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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  MOUNTAIN ROVER - 2004 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Frank J - November 29 - 9:06 pm

  I purchased my RR with less then 24000 miles and now have 66000 on it. I have been to Sedona, AZ three times, Pheonix, AZ once, Big Sur/Carmel California once and Ouray,Silverton CO. twice with a first leg drive on Black Bear Pass (pass was washed out in early spring 2008). I love the RR, and so does my family. It is comfortable and quiet on the road, dependable except for a battery discharge problem when parked for an extended time, (I use a trickle charger).

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  New Owner LR$ - 2010 Land Rover LR4
  By LR4 Newbie - November 27 - 2:46 pm

  Looked at Range Rover when purchasing prior two vehicles, a Mercedes GL450 and before, a loaded Dodge Ram Hemi. Much negative re the brand. Needed new SUV, not want to go price level of GL450 though loved my 07. Took the dive and purchased LR4. Very much to like so far. Power cargo door would be nice, but all else extremely pleasing. Very well appointed and equipped. May add review after some months of ownership.

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  This Awesome Range Rover Beats My Old X5 - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By LovemyRRS - November 25 - 9:16 pm

  I was fairly satisfied with my old X5 BMW until I drove this awsome vehicle. It fits like a glove with a solid luxurious interior and confident road position. I was particularly impressed with performance during our first snow storm when I engaged the terrain response system. The Rover grabbed the road like a tank and showed no sign of slipping or sliding despite icy conditions. Any vehicle this complex is bound to have some adjustment issues, and the dealer has been very attentive. It stimulates autophile interest, and I have yet to see another one on the road.

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  Give em a second chance - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By wilson - November 22 - 11:46 pm

  Why did we buy an 08 LR2? I love my wife and she never forgave me for dumping the 03. I drove a DKW cross country in the 60s and had less trouble than the 03. After several weeks of ownership I can say that I thoroughly enjoy the styling, ride, performance, and ergonomics of my wifes gray/alpaca LR2.Check back with me on reliability.

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  Great 4x4 - 2004 Land Rover Freelander
  By Roverman - November 19 - 2:00 am

  No compromise vehicle on and off road. Drives like a BMW on the road and goes everywhere my Jeep Wrangler did. What else do you want in a small SUV. Plus it has some originality.

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  fun filled - 2007 Land Rover Range Rover
  By froyd88 - November 18 - 8:53 pm

  the greatest car suv or whatever I have driven . The life to drive it all and this is my first LR its a real gem. perfect on or off.

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  amazing - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover
  By tom - November 13 - 8:56 am

  this vehicle has been my favorite truck and ive been through a lot of trucks. it drives great and its very comfortable to drive

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  Love it so far... - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Janet & Dave - November 12 - 6:16 am

  We have been a long time Jeep family (owned 4) and were looking at the Commander. For the same price we were able to get a 2005 new LR3 - no comparison! The ride is amazing, the level of service from the dealership second to none, and the third row is extremely comfortable. I am 62, 240 and have ridden in the 3rd row - I cant do that in any other SUV in this class. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a comfortable, luxurious vehicle, whether an SUV or not.

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  Best SUV out there - 2008 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By TYLER - November 9 - 5:00 pm

  This is the best suv out there for the money. Thus far has been a fantastic vehicle and as far as the reliability goes it is just like any other vehicle out there. That is why they come with a 4 year 50,000 warranty. There are no concerns about reliability for those of you who dont know land rover have the best four wheel drive system available. Why do you think BMW bought Land Rover years ago. For the four wheel drive system that they think is in the X-5. Yeah right, the X5 couldnt hang with this vehicle at all.

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  Dres Rover - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Dre - November 9 - 3:00 am

  The perfect vehicle in every way! You cannot buy better. Worth every single penny.