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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  Get off the road - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By yyttt - June 12 - 10:00 am

  Thi is an awsome car. I got it in may and personally I think everyone should have one.

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  I would have no other - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By eeeeee/l; - June 12 - 10:00 am

  I would recomend this car to everyone who is reading this review.I love it in every way.

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  A pleasant surprise - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover
  By WB - June 8 - 6:06 pm

  I am very happy with this vehicle and surprised with the mpg -- I have been averaging about 17.5 MPG. Not sure how those getting under 10 are driving... Like any lux car it will need to be maintained but so far after 16 months the car has been very solid. So many opinions expressed about poor reliability that I want to express the opposite. Interior comfort is very high with comfort seats. Ride on the highway is solid and extremely comfortable on long trips. It is a truck so it doesnt corner like my old BMW but this car will go anywhere. Plus the truck is great to look at. Highly recommended!

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  Best Range Rover Yet - 2004 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Rover enthusiast - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 4 Land Rovers, two of which have been Ranges, and this is by far the best one ever. The exterior design is awesome, and the interior features couldnt be better. If you can afford the high price as compared to other SUVs, I would sincerely consider checking one out. Also, the ride is one hundred percent smoother than the 2002 model- it actually drives as well or better than my wifes Mercedes.

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  na - 2015 Land Rover Range Rover
  By OSCAR GARCIA - June 1 - 9:48 pm

  This is a espectacular car, unique and beautiful, just one owner. just 9600 miles. limited edition

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  Freelander - 2003 Land Rover Freelander
  By Brian Bisgood - May 28 - 12:40 am

  Its been a great vehicle, still is.

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  The Best Car Iver Ever Owned - 2008 Land Rover Range Rover
  By LeavingLaguna - May 26 - 2:53 am

  Having driven Mercedes cars for the past 15 years I was nervous about trying something different. I am totally in love with this vehicle. It screams class. The ride is superb. I feel like royalty. The fit and finish is awesome. Its no green machine but I get about 17 miles to the gallon which is better than I expected. I was shocked to read some of the experiences other people have had. This car is very reliable - even better than my S-Class. Anyway, I do have a few grumbles (see suggested improvements)

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  Incredible Vehicle - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By njlr3hseguy - May 17 - 6:23 pm

  Love the command driving position and the seats in my new LR3 HSE. This is my first LandRover vehicle and I really enjoyed the purchase process and the dealership. Being a previous Lexus customer I am very impressed with the LandRover philosophy in treating their customers. My local Lexus dealership has lost its "halo" and I think their success is harming their ability to treat customers as well as they used to. Thank goodness there are choices in the marketplace and I am so far very pleased with my new vehicle and the dealership. They know you as a name not a number.

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  So far, so good ! - 2011 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By Eric - May 15 - 10:00 am

  I have never owned a Range Rover or SUV, but I traded in my 2006 BMW 330I for a new 2011 Range Rover Sport. So far, so good. I did a lot of research online and I know Range Rovers have had some issues in the past, but I decided to give it a try. I am pleasantly surprised so far, however, I have only owned it for one month. I like the ride and overall feeling, plus the 375 hp gives it some pep when you hit the gas, which has been reassuring. I like the overall look and my kids seem to enjoy climbing in and out of it. I will update my comments after a few more months of ownership.

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  Not an SUV - 2004 Land Rover Freelander
  By FCJHNewYork - May 11 - 2:00 am

  The mistake people make is that Land Rover makes "ATVs" not SUVs. This is a great one, made by the master. Its designed for people that love to move with the road. It may look small, but get inside this one. More room than you can imagine. Just sit in this one, and test drive it you will want to own one. Priced very well for a Rover. Well build and sealed (nothing gets inside, any where).