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 little more HP please - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By Kevin - March 18 - 9:46 am

  I purchased my Stornoway Gray LR2, with all all options, in late April and now at 2100 miles I still am impressed. Originally I was thinking about buying a LR3 but needed something a little smaller and the BMW X3 didnt cut it. Overall the exterior and interior look of the vehicle is sharp but I wish the engine had a little more HP...like 275- 280. I primarily use the LR2 for work so its mostly paved road driving which is very comfortable. However I recently took it off road and realized it was truly a Land Rover but it does have a pretty good sway over rough terrain. For myself, my wife and dog this is our weekend getaway vehicle and it is more than enough room and very fun.

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  RR SC Sport - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By G Fowler - March 6 - 6:13 pm

  had no problems , feels very tight and fast for a RR. Very pleased so far.

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  So Far Its Great! - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By 3rdSUV - February 18 - 10:00 am

  picked up my Discovery S after handing in my EB Ford Explorer (had tons of problems with it). While there are less bells&whistles than the EB, my Disco is solid, fun to drive, and feels very safe. Just getting used to the wheel on the back door,makes it hard to see when backing up. But love the ride!

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  Better that my 2003 Range Rover - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By JBSSChicago - February 17 - 11:40 pm

  I was sad to give up my 2003 Range Rover, which I loved, but I needed the third row. I am shocked to say that I am enjoying the LR3 even more than the RR. Very peppy ride. So well thought out, esp. the seating design. Can easily fit three boosters across in the 2nd row (caused bloody knuckles in the RR) not to mention the HUGE 3rd row. The entire cabin is light filled and airy. The nav. system is definitely an improvement as is the in dash CD changer. So sporty, Im having a blast!

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  Phenominal!!!!!!!! - 2003 Land Rover Range Rover
  By crocketthc - February 16 - 10:00 am

  This is quite frankly the nicest car I have ever owned. The build quality is remarkable and the interior is that of a Bentley. The BMW engine is a pleasure to hear roar as this beauty glides down the highway. I have had her up to 135mph, and she is tight and sits right down and holds the road. I have already flipped her on her side and we didnt roll until at least 60 degrees! Then my buddy and I pushed her back over and drove home. Im getting a new bumper and right front fender. I drove in my dads Toyota Land Cruiser and his Lexus GS 400 and I felt like I was "slumming" it!!

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  Bargain Style and Luxury - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By Disco_2003 - February 16 - 2:10 am

  These are now cheap! Why get a new SUV that cant match the style or the capability of the legendary Land Rover Discovery? $13K gets you a nicely equipped, low-miles, unmolested Disco 2003, and from what I hear, the last of the Discos are holding their value (similar to the Defenders, and I can see why). So far, reliability has been top notch (beating the last Lexus I owned) and with scheduled oil changes at 7500 miles, fairly cost-effective to own. Get one and put the savings in a 401K. Of course, be prepared for the less than stellar gas mileage.

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  Know what you are buying - 2005 Land Rover Freelander
  By steve - February 12 - 3:36 am

  I owned luxury cars before I purchased my SE3. I knew that I was getting a 4x4 first and luxury wasnt going to be there. What I found is that it is fun to drive, reliable and a real head turner. If you buy it knowing what you are getting then you probably wont be disappointed. If you buy a freelander cause it looks pretty and you want a "luxury" suv, then you will be disappointed.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By TN-LR3 - February 11 - 5:13 pm

  The LR3 is a comfortable and powerful SUV. It does so many things well. It is filled with high tech edges and can go anywhere, any time in style and grace. It is not cheap, but if you compare it to its competitors, it is a far better option.

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  first month - 2003 Land Rover Range Rover
  By indianhead - February 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car after having owned 2 of the second generation models, the difference is incrediable to say the least. All areas have been improved to the level of the very best european sedans, i know i have owned both a s class mercedes and seven series bmw.

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  Landrover LR3 HSE - 2007 Land Rover LR3
  By steve - January 28 - 12:30 pm

  i have been enjoying this vehicle ever since i got it. It did well on our trip considering how many ride in it and handles well. If you are looking for a mid size SUV and still want cargo this is the car to get. The 3rd row seat is good to have in case you find yourself carrying more than expected. Of cousre it handles great off road.