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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  disco in alaska - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By leebulliii - May 2 - 10:00 am

  This was my second Land Rover Discovery and I loved it. Never had any major problems with it and the service at the dealership was always great.

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  landrover freelander se - 2003 Land Rover Freelander
  By ronaldassel - April 30 - 2:00 am

  console box near the gear box, too low need to reach elbow level for resting. and size is small. foot space @ the back seat limited space, trunk space small, compared to toyota rav4 2001 has bigger trunk space. stereo system should have tape player, stereo system not that hi-tech. thx.

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  BestSUVin the World - 2001 Land Rover Range Rover
  By H - April 25 - 7:56 am

  I have always admired the Range Rover from afar, and knew one day that I would have to get one. That day finally came and I must say that I love the Range. I read people reviews and with any product your going to have the good with the bad. The Range Rover is "King of the Hill" hands down. This SUV is in a class all by itself, case in point the next time you take that baby out for a ride count and see how many other Ranges you come across. You dont see them all over the place like the so-called- comparison SUVs BMW X5, Mercedes M- class, Cadiallac Escalade. You can pull up to the light and literally count about 3 BMWs and at least 2 Escalades. The Range reign supreme.

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  land Rover Range Rover - 2003 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Jasonic - April 24 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love the vehicle. Awesome ride and much improved power over the 2002. Interior is near perfect.

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  Good but not great - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Londoner - April 11 - 4:16 pm

  This is my second RR...last was an 02 before the body style change. My 06 RR HSE is great car to look at and drive, but the build quality and issues really do bug me. As a professional software engineer I would be ashamed to ship a product that clearly hasnt been finished and tested properly. The Sirius satellite radio doesnt display the correct station information when you next start the car. Already has a new audio control unit after 2000 miles because last one kept dying...dealer fiddled with it, but eventually had to replace the unit. STILL have a rattle in the car which dealer cant find! I will probably get an 07 RRSC but be aware of quality issues if you want to get a RR.

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  Still love it!! - 2005 Land Rover Freelander
  By lyn - April 5 - 5:36 am

  Bought new 2005 left over. Car has left me stranded two times. Once it was ignition switch, second coil. Road side towed it in. Air is spitting water at passenger side. Now Im smelling something that is making me sick when heat is on for long periods of time. Smells like coolant. clicking noise like the like the locks are going by themselves. Need another appointment. I love driving the car, but have to admit when the car is out of warranty I getting rid of it. Just not trust worthy and to costly to repair. The oil changes and brake jobs cost way too much!

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  The good in the bad - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By saharatj98 - April 2 - 8:40 am

  Oh, the stigma... You always hear the complaints and not the praise. Land Rovers do have their quirks. I have to say though that I will never own an American made car for reliability, resale, dealer professionalism, quality and just general engineering mediocrity. That said, the Land Rover shines in comparison. Many of the complaints are due to mis understanding as far as how it is designed. Reliability is a crap shoot. Mine have all been great. 288k on a 89 Rangerover is above average for any make. You have to maintain them to keep them happy as any European car. Off road these things are incredible and Ive owned Jeeps of all types. These were never intended to compare to a highway SUV.

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  vibration. - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By a.ash. - March 30 - 11:26 am

  I love to keep it, But the dealer couldnt fix steering vibration for the fifth time, car factory adjustments is good for only 4 to 5 thousand miles, Ill try to call land rover again to get it fix. or call my lawyer.

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  Overall a satisfying vehicle - 2005 Land Rover Freelander
  By California buyer - March 30 - 7:30 am

  I love my Freelander for its interior styling and reliability. It does have some quirks, such as the brakes make a subtle noise when I come to a stop but I am getting that checked out. Otherwise, I am very satisfied with my car. Its fun to drive and I feel safe in it.

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  A Driving Experience - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By jtouch - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my Discovery for 7 months. I have enjoyed every moment of owning it except when I have to fill the gas tank. Going from an Audi A6 to the Disco. in a gas shortage is quite a shock to the wallet. I have been impressed with the over all vehicle and its performance. I am hoping that I will be able to buy the Range Rover or LR3 in the next two years.