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:

• 

  Very satisfied - 2005 Land Rover Freelander
  By MonkeyDriver - February 1 - 5:03 pm

  I am absolutely in love with my Land Rover Freelander and have recommended it to many. For me, the ride and its ability surpass any shortcomings. Particularly its weight and gas mileage. I highly recommend this vehicle.

• 

  Great SUV for the price - 2010 Land Rover LR2
  By varnergirl - January 20 - 6:03 am

  I have previously owned a GMC Acadia, went down to a loaded Nissan Rogue to save on gas mileage, BAD DECISION. We just purchased the pre owned LR2 HSE and I am more than pleased. No, it is not as spacious as the Acadia, but drives like a pure luxury car. The gas mileage has been better than expected. In comparison to the price of the loaded Rogue we well overpaid for, this vehicle feels more stable and quiet frankly is worth every penny. I love the safety features and the ride. Land Rover made an affordable alternative for the Middle Class. Always check your options on a nice pre-owned vehicle you love before settling for a new vehicle you hope will grow on you.

• 

  Original Owner LR4 - 2014 Land Rover LR4
  By KG - January 15 - 10:06 am

  This is my 5th Land Rover and by far the best. I still have relatively low milage (under 30,000 miles) but the SUV is solid. Great interior space. Great visibility. Smooth ride. Classic and unique styling! Land Rover has come a long way in design, comfort, and technology. It is what it is (not meant to compete with BMW or Porsche in speed) but a fine vehicle for the performance purpose.

• 

  I love it - 2003 Land Rover Range Rover
  By I love it!!!! - January 15 - 3:23 am

  This truck is by far and away the best vehicle I have owned. Ever since a kid I have always wanted a Range Rover. I finally got one and I havent been happier. This car is beautiful inside and out. I have the Navy Blue with the Ivory seats. The car is very reliable as well. I have driven it close to 10k miles and I havent had one issue with it. I bought it at 59k and it drives as if new. I would recommend this car to anyone.

• 

  An Excellent Ride - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By dxholder - January 10 - 4:06 pm

  Land Rover has provided an OUTSTANDING vehicle. Being that I am a previous owner of the Land Rover Discover Series, I can say without a doubt that significant improvements have been made in providing me, consumer, with a smoother and quieter ride, easier handling, and over enhancement of interior, as well as the exterior.

• 

  2011 HSE LUX___Perfect for me ! - 2011 Land Rover LR2
  By Dave - January 7 - 8:43 am

  Plenty of power, quiet, smooth ride, transmission is very smooth, stereo is amazing. I change air filter to top of the line lifetime filter and my milage and horsepower went up nicely.

• 

  What a Vehicle! - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By William Blake - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I love my new 2003 Discovery. I looked at many other high line vehicles but the Land Rover came out on top. The new design is awesome and classy, yet modern. The interior is great and has every control within reach. Visibility is second to none. I have the navigation system and love that, although I wish there was a screen, but if there was I would have a wreck. Gas mileage could be better, but I surely understand why it is not that great; the vehicle is made of basically solid steel and weighs around 5000 pounds. I am completely happy with my Land Rover. I highly recommend this great vehicle for you!! GO LAND ROVER!!

• 

  Super Supercharged - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover
  By willie - January 3 - 9:46 pm

  The moment I got behind the wheel I knew this was the vehicle made for me. The style both interior and exterior are superb. It drives like a luxury sedan and is quick like a sports car. One of the "funnest" cars Ive ever owned. I felt extraordinarily safe driving in the recent torrential rainstorms in my area. It handles extremely well in bad weather.

• 

  TMy 2nd Rover - 2011 Land Rover LR4
  By wmckibben - January 3 - 1:16 am

  I bought a Range Rover in 2004 and it was a great SUV. I just traded in for the LR4- more bang for the buck. The fuel economy is worse than on my 2004 RR, but the 5L V8 puts out more power and the LR4 drives better. The new Land Rovers are vastly improved and offer tremendous value compared to the competition.

• 

  Greatest - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By vijl - January 2 - 10:00 am

  This is my second landrover discovery own two now. There is no comparison available.