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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  Land Rover Discovery Not Comfortable - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By tester27 - April 23 - 5:00 pm

  Drivers seat does not sit back far enough nor does the steering wheel lift up far enough for me to get comfortable. Also - gas and brake pedals are too close together... 6 1" - 220 pounds

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  Worst Car Ive Ever Owned - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By es - April 19 - 10:03 am

  This car has had the computer system replaced 3 times, cannot be made to drive straight, had the leaky-whistly windshied problem, had the naviscreen replaced twice, the air suspension raises and lowers at its own mystical intervals, et, etc ,etc... If I could tell everyone thinking of buying this vehicle, I would let them know that $20,000 of the purchase price is to cover the warranty work that they know they are going to perform. When the computer went out the 3rd time, I was asked " did you just wash the car?" because apparently the rear windows leak right where the computer resides, and commonly shorts the system out.

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  Not a bad Rover - 2004 Land Rover Range Rover
  By MRTJ2004 - April 16 - 10:00 am

  The ride is smooth and interior is comfortable for long drives which is does often. Great for the dogs with the cage in back which can also be hooked up on the ceiling behind the front seat too not just the back. The only thing that has gone wrong was that on delivery the CD changer is broken. The changer wont eject...but the dealer is fixing the problem. The color choices on the vehicle are great. Wish they kept a light brown metallic for 2004. Almost purchsed the Porshe Cayanne S but a drive in the Range was smoother..not faster...but smoother. Air suspension is better on the Range.

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  Let the fun begin! - 2002 Land Rover Freelander
  By Suresh - April 14 - 10:00 am

  I was totally impressed with this little Landie & bought it in within a week of driving. Since its one-of-a- kind on the road & Ull people checking U out at the lights. Interior ergo is good and I love the heated windshield, Im ready for midwest winter.

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  Good choice - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By LROwner - April 11 - 10:16 pm

  New owner of a "new" (never registered) 2008 HSE. Had been shopping for a replacement AWD vehicle for a couple months, test drove the ones I thought would fit my needs (I ski, camp, fish, and commute). I tried Tiguan, Forester, Patriot, GLK350, etc... nothing was "the" vehicle. I happened to drive past a LR dealer near work and the lightbuld went on. Test drove it and knew it was the one. Great style, great off road ability, gas mileage I can live with. Very surprised by the agility of the vehicle on paved roads. If the first month is an indicator this should be a good and long relationship.

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  Solid, Fun to Drive - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By Pasha - April 10 - 10:00 am

  I bought the Westminster Edition with premium sound system that is amazing. Car is very easy to drive in congested traffic thanks to high seating position and excellent visibility. In harsh rain, this thing is unstoppable - retaining solid surefooted road performance. Additionally, this tank is surprisingly easy to park.

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  Cant find a better vehicle - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By jokawood - April 3 - 4:43 pm

  I use to go through vehicles every 2 years or less. The first thing I look at when getting something new or thinking of getting something new is what compromise will I make when getting this? I have owned my 2005 LR3 SEV8 since 2007 (when gas prices were high) and so far after 6 years of ownership I have done regular maintenance, changed the bushings in the suspension, thermostat housing, water pump, had all the recalls. You would do to any other vehicle just like an LR3. But, I have NEVER had this vehicle leave me stranded on road or trail, never had an electrical glitch, or had a major issue. Best vehicle I have owned and I would have to compromise to get anything else out there.

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  To our Black and Tan, ...cheers! - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By decktout1 - April 1 - 2:00 am

  A vehicle designed as if by Architect! Drove it the first week from Phoenix to Telluride, and back by way of the Grand Canyon. With 2 kids and the awesome 2-screen DVD/playstation option on back of both headrests (does not fold down from ceiling in the way of visibility thank goodness!). We all had a blast! Handles great, and has a smooth powerful ride. No downside other than a little more knee room for a 6-3" driver would be nice. Chevy Tahoes are just for the practical masses. Nothing compares to the Disco if you are a car enthusiast with design taste and kids!

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  Incredible - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By Zeus - March 31 - 6:43 pm

  If you are looking for a truck that has style, corners well, has toys (Bluetooth, Voice Recognition, Navigation w/4WD mode) this is the one. The command driving setup (Driver sits high, while all the doors/frame is cut low to highly improve 360" visability is incredible. Lots of room, yet tight frame (resulting in boxy look) making it easy to deal with in the city. The turning raidus on this thing is insane (very impressed.) Overall I have had the care a few weeks, and NOTHING compares (tried X5, MDX, Yukon, Denali).

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  A total package - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By JR - March 30 - 2:50 am

  I have had the LR3 about three weeks and it has surpassed my expectations. I have gotten a lot of compliments about the styling. My kids like it better than I do. I have not gone off road or in snow, but I cant wait.