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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  And its not one of those me too vehicle - 2002 Land Rover Freelander
  By Loonie - November 21 - 6:20 am

  We looked at all the utes and this one fit us the best. Besides, with 3.9% LandRover credit how could you go wrong? Cargo space is small, and there are a few luxury items you cannot have, but the owners manual is worth it. I now have a button (hood) release, and it is on the passenger side.

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  Solid - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By D3 - November 19 - 4:40 am

  Very solid vehicle. Handles suprisingly well for its size and weight. Exceptionally stable on-road, typical Land Rover off-road capability.

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  Best you can drive north of Mason-Dixon - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover
  By dond - November 18 - 10:06 pm

  This has been the best vehicle for year around reliability and comfort - complete dominance over inclement conditions (we live in Maine) no road under any condition save for a 40" snowfall would be considered impassable and under the MOST luxurious conditions. Nothing but best experiences with dealership on any and all warranty issues - anyone expecting trouble free experiences with a vehicle with this much techno-lux capability is not living in the real world - but LRNA is really up front about keeping me on the road - if you want this kind of lux w/o problems go get a LEXUS, but dont expect all condition capability in all seasons w. fit and finish among the best euro mfgs.!!!!

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  Wonderful SUV - 2004 Land Rover Range Rover
  By jbmay - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely the best SUV I have ever driven.Great performance, excellent handling,goes anywhere, and I love the way it looks. It is great for long trips, it has no trouble pulling big boats, and I feel very secure driving in bad weather.

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  150,000 - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By mks9 - October 27 - 5:09 pm

  Just about to turn 150,000 miles. Been a great vehicle. Only thing that has gone wrong is AM radio and a broken spring on the shift lever. Have only done routine maintenance. Still on 3rd set of tires, brakes replaced at about 75K and oil changes. Best vehicle I have owned and have been driving for about 40 years. Lots of nice little features, and well designed. Handles great and has been reliable. I tow a small boat, carry bikes, kayaks and stand up paddle boards during the summer. Average about 21 mpg, mostly highway.

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  Discovery - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By jamesa30 - October 17 - 10:00 am

  I havent had the truck too long, but it is fun to drive.

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  D I S C O F E V E R - 2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport
  By Shaun B - October 14 - 8:35 pm

  Ive had this vehicle as a lease for 8000 miles now. Everything has been fabulous. Drive is great and very luxurious.

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  Westminster is a DREAM - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Robin - October 9 - 5:43 am

  This is where the rubber meets The Road The Dirt or The Rocks it is all OK here with a wonderful confident ride a feeling of adventure in absolute comfort... great panaramic view... I recommend the Westminster highly... its a 10

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  The best suv out there - 2003 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Stealthben - October 6 - 10:00 am

  I have driven all kinds of suv GMC, FORDS, you name it and nothing comes close to this super classy suv. it has every thing a suv lover should have, you can raise the suv, lowered etc. and talking about comfort it is the smoothest, also there is not rattling problems like other suvs that they feel thight the first month and then the noises begin to sound more than your radio. Now I know why the queen og ENGLAND uses one. Just AWESOME

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  Best Rover ever - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Jim - October 5 - 6:03 pm

  As an owner of two other Land Rovers i can say this is the best yet. Quiet, powerful and fun!