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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  Ruff Rider - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By "LANA ROVA" - April 7 - 10:36 pm

  Im at 150,000 Km and am finding that every few months Im having to spend a couple of hundred dollars on repairs. But I absolutely love my Disco! I read all of the reviews out there before I bought it (so I knew what to expect but decided I didnt care). Something about these you either love em or hate em. Just make sure you take into consideration the high cost of maintenance on this vehicle in conparison to an American or Japanese vehicle. As for the style or ability, there is nothing else like it out there.I hate all of these bubble crossovers. Bottom line Ive had my truck for almost 3 years and still look forward to getting inside and driving around town especially in the snow.

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  Great Small SUV - 2002 Land Rover Freelander
  By maxwell - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Because of a long commute it was time to get rid of the big SUV in favor of a smaller one. I shopped everything -- domestics, RAV4s, Honda Element, Honda CRV, and others but nothing came close to the feel of the Land Rover. Having owned a Range Rover I was skepticle -- it was inexpensive and I was worried about quality. Since Ive had the vehicle I have had only one minor problem (a window bolt that needed tightening). The service is excellent, the vehicle rides wonderful and solid. It really is a Land Rover in small form... Ive driven it from MA to FL and back, and have not had one issue. Great vehicle.

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  needs help, but i love it - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By bogart - April 3 - 2:00 am

  This is the 2nd Discovery Ive owned, I love the look, the build quality. It carries a certain presence.I think the fuel ecomony could be better, and the window buttons could be a little more "user Freindly" and the gas and brake pedal are too close togther when you have boots or large feet they stick together and thats not the 1st complaint I heard about that.

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  Love it - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By MAS - April 1 - 11:00 am

  Couldnt be happier. Very practically design. Have a black, fully loaded SE that I got for less than the wifes Highlander. Looked at them all and if you want useful features, this is the most for the money. Handles great, I get 19.5 mpg averaging 41 mph combined driving. Very comfortable, Nav & bluetooth are great as well as the heated windshield. Have to love the Volvo engines, 240 K on my last one and it still ran as good as the day I bought it. You can tell its built for the long run. Only 3600 miles on it thus far no problems. I didnt even know the LR2 exited when I was looking. Saw it on Edmunds, ended up test driving it 6 times before buying.

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  Landrover LR3 HSE - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By Michael Duquette - April 1 - 5:00 am

  Ive been driving full size FORD loaded vans and SUVS for 35 years, specifically SUVs since 1997. As nice and dependable the Fords were, My new fully loaded 2006 Landrover LR3 HSE is a dream come true. So far it is an amazing piece of technology. Unique things like the multi user entertainment system which allows up to7 different users to each listen to or watch their own thing. The refrigerated console is literally cool. The voice activated navigation, phone system and audio system all work like a charm, once you get through the high learning curve. It is an extremely solid, well handling vehicle, very well appointed. The 3rd row seats work perfect for adults.

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  6 Month Report - 2011 Land Rover LR4
  By tanker6 - March 31 - 12:38 am

  I had been looking to replace a 2001 Toyota Landcruiser with a new one. The Toyota dealer said he did not have one but if he did, it would have been $75,000. So here I am with a 2011 LR4. 6,000 miles/6 months and I could not be happier. No issues to date. Very fast, comfortable and well designed. 22 mpg on the highway 15 mpg in town. Extremely competent off-road, and I am off road a lot. Also great on road. Smaller than the Landcruiser but every bit as functional.

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  British Fun & Luxury - 2000 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Rover Fan - March 27 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vehcile new in February 2000. With now over 27K of mixed miles I can not say enough good things about it. Capable off road, looks great at the valet, a real head turner, good service program and a wonderful overall vehicle.

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  poor choice - 2005 Land Rover Freelander
  By none61 - March 20 - 8:08 am

  Purchased from dealer with 28K miles. Spends most of its time in the shop. Was told the engine needs to be replaced at 55K miles. Land Rover mechanic says its junk.

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  LR3 beats my 2003 X5 - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Carnut - March 19 - 7:16 am

  I turned in my X5 for a new LR3 SE w/ NAvigation in December. This vehicle, in comparison, has a lot more to offer than my BMW did. The ride quality as well as the build quality have been exceptional - Land Rover, as a company, has definitely turned itself around. I have taken the vehicle to mountains in blistering snow and was surprised how well it rode, without ever being worried that I am going to get stuck. I have gotten stuck with my BMW X5 various times up in Mammoth

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  Just pure fun - AMAZING - 2008 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By Dennis - March 17 - 5:26 am

  This car is so much fun to drive. I replaced my 2004 A8 4.2 with 2007 RRS- SC and this car is truly amazing. I loved my Audi & enjoyed driving it - and this SUV is just as much fun as the A8! I also have a GL 550, but the GL isnt as fun as RRS. GL does have better ride quality - since RRS-SC is a bit stiff - it trades off with RRS sporty nature & agility. Its a true drivers car. If you are looking for a sexy, sporty, driver-fun car - go for it! but if u are looking for soft, passenger-comfort car, go for the full- size Range Rover.