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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  Nice - 2002 Land Rover Freelander
  By dkspock - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Despite the Freelander getting less than favorable reviews in various publications, I still can not agree with most of them, I feel comfortable in this car, and I am 6.2". Even though current design trends seem to dictate a more spaceship like look on many cars out there, I think the Freelanders interior is quite functional, timeless and easy to get used to. The leather seats are very comfortable. the V6 engine has plenty of power, the AC seem fine, the standard sound system is adequate. This vehicle feels very solid, it handles great and looks great. I appreciate all the handy little details that is put into the design.

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  Watch out when they reach high miles - 2002 Land Rover Freelander
  By Dan_Keeney - November 6 - 11:33 am

  I had very good luck with the Freelander until I approached 75,000 miles. I had always followed the textbook in terms of maintenance, but faced a major problem requiring a replacement of the head gaskets, which would have cost $4,500. The vehicle wasnt worth that much on trade, so I got rid of it. The service tech told me that the 02 Freelander engine was over-engineered because they wanted more power for the American market than provided by the 4-cylinder version that had been used successfully for years in Europe. I also had constant problems with the sunroof as well, but otherwise it was a great vehicle until the engine went. Just get a complete diagnostic before buying at high miles.

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  my .02 - 2002 Land Rover Range Rover
  By caseyluv - November 6 - 2:00 am

  British quirky. superior handling to what was expected. clean lines, off- road prowess, hi-tech and quiet ride. This is what BMW would want an X7 to be. oh wait, that would be the 2003 model. A very worth vehicle.

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  Excellence - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By George - November 4 - 8:13 am

  This is a great SUV. The interior of this car is amazing. Its almost as if you were driving the more expensive range rover but for a lot less. If you want a great SUV that will serve your every need, this is it.

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  Very Nice for the price - 2009 Land Rover LR2
  By Willy - October 30 - 9:20 pm

  IT is a very nice car if you are looking for smaller SUV. there are lots of competition from Medz, Lex, BMW, Volvo, Acura ect. But the price is very fair for what you get. It is more like a truck than the other car- based. But still rides nice. Eventhough it is the lowest end Land Rover, it has the look and feel of the more e xpensive one, like the Sport.

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  My first Land Rover changed my life ! - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By DAISY GAMBLE - October 30 - 4:50 pm

  A Pleasure to DRIVE...6 Flags for FUN My first Land Rover...I am now into the Land Rover Lifestyle. Joined a Land rover club in California and Now I can go ANYWHERE in My Lr3 HSE! Other Drivers in Other Cars Take Notice of a Land Rover. Other luxury SUVs are boring! I still need to read the entire owners manual. So many fab features. Yep, I miss my Xterra involved in a crash once in a while... But my Land Rover makes me get over it fast ! Recommend this SUV ! Carries two great danes in style !

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  94,000 mile review - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By mks9 - October 29 - 4:12 am

  Been very reliable. Only routine maintenance. Oil changes, brakes at 75,000 miles, tires about every 42,000 miles. Fun to drive, good gas mileage for its size. Still dont like te key, but it seems to be the new trend. At the moment, its the nicest vehicle I have ever owned. Its my 6th vehicle and I never get rid of them with under 150K miles on them.

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  crazy in the range - 2003 Land Rover Range Rover
  By kit kit - October 27 - 10:00 am

  i feels like first class in a jumbo jet.Drives like 740 bmw.such interior design so luxurious.the queen has put together a beautiful piece of machinery I give it a perfect 10

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  Dig it - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By Jim - October 22 - 2:10 pm

  The car is truly great to drive. Love the standard features and overall look of the car.

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  headrests - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By shawn moore - October 20 - 7:30 pm

  This is my second Land Rover, they are just not the same anymore. The headrests are so poorly positioned that I am spending a fortune on neck pain!!! Land Rover North America is not doing anything for me!! Tires, had to be replaced at 13,000 miles. LR3 broke down for no reason and they still dont know why. It is not a safe or comfortable vehicle. Buy a toyota, at least they hold some value!