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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  Very Happy - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By Dave - August 28 - 10:10 pm

  I love my car! I was really close to buying a garden variety 750i, but am so glad I got on the long waiting list for the Sport. Every time I drive it I get asked about it, and subsequent nods of approval. The interior is comfortable, and the industrial look rubber mats are perfect. The touch screen navigation is much better than last years knob control, and the variable traction settings worked flawlessly on my road trip from Portland down to the OC. The new Jag engine concerned me while I was waiting for the car, but it is silky smooth. Also, the infamous British electrical system has not given me one problem, so far so good. All I can say is that I am one happy owner.Buy this car

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  BC - 2003 Land Rover Range Rover
  By BC11 - August 28 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle is a pleasure to drive whether on snow or dry pavement. It is by far the best vehicle that I have ever owned or driven.

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  2004 Range Rover - 2004 Land Rover Range Rover
  By love my rover - August 12 - 5:53 am

  I am on my second Range Rover and I love it. The ride, handling, and performance are all excellent. I have owned the car for 1 year and have had no issues with my vehicle at all. It continues to be a pleasure to drive every day. I have driven and owned several luxury SUVs and I have yet to see another vehicle that feels anywhere near as solid and well built. I feel very safe behind the wheel. Despite being a large SUV, the car accelerates and brakes extremely well (far better than the older model) and handles much like a BMW. The car is awesome. It was an expensive truck but Ive never once regretted buying it.

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  awesome - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By amanda - August 11 - 2:00 am

  excellent it is a wonderful vehicle i would not trade it for the woprld

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  All Weather Champ - 2003 Land Rover Range Rover
  By mneil - August 10 - 2:40 pm

  Bought this vehicle used from a non-LR dealer with 35k. It seems that many of these vehicles are now coming off lease and are good bargains, and may still be under warranty (like mine) for at least another year. Dealer has been very helpful. Vehicle is smooth, comfortable, and glides up snowy and slippery roads when other vehicles are left spinning their wheels (although the computer takes over and limits your ability to accelerate). I cant say enough good about this vehicle. It is a comfortable, all weather champion.

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  "Youll Stand out in a crowd" - 2004 Land Rover Freelander
  By Art Teacher - August 4 - 2:00 am

  Drives and rides like a car but goes of road like a truck. This vehicle is much improved over the 2003 and earlier. If you are looking for a small SUV that gets 20+ miles to the gallon and can be easily maneuvered in a parking lot, this is it.

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  The perfect Luxury SUV - 2010 Land Rover LR4
  By KCRover - July 31 - 9:36 pm

  I had a Denali for 7 years and decided on the LR4 HSE. The more I drive it the more I love it. The interior quality is unmatched and the ride is impeccable. I love this ride.

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  Fun to Drive - 2009 Land Rover LR2
  By forester2 - July 31 - 7:26 pm

  This is a fun car to drive and is amazingly capable. It is truly a 4X4 and is not just a car with an all wheel drive attached. It handles like a sports car around town and a jeep off road. I have been driving 4X4s at work for near 35 years and cant believe how this rig takes all the drama out of muddy roads. This is a real 4X4 and Land Rover stuffed in about every technical option available somewhere into this high quality rig. No problems so far.

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  ultimate British SUV! - 2003 Land Rover Range Rover
  By LRlover - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I just moved to the states from Kloof, South Africa, where Land Rovers are the staple off-road vehicle. They are dependable, long lasting vehicles (more than 80% of every Land Rover ever produced since 1948 is still running on the road today.) I had a 1990 Discovery Td5 which has been the best SUV I have ever owned, until the 2003 Range Rover. Land Rovers offer a unique owning experience that cant be described, you just have to own one to feel it! Drive this vehicle, and you will understand why these British SUVs are revered around the world, especially by the royal family.

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  Kings of the Road (and off)! - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By LRlover - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I just moved to the states a few years ago from Kloof, South Africa, where Land Rovers are prevalent. I owned a 1990 discovery TD5 that took me all over the country. Even though I miss having a diesel, there was no other car I would have purchased! This brand is special, unique, and built for one purpose: being the best SUV on the planet! And believe me, these vehicles can go anywhere--trust me, I have!