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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  A SURE THING! - 2003 Land Rover Range Rover
  By T. Hickok - April 30 - 2:00 am

  If youre in the SUV market and are overwhelmed with the current availibility. The 2003 Range Rover is " A SURE THING!". I currently own a 2001 HSE and recently purchased the new 2003. There simply is no comparison. My best friend drives an X5, my other buddy drives the Mercedes.Theyre all comparable to the 2001 Range Rover. Up against the new 2003, they simply cant compete. The car drives like my friends 740il, handles like my E320, and still performs admirably in off road conditions. Go ahead and test drive your top favorites and then test drive the new 2003 Range Rover. Youll find yourself driving home in one, "Its A SURE THING".

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  First time to buy RR SC so far so good. - 2007 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By blkwheels - April 29 - 9:33 pm

  I was looking for the RR Sport SC when I bought my gl450 but was to nervous to consider LR due to neg reputation. They just kept catching my eye and when I drove it, I had to buy it. What a car! Love the look, cockpit feel, howling engine and how it rides. A part is on order for the pass side dual ac not cooling but for now Im loving every bit of my new ride. I only have 1k miles. I passed the gl450 to my wife. Which is also great suv but totaly diff than the RR Sprt SC.

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  A Need For Speed - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By WWOOSSH - April 25 - 3:20 am

  So far this vehicle has been the best performing SUV I have ever owned. I thought my Cadillac CTSV was fast. But the Range Rover Sport Supercharged now sits in the garage where the CTSV rested. Kudos to Land Rover for an exceptional vehicle design. I only wish I could keep my wife from taking it when Im not looking...

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  Fun to drive every day - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By sbroomhd - April 24 - 10:00 am

  I am finding myself driving a little slower, leaving a little earlier, and taking different routes just to spend more time driving. It may not be a rocket but I can keep up with the rest of the traffic. It handled very well on a weekend trip via the interstate during moderate to high cross-winds. It wasnt pushed around like the van that we once owned. My wife likes the fact that she can see the road and traffic ahead because it places her higher than an auto. My 6 foot 3 in pluss sons appreciate the leg and head room in the front and back seats. All in all it is fun to drive every day.

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  Overall very happy w/new 07 Range Rover - 2007 Land Rover Range Rover
  By giggyice - April 23 - 2:23 pm

  I had been driving BMWs for a long time and had always wanted to try a Range Rover. My poor BMW salesman was dissapointed when i didnt buy another 7series, but I just needed to get this Rover out of my system. While it isnt a 7series, it is very luxurious. I am dissapointed with the its sluggish acceleration, the non-powered tailgate, and gas mileage, but other than that I love it! Plenty of headroom, leg room and its great to sit up high!

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  My First New Land Rover In 30 Years - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Kendall - April 22 - 12:36 pm

  I have owned at least 1 Land-Rover since 1974 when I bought a new Series III 88. I vowed never to buy another new L-R as a used LR,RR or Rover sedan was,for me,a better value. The high-tech LR3 changed that. This is the best one yet! At this time, it is even more high-tech than the new RR. The interior retains features from the Range Rover Classic that were so popular in the P5 and P6. The heated windscreen was first seen in the 67 6- cyl L-R 109. Computer integration of engine,drivetrain,suspension, etc. is amazing! EAS bags are now protected from the elements. Navigation system is fantastic compared to 98 RR. WELL WORTH THE NEW STICKER PRICE! Best value of all new RR & LR models!!!

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  I Love my LR2 - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By nekemomo - April 16 - 7:13 pm

  I have to say I was getting discouraged with some of the cross- overs as I was looking for a new vehicle. My husband sent me the link to check out the LR2 and I instantly was intrigued. We went and test drove the vehicle and it was a done deal. It handles exceptionally well, has a smooth ride and excellent technology. Whenever I am driving in town people check out my car, and I get tons of compliments. You dont see many of them on the road, which is another great thing about Land Rover. I couldnt be more in love with my car!

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  Tested Tough - 2002 Land Rover Freelander
  By Free_lander - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Weve had a Freelander for 2 years now. We spending a lot of time on back woods, and above tree line trails. Like most forein cars this SUV runs best at higher RPMs. Lack of power, was caused by my driving habits. I use the sport trani the freelander has all the power I need. We have taken trails rated for advanced or expert drivers, it never skips a beat. Last winter we were driving over Rabbit Ears pass by Steamboat they closed the pass while we were going over. We cruised right through. If fuel economy is is your deal, Go buy a Honda Its worthless Off Road but it gets the milage. for a 4X4 with reasonable milage get a Freelander. We love it!

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  Love my HSE - 2000 Land Rover Range Rover
  By lwell - April 10 - 4:06 am

  I have enjoyed my HSE far more than I expected. It is a work horse, yet comfortable and elegant. No issue so far at all, very reliable.

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  Absolutly fantastic the king of suvs - 2004 Land Rover Range Rover
  By pedromirmiranda - April 6 - 2:00 am

  i also drove a cayenne its good but its not the king like range rover is, just put one to the side of another and you will se the diference