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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  Rolling disaster - 2005 Land Rover Freelander
  By PabloM - August 20 - 1:26 pm

  This car is a death trap. It has completely shut down at highway speeds twice, leaving us coasting and weaving through traffic. First time the fuel pump died and it seems that the second time this is the same problem. While these are the two biggest problems, it has had several others. Brakes and rotors shot after less than 14000 miles (this, according to Land Rover, is normal). Runs lousy with various odd noises - it is in the shop all the time.

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  Best SUV in class - 2010 Land Rover LR4
  By Stephen - August 20 - 8:43 am

  I just bought my LR4 a few days ago. I upgraded from an Audi A4. The LR4 is so much fun to drive, and you will definitely catch people looking at it. I test drove the Mercedes GL but decided to go with the LR4. I havent had any regrets. Of course, it is too soon to talk about reliability but so far I love my LR4. It feels so strong and safe on the road.

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  Great SUV - 2010 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By Rob - August 19 - 9:26 am

  Wow own a 2008 RRS and this is so much more of a truck...Can;t say enough good things run dont walk to buy one.

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  LR3 for me............. - 2009 Land Rover LR3
  By 2 Timer Land Rover - August 19 - 4:16 am

  After evaluating many mid-sized suvs, I decided on the 09 LR3 HSE. White/Blk. I just like the solid feel of these suvs. I drove the new LR4, I kinda like the utilitarian interior of the LR3.....plus about $14,000 less. My wife has an 07 LRRR, 50,000 miles and not one problem. Because of our experience with the RR, I felt good about the LR3 purchase. Gas mileage on the larger RR is 16 city & 21 hwy, I assume the LR3 will be the same. I hunt/fish so I will use the off-road ability this suv. Dealer came off $10,000 off sticker. Full maint. on the 09 not on the LR4. Look forward to happy miles like we have had with the Range Rover.

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  HSE7 - Pavement Sucks! Best 4x4xfar - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By andyv - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I had my HSE7 (replaced my RR Classic) with ACE and SLS and drove already 6k the last 3mos. What a fun to drive, I must say! ACE is great on those sharp corners! SLS off road makes you feel like being on the pavement - bring out the champagne while off the road.

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  Wonderful Truck - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Scott Griebel - August 16 - 5:06 pm

  Despite its love it or hate it looks, the truck is very solid and luxurious. It has a more comfortable ride than any car I have driven. Very quiet on the highway.

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  Garbage RRS - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By Garbage RRS - August 15 - 4:56 am

  Great looking RRS, but this car stinks in reliability! 390 horses and it doesnt feel like it. I got smoked by a BMW X5 4.8is. I tell you, who ever thinks this car is some kind of performance machine, is a fool. I have had this thing in the shop for half of the time Ive owned it. Garbage! Traded it in and bought a 2006 BMW X5 4.8is. Now this is a car. Talk about having some B-lls!

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  Freelander S 2002 White - 2003 Land Rover Freelander
  By cophotog - August 13 - 2:00 am

  Tight little SUV and fun to drive. Needs more cargo space though.

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  I love my Freelander! - 2003 Land Rover Freelander
  By KPR - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Leased Freelander SE with the sunroof and the heated seats. Love this car. Dealership (Land Rover Massapequa NY) was phenomenal. Flip you the keys to test drive it and youre off. Sales process no hassle, no meeting with any "finance people". The interior is basic, like most LRs. Exterior is different, you wont look like everyone else in their Ford Toyota Jeep etc. Recently on a road trip into 40-50 mph wind and driving rain sleet. Car was comfortable at 70+. My parents have owned 5 LRs Disco and Range Rover, this car is as good overall as any. Yes the ergonomics of the cupholders and window buttons are odd but thats the way they are on all LRs.

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  Purpose built - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By bgsntth - August 4 - 8:50 am

  Have 10K on our LR3, and in that time it has seen duty on/off-road, snow, soccer mom stuff, and as a surf vehicle. The third-row seat is amazing for its room and comfort. The rear cargo area is like an enclosed pick-up. The ride is smooth and rarely bottoms- out, though the handling is somewhat ponderous and could benefit from the Dynamic Response System in the RRS. Off- road it is, of course, amazing. I took 6 people on an off-road tour, which included a 30 degree slope ascent over loose dirt. We use the air suspension daily for loading, extra suspension travel over speed bumps, and warding off door dings in combination with the side-steps. It is ungainly in appearance, but ungodly practical.