. I luv it!!

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  2005 Range Rover - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Ash - May 7 - 10:03 am

  Owned this car for almost 3 months. My second of New Generation Range rover. Quality issues seems improved in comparison to the 2003. Luxury seating package made a huge difference in offering more comfort. New integrated phone system is a great feature and I just enjoy safer driving. Nav system is a great improvement. 2005 seems tighter than 2003. Its just a great SUV. I only wish it had more leg room in rear seat.

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  Range Rover 2002 4.6 - 2002 Land Rover Range Rover
  By morgan - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Ever dince I puller out of the dealership with the Range rover 4.6 HSE, I have never looked back!!!! It is truly a luxury SUV with all the trimmings. Drives real smooth and overall a very comfortable ride.

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  Not a bad Rover - 2004 Land Rover Range Rover
  By MRTJ2004 - April 16 - 10:00 am

  The ride is smooth and interior is comfortable for long drives which is does often. Great for the dogs with the cage in back which can also be hooked up on the ceiling behind the front seat too not just the back. The only thing that has gone wrong was that on delivery the CD changer is broken. The changer wont eject...but the dealer is fixing the problem. The color choices on the vehicle are great. Wish they kept a light brown metallic for 2004. Almost purchsed the Porshe Cayanne S but a drive in the Range was smoother..not faster...but smoother. Air suspension is better on the Range.

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  Let the fun begin! - 2002 Land Rover Freelander
  By Suresh - April 14 - 10:00 am

  I was totally impressed with this little Landie & bought it in within a week of driving. Since its one-of-a- kind on the road & Ull people checking U out at the lights. Interior ergo is good and I love the heated windshield, Im ready for midwest winter.

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  Good choice - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By LROwner - April 11 - 10:16 pm

  New owner of a "new" (never registered) 2008 HSE. Had been shopping for a replacement AWD vehicle for a couple months, test drove the ones I thought would fit my needs (I ski, camp, fish, and commute). I tried Tiguan, Forester, Patriot, GLK350, etc... nothing was "the" vehicle. I happened to drive past a LR dealer near work and the lightbuld went on. Test drove it and knew it was the one. Great style, great off road ability, gas mileage I can live with. Very surprised by the agility of the vehicle on paved roads. If the first month is an indicator this should be a good and long relationship.

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  Cant find a better vehicle - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By jokawood - April 3 - 4:43 pm

  I use to go through vehicles every 2 years or less. The first thing I look at when getting something new or thinking of getting something new is what compromise will I make when getting this? I have owned my 2005 LR3 SEV8 since 2007 (when gas prices were high) and so far after 6 years of ownership I have done regular maintenance, changed the bushings in the suspension, thermostat housing, water pump, had all the recalls. You would do to any other vehicle just like an LR3. But, I have NEVER had this vehicle leave me stranded on road or trail, never had an electrical glitch, or had a major issue. Best vehicle I have owned and I would have to compromise to get anything else out there.