Overview & Reviews

It doesn't get much more stately, opulent and luxurious than a Rolls-Royce. For decades, the marque has set a standard that other luxury carmakers have aspired to reach. Though the prestigious automaker has hit a few bumps in the road over the years, it has largely been a symbol of automotive excellence for most of its 100-plus years in the business.

A partnership between Charles Stewart Rolls and Frederick Henry Royce, British-based Rolls-Royce Ltd. was officially formed in 1906. The company's six-cylinder Silver Ghost was unveiled that same year. Right from the start, the company's dedication to excellence was clear; the Silver Ghost exhibited amazing attention to detail and remarkable quality, and promptly earned kudos for being "the best car in the world."

During the '20s, the automaker acquired a second factory in Springfield, Massachusetts to help keep up with rising demand; the factory remained open for 10 years. The '20s also saw the launch of the Phantom I, a car that was powered by an all-new, pushrod-operated overhead valve engine with detachable cylinder heads -- cutting-edge technology for its time. Rolls-Royce added another, very similar brand to its family with the acquisition of Bentley in 1931. For decades following the takeover, Rolls and Bentley vehicles were almost identical mechanically.

The 1940s saw the opening of Rolls-Royce's celebrated Crewe factory. The first Rolls to be produced postwar was the Silver Wraith. This vehicle was significant in that it was the last Rolls-Royce product to have its body crafted by an independent coachbuilder. After this point, the company's vehicles were built completely in-house.

Rolls unveiled its Phantom IV in 1950. Powered by a muscular eight-cylinder engine, the majestic cruiser held the distinction of being the most exclusive Rolls ever. Only 18 were made, all of which were delivered to royalty and heads of state. The '50s also saw the debut of the king-sized Silver Cloud I and Silver Cloud II. The 1960s saw the introduction of the Silver Cloud III, Silver Shadow and Phantom VI.

The company hit a rough patch in the early 1970s. Problems with an engine contract led to severe financial difficulties, which in turn caused the manufacturer to file for bankruptcy. The company was eventually nationalized by the British government.

In 1980, Rolls was purchased by Vickers PLC. The Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit was launched in 1981; the car was the first of a new generation of Rolls vehicles. Mechanically, the Silver Spirit was designed to meet strict new international safety and emissions regulations. Aesthetically, the car was styled to appeal to a younger generation of buyers, with a clean new look that was very much in step with the times.

Rolls changed hands yet again in the '90s. Vickers put the marque up for sale, and BMW seemed like a frontrunner to take the reins; however, in a surprise move, Volkswagen outbid BMW. The two German automakers arranged for VW to relinquish control of the Rolls-Royce name on January 1, 2003, with VW keeping Bentley and the Crewe plant. As a result, BMW has built a $100 million facility in Goodwood, England, to accommodate the distinguished British manufacturer.

These days, the Rolls-Royce family of vehicles consists of a trio of majestic Phantoms -- the sedan, coupe and Drophead (British for convertible) coupe -- as well as the smaller, "entry level" Ghost. While other automakers also offer cars at these stratospheric price points, we don't doubt the company's ability to keep rolling for many years to come.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 27.00

• 

  Wonderful hotel car - 2002 Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph
  By Jack - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Hotel attendants are always excited to have this car arrive! Even the Four Seasons prefers to keep it out front. The car is lovely to ride in, and reasonable to drive. A vast improvement from the previous versions (Silver Spur). The BMW engine is excellent. In fact, this is truly the better car when compared to the Bentley counterpart with its older technology engine.

• 

  Fantastic - 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost
  By Henry Smith - June 11 - 3:13 pm

  Overall I am very pleased with this car. Former owner of a regular Phantom, which handled horribly. If you are gonna be chauffeured the rear seat in the ghost is actually larger then the Phantoms, which just shows you what good a car this is.

• 

  The Phantom Review - 2005 Rolls-Royce Phantom
  By Cam janowski - March 26 - 11:23 pm

  My 2005 Rolls-Royce Phantom is better than the Maybach 62 which I also have and enjoy. The Phantom is a great car. I cannot wait for the 100ex to arrive.

• 

  Absurd Handling - 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost
  By Dan Gregory - February 5 - 10:33 pm

  This car is good all around, but the handling is simply horrible. It is almost impossible to park without hitting something. More special light weight parts should be used to make it handle better

• 

  Luxury Cant Get Any Better - 2006 Rolls-Royce Phantom
  By Bimmer Boy - October 15 - 11:56 am

  I love this car. Im usually not into big cars, in fact Ive never owned a car much bigger than a BMW 3-Series until this thing. Driving it makes you feel so prestigious and good. For a big car, it turns pretty quickly and can turn pretty sharp. It wont take the corners like a Porsche, but Ive never driven anything this big that handles this well. Sit in the backseat an no one will know youre there. Theres a big piece of metal to hide your face. Floor it all the way and you will realize that you can still have a conversation at normal volume. There is hardly any noise in the cockpit and no vibrations at all. This car has no body roll ethier. The backseat is big enough to store a small car in.

• 

  What a great car! - 2002 Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph
  By Jeff_H - July 4 - 2:00 am

  This car is worth it. Not only does it have the prestige attached to it, its fun to drive as well. Its a bit large, but I like it much better than the Bentley I used to have. It handles well for a car its size, which pleasantly suprised me.

• 

  The best car of the whole world - 2004 Rolls-Royce Phantom
  By RRowner for ever - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I love this car to the fullest. Every single detail of the car is perfect. I even enjoy the service of my RR dealership.

• 

  Good Car - 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost
  By bob whalen - January 3 - 3:13 pm

  This car completes my colecton of Rolls Royces. I own a phantom, drop head coupe, coupe, phantom extended wheel base, and now the ghost. This one is far the best. Much better then the rest in handling, looks, and interior design. A definite buy.

• 

  OMG - 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost
  By jimbo - August 11 - 3:16 am

  Ok - Ive had 3 Bentleys and hold onto my GTC - but this is an amazing automobile. All the good things from BMW parent - and the "coach builder" bits from venerable RR. Terrific.

• 

  Simply the best - 2016 Rolls-Royce Wraith
  By Nik - June 12 - 6:45 pm

  Outstanding and Definitely World Class Craftmanship, Elegance, and Stlye.