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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  Love my Landrover - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By LandRover LR3 - October 26 - 1:16 pm

  Overall we couldnt be more pleased with this vehicle. It demands attention. The dvd player they installed is probably my only complaint. We have already brought it in for service..but that has nothing to do with the actual car. We have three little children and they learned how to put the seats up and down quicker than I did. The trunk space is a bit small when the the third row is up...but is still manageable. It is roomy, elegant, and worth every penny. The air conditioning vents are supplied throughout the car...and lots of cup holders. Great for the kids and great for my husband and I when we have a night out together. We will forever be Landrover owners.

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  Sporty, Luxury -- Fun to Drive! - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By Rick - October 24 - 4:50 pm

  This vehicle is mostly just simply a lot of fun to drive. It handles great (for an SUV), feels solid and tight, looks great (you can judge for yourself) --- and wraps you in luxury and more options than I can count. The sound system is outstanding - the best I have ever had in a vehicle (including high-end Mercedes). This is my first Land Rover product and I have been very impressed by the overall quaity of the interior and exterior fit and finish, and the overall feeling of sportiness and luxury. Also, it is actually very spacious on the inside.

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  Durning 1st Year of Ownership - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By 2006_rrs - October 17 - 7:00 pm

  This is a great vehicle inside out. I love the look of the RRS. Customer Services were great at both location in S. CA area. Problems that I had during my 1st year of ownership: Suspension Faults, compressor problems, Tailgate struts failure, Brakes squeeks after a few thousand miles, Engine Light comes on often, car shuts off by itself very often, Clicking Noise when making turns, rough transmission shifting at low speed, Spent 40+ days in shop. When vehicle is out of the shop: turns head, nice sound system with 6 cd changer that plays MP3. Est. 170 songs per CD. Nice driving position, Air Suspension, Touchscreen Navi & Radio is separate on dash. A++.

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  Dont wake me if I am dreaming! - 2003 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Katy B. - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This is my third range rover. I cant begin to tell you how superior my new 2003 really is. It seems like a completely different suv. I owned a 1997 a 2001 and now the spectacular 2003. The BMW technoloy is running through out the new suv. Its 4x4 capabilites are like no other. The 2003 gives you style and class. When you need it the acceleration of the BMW designed V-8 will impress you. I tow a 6500lb boat. The Range Rover takes this is stride with its 288 hp engine. I have owned many SUVs and nothing compares.

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  I love this car! - 2003 Land Rover Range Rover
  By bbroyd - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Ive driven Range Rovers for the past seven years (a 1996 4.0 HSE and a 2000 4.6 HSE). This is a very different vehicle! Its smooth ride and quiet interior are the two most dramatic improvements.

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  I Like It - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By terribleted65 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Fun vehicle to drive and comes standard with a boat load of features. Fuel consumption and per gallon price make me choose my other vehicle occasionally.

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  Big Chunk of Cash...Big Chunk of Truck - 2004 Land Rover Range Rover
  By HectorD - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Having always wanted a Rover, Im thrilled with this one. It is among the most beautiful SUVs on the market. Its off-road capabilities can be matched by only an H1, but this is a far more practical vehicle for everyday driving. Despite poor fuel economy, I have no complaints about this vehicle.

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  A truly special car!! - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By twisties4me - October 15 - 11:23 pm

  Great Car!! Most misunderstood car out there. If youre not into having maintenance done then buy one of those look alike disposable cars, do not buy a Landrover. Excellent on-road or off. In 115k miles I certainly have not had any of the nightmarish leaks and electrical problems that Im reading about, but then, Ive owned it since new and maintain it, with much affection I might add. Ive never ceased to be amazed with the quality of the switch gear etc. which we have BMW to thank for. The car is as solid as a rock! Stangely enough, for such a tall ride, it also handles rather nicely too. I love my Landy!

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  LR3 - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Forke - October 14 - 6:46 pm

  I have had my LR3 since December and absolutely love it. It is quick, quiet and sophisticated. Any friend I let drive, wants one.

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  Ultimate Luxury SUV - 2005 Land Rover Range Rover
  By nina abdo - October 13 - 1:03 pm

  Great luxury car. Doesnt feel like youre driving an SUV. Love all the extra special features.