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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  A vehicle for an active lifestyle - 2002 Land Rover Freelander
  By supereks - January 8 - 6:50 am

  I bought one of the first vehicles that made it over the Atlantic in late 2001. Just returned from another trip to the New England mountains in the winter. The Freelander is an all- weather vehicle that feels safe in all conditions as long as the tires are new or relatively little worn. Would not try to climb any rocks with this little SUV, but any kind of mud, snow or even shallow water is no obstacle. Strongly recommend rubber floor mats, trunk plastic cover and covers for seats. The vehicle has its problems with quality of manufacturing/reliability (numerous problems were minor, only one left it immobile for a prolonged period due to a problem with delivery of a specific spare part).

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  Way Better Than Expected - 2008 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By Zev - January 7 - 6:40 pm

  Have only had it for a week so not much to go on yet, but my first impressions are: one of the best drives out there - seating position is very good and i am an XL size. I had driven the full size Range and the Sport - loved the inside on the full size but this drives so much better - it really drives like a world class sports car.

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  On my 2nd Disco - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By Dr Ralph Krutulis - December 22 - 1:43 am

  I am on my second Discovery ( the 1st was a 1996 Disco I). This one is #141 of the limited Camels Cup G4 Series. The machine shows the influence of the BMW design team; it goes a lot faster, a lot quicker, but seems less stable in snow withstock tires. The addition of Nokian SUV tires improves the traction markedly. It was one of the few SUVs that I can put my portable clinic in, and still have room for the kids and their stuff. The fuel milage is worse this Disco (12.5MPG) vs 15MPG on the prior Disco, but it had a smaller (4.ol) engine. I would look at the LR3 next.

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  Stellar vehicle all the way around! - 2002 Land Rover Range Rover
  By eyefleye - December 16 - 6:56 am

  Going on five years with my Rangey and surprisingly zero problems. I love the timeless styling and comfort. I bought 1 of 300 Westminster editions and hardly see any others on the road. I live in Atlanta and I think theres only one more here in town! Sturdy build quality, parts & paint keep her looking sweet and sexy, like the day she came off the truck. I bought it with 50k on it and now were at 109k, nothing but routine maintenance. I bought the warranty through 100k and didnt use it once. Im a true believer that if you take care of these Rovers, theyll last forever. My local shop says mine is one of the dryest underneath theyve seen, for the mileage.

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  Cant understand all the frustration - 2003 Land Rover Freelander
  By Learn How to Drive - December 14 - 5:23 pm

  I just thought I should give my 2 cents about this car. Everyone on here must not know how to maintain a vehicle because even after buying mine used with 58,000 miles, I havent had any unexpected problems. People need to understand that this is a foreign, luxury SUV and requires more driver knowledge. You cant just put gas in it and expect it to maintain itself. I check the fluids every other week and change the oil every 3000 miles. Gas mileage is decent for an SUV of this age. Yes, parts are a bit more expensive but this is expected with any foreign vehicle. Personally, I think this is a safe, fun, and reliable vehicle that I am very proud to own.

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  Good pick - 2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport
  By Chris R. - December 14 - 8:52 am

  Love the purchase of my 2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport. Comfortable ride, great steering. I think Land Rover should provided upgraded headlights on the SE as standard equipment. Most brands do. Shifting is a little strange but I’m happy with vehicle.

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  08 Supercharged - 2008 Land Rover Range Rover
  By tm - December 14 - 2:23 am

  Fourth Range Rover. Supercharged is very powerful with a great drive look and fit. Nevertheless, terrible reliability!!! Blocks on supercharged not moulded properly. No car for a month while engine repaired. Good warranty but have to spend around $300 at every visit for tire rotation ect. Next problem occured while on interstate as power decreased while in fast lane. Supercharer pump and electrical problem. Unfortunately, dealer where Rover was purchased went out of business and car must be sent 70 miles to nearest dealer. Lots of money for such poor reliability but if near a dealership and admire vehicle, grab one. GREATEST ADVICE, trade before warranty expires!!!!!

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  LR3 - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By LR3 - December 12 - 3:30 am

  Great drive; feel safe in LA or on the backroads. Average of 10-12 mpg lacks seriously though. Also should have 2 other sunroofs moveable with back windows opening an option. Love the optional back rubber mats, but tailgate should also be covered for dogs....

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  So Far So Good - 2009 Land Rover LR3
  By maxgold114 - December 9 - 5:00 am

  New owner of a 2009 LR3. Put about 1000 miles on in first month. Truck has great features, and while not great on gas, its not significantly different than its competition. Car works well and has been solid so far. Definitely happy with purchase so far.

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  Disco Love! But Not for everyone! - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By ooosjcooo - December 5 - 8:53 am

  The 03-04 is the Disco perfected! Last of its kind! These reviews are upsetting. Im reading things like "problems after 90K miles" and "poor gas mileage". What huge V8 SUV 4X4 doesnt? If you want reliability and good gas mileage go buy a Honda Fit, If you want a rugged off road machine that has good enough looks to take to the country club or tow your boat then this is for you! Truly a classic for the outdoorsman, but not for the weak!