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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  Worst Car Ever Seriously!!!!!!! - 2004 Land Rover Freelander
  By wildcats_fan - February 12 - 5:23 am

  After owning one and spending thousands I couldnt begin to describe how bad these Freelanders actually are. If you read this and think your getting a good deal on one then take my advice and run.. Its a known fact that they are a ticking time bomb. I waisted thousands on it and never once felt as if I were going to make it to the next destination without it breaking down. If you really want to know how bad it really was... 17 trips to Landrover and that was under Waranty. After the warranty expired I spent about seven thousand on it at local repair shops and it was literally falling apart the day I traded it off. I was one of the lucky ones and actually got rid of it before it blew up....

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  Highway Adventure - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By esrisch - February 8 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has the perfect brake response and overall feel that I have ever felt from a large or rather mid-size SUV. Its a shame that the new LR3 will look drastically different, yet identicle to other Ford SUV counterparts. If you are on the fence on whether to wait for the new LR3 or the DIscovery II, buy the Discovery II if you wish to stand out from all the other vehicles on the road. The look is unmistakable. Dare to be original for once.

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  Piece of Junk with a Fancy Cover - 2002 Land Rover Freelander
  By Kathryn - February 7 - 3:13 pm

  At 61,000 miles, I had to replace the heating matrix for $2100 (car broke down on side of road). At 67,488 miles, I had a manifold issue that (luckily) was replaced under the CA emissions warranty, or I would have paid $1700 (almost broke down). Now, at 70, 777 miles, my timing belt busted (broke down on side of road) and Land Rover is saying that, despite their scheduled maintenance at 72,000 when they replace the belt, its my problem - regardless of the fact the belt busted before the company- mandated replacement mileage. Two tow- truck drivers have told me that they love people who own these cars. They make their biggest profits off Land Rover owners. Do not waste your money.

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  Worst SUV ever - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By made1024 - February 5 - 9:03 pm

  Bought this car 4/04 zero miles, have never used the 4x4 (I live in Miami), have only driven it @ 8000 miles/year. The engine has leaks EVERYWHERE, the car is now 6 years old on the dot and just hit the 50k miles. The cost of repair is $7k! Driver window and passenger windows both stopped working had those repaired under warranty. Horn switch on the steering wheel continuously pops out, took the car in 3 times for that and still happening. Terrible car, terrible dealer service and Land Rover Headquarters is just as bad. No calls returned, been waiting for one week now. Buy a Jeep youll get a better car and lots more fun to drive!

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  Feeling like one of societys elite. - 2002 Land Rover Freelander
  By la forno - February 5 - 10:00 am

  College grads. like myself or folks just getting into a good paying job can now afford to buy what was once a well- off persons brand and the 30K price tag is well worth the admission. Not quite the upper echelon of SUVs, but far above the "standard" ones built for the "Honda Accord/Civic & Toyota Camry" masses.

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  Value?...yes...performance?...somewhat - 2002 Land Rover Freelander
  By estoril - February 5 - 10:00 am

  Owned for 2 months already and asked if I love it, then my answer would be no, if I like it, then my answer would be yes. For the price you get a ton of standard features lacking in other vehicles of the same price (bigger mid- sized sport utes being inclusive also.) I always dreamed of the day when I would be able to afford a Range Rover HSE, but build quality and price stopped me before from purchasing ANY Land Rover. Now once owned by Ford and BMW, LR has improved vastly in ALL areas. Starting with its baby brother the Freelander I would have to say that my expectations of the LR name have not disappointed thus far with the exception of the engine.

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  2012 LR4 poor reliability, poor dealer support - 2011 Land Rover LR4
  By landog2 - February 5 - 3:36 am

  At 7000 miles, major control module failed. TATA\Land Rover refused to pay for loaner vehicle and cant figure out what is wrong with the truck. Ive owned over 15 Land Rovers. This is my last. Indian ownership has not improved Land Rovers poor reputation for reliability.

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  More bang for your buck! - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By John67 - February 4 - 1:23 pm

  Wow! My new LR2 has been the greatest car Ive ever owned. Where do I begin? Great styling. Other people love it also. Plenty of pep. I like the maintenence being included. I have yet to have any problems. What is there not to like about this car? By far the best in its class. A lot of great standard options. Sunroof standard. Not everyone has one which I great. Im sure Ill start seeing more since they have only been out less than a year and only bring a few into the U.S..Just a great, fun car! Wow!

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  New Range Rover Sport HSE in California - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  By Randy - February 4 - 12:56 am

  I have about 2,000 miles on the new HSE. Terrific SUV. Previously have had Yukon, GMC Envoy, and BMW X-5 3.0. This vehicle makes the others look, drive and feel cheap IMO. Love the styling, the "Luxury Package" option is a MUST! Much better grade/quality of leather in the luxury option, as well as the "turning" bi-xenon headlights. Wonderful german-made ZF 6 speed automatic. Great air suspension ride. Also have this same supension in my Bentley Continenatal GT and Mercedes S55AMG. Makes THIS S.U.V. drive like a car, not like a truck. IMO, RIP-OFF $130 for injection molded plastic "cradle" that you MUST have to mount the Nokia phone to this model! I love this SUV!

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  Great Luxury SUV - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By P K Able - February 2 - 9:33 pm

  It has been a great car We take it to Tahoe and Carmel plus around town driving--it is the only true 3rd seat SUV in this price range--When you need that extra cargo room the 3rd row seat is hidden and you get total use of the cargo space--try that with a Lexus, Escalade, Denali Toyota you get back sprain lifting the 3rd row seat out to get the max cargo room