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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  gus - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By kosta - June 26 - 10:00 am

  very fun to drive and safe

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  Very fun car to own and drive. - 2003 Land Rover Freelander
  By John - June 16 - 6:03 pm

  I have had no problems at all. The colors are very fun (yellow). Perfect car for young person.

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  2003 Range Rover vs my old Escalade & ML - 2003 Land Rover Range Rover
  By georgekessel - June 11 - 2:00 am

  This Rover drives so nice, and has such a good quality feel to it (both inside, in the genuine wood - none of that cheesy Cadillac 50cent plastic fake wood) and in the way that it handles bumps. It drives like a dream, and with the hyper-adjustable power seats & air suspension it just blows away every other SUV that Ive owned or tested. I race SCCA showroom stock, so when I picked an SUV I judged it pretty harsh. I liked the interior room of my ML500, but the ML drivers seat is uncomfortable without lumbar or a usable armrest. If you can afford it, this Rover is the finest SUV on the planet

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  Rova - 2003 Land Rover Range Rover
  By jaden - May 31 - 10:00 am

  I absolutly love this car, i have had no problems with it AT ALL! Get yourself one

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  outstanding - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By michael ford - May 31 - 10:00 am

  we have 2 land rovers and one is a 2000 discovery sereis2 and an 88 range rover and both are the moist reliable trucks i have ever seen!

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  2008 Range Rover best ever - 2008 Land Rover Range Rover
  By jeff brother - May 28 - 9:33 am

  This is the best suv I have ever driven. I have owned several Mercedes and Lexus, nothing compares to my Range Rover. Awesome ride and comfort from the interior. I am hooked for life.

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  FamilyGuy LR3 driven daily - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By MidwestFamilyGuy - May 20 - 12:00 am

  Wow I am impressed. I purchased the 2005 Land Rover LR3 SE V8 Java Black/Black Leather to replace our 1999 EB Expedition. The LR3 gets used as a daily driver and my family loves it! Striking good looks, plenty of power, soft supportive heated leather seats front and rear, etc.. This was a definite upgrade from our aging EB Expy. Have had zero issues with the LR3 since new and am considering replacing wifes Grand Cherokee Overland with the new Land Rover LR2. I was considering a new Tahoe ,Yukon,Expedition type vehicle but am glad I have something different I dont see everyone else driving around town. The Brits are back thanks to BMW and Ford completely re-working the entire line up.

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  the best - 2002 Land Rover Freelander
  By robert johnson - May 17 - 10:00 am

  the best suv on the market so far, considering value, performance and prestige

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  THE BEST - 2004 Land Rover Range Rover
  By bigpoppeer - May 14 - 10:00 am

  The best car I ever drove!

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  range rover - 2004 Land Rover Range Rover
  By IICHILL4U - May 8 - 10:00 am

  This is by far the greatest truck ever built!!!!! It combines ruggedness and luxury in a package unparalelled by any other vehichle on the planet!!! Land Rover only makes SUVs so theres no surprise that they reign supreme in this market. Land Rover put it best. Not A. The.