Overview & Reviews

Pedigree means everything at the top end of the sport-utility market, and no luxury SUV has more pedigree than the Land Rover Range Rover. The Land Rover name dates to 1948, when the Rover group began building bare-bones 4x4 vehicles with extraordinary off-road capability. The Range Rover emerged from this off-road tradition in 1970, billed as the first Land Rover civil enough to be driven by a person in a business suit. This two-door SUV was stylish, yet quite primitive by today's standards, but it was immediately popular among wealthy U.K. consumers with a taste for the safari aesthetic. Sales in the United States started in 1987, though quite a few Range Rovers were imported through the gray market in the years preceding.

Now in its third generation, the Land Rover Range Rover still carries considerable prestige. From an off-road perspective, it's one of the most capable SUVs available at any price. From a luxury perspective, it's probably the most elegant and distinctive utility vehicle on the market, despite a few rough edges. High pricing keeps all but the very rich from buying a new Range Rover, a fact that only adds to the appeal of this elite 4x4.

2013 Range Rover Specs
The 2013 Range Rover is a five-passenger luxury SUV available in two trim levels, both featuring 5.0-liter V8s. The HSE model produces 375 horsepower and 375 pound-feet of torque, while the Supercharged's V8 develops an impressive 510 hp and 461 lb-ft. Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control.

A permanent four-wheel-drive system is standard on all Range Rovers, along with low-range gearing and nearly 11 inches of maximum ground clearance. The standard Terrain Response system allows the driver to customize powertrain, suspension and electronic stability and traction systems to best handle five predetermined off-road conditions.

Engineered in the late 1990s during the brief period when BMW owned Land Rover, the Range Rover is nevertheless aging quite well. It employs unibody construction (instead of body-on-frame architecture) and a fully independent suspension (instead of solid axles). These changes make all the difference when cruising on pavement, as the Range Rover now delivers the composed ride and secure handling expected of a true luxury SUV. Yet BMW engineers went about their work carefully so as not to compromise all-terrain ability.

Cabin design is a mix of traditional and modern in the new Range Rover. The upright seating position, blocky dash and large steering wheel evoke the feeling of an old-school Land Rover, while supple leather seats (with contrasting piping), walnut inlays and a navigation system with both on- and off-road mapping assure you that this is indeed a contemporary luxury vehicle. The cabin, like the exterior, manages to be both retro and modern at the same time, especially with the new gauge cluster that is, in fact, a large LCD screen. Nevertheless, its controls can be rather arcane in fine British tradition. A roomy reclining rear seat makes it possible to carry a pair of adults or three children in back, but cargo room is only average due to a high load floor.

If you're looking for a premium SUV with unparalleled off-road abilities and a legendary pedigree, the new Range Rover is an obvious choice. If you want to save some money and get a bit more on-road talent with that same legendary pedigree, the Range Rover Sport is a good compromise. However, any Land Rover has an albatross slung around its neck in the form of disappointing reliability. Buying one has been known to cause headaches (and breakdowns), which is certainly ironic given their status as go-to vehicles for adventures to Outer Mongolia.

Used Land Rover Range Rover Models
The present-generation Range Rover dates back to its introduction for 2003. Between then and '05, a BMW-sourced 4.4-liter V8 rated for 282 hp was the only engine available. It came with a five-speed automatic transmission. However, in 2006, then-parent company Ford replaced this engine with a pair of Jaguar-sourced V8s. The HSE featured a 305-hp 4.4-liter V8, while the Supercharged had a 4.2-liter V8 that was (surprise!) supercharged to produce 400 hp. The same number of transmission gears and four-wheel-drive system were employed as in the current Rover. The current 5.0-liter V8s showed up for 2010.

Buyers interested in technology will want to pay particular attention to year-by-year changes when shopping for used Range Rovers of this generation. The navigation system was CD-based until Land Rover upgraded it for 2005 (although it's once again a bit behind the times). A rear back-up camera and adaptive headlights were added to the standard equipment list for 2006.

There were significant changes made for 2007 when the interior was given a mild refresh, with twin gloveboxes, new cupholders and a slightly more intuitive control layout. The customizable off-road settings debuted that year along with an upgraded rear differential and an electronic parking brake. Airbags were also relocated for better performance and a driver's knee airbag was added. For 2010, there were minor exterior updates, a new LCD instrument cluster and navigation system, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring and a 360-degree parking assist camera. Updates were also performed on the adaptive suspension, Terrain Response and stability control systems.

There were two previous generations of the Range Rover. Both are coveted on the used market, but potential buyers should know what they're getting into, because Range Rovers have been phenomenal off-roaders, but reliability is poor and repair costs are high.

Sold from 1995-2002, the second-generation Range Rover is the better bet of the two for buyers seeking a luxury experience. Note that 1995 was an overlap year: Rovers bearing a "4.0 SE" badge are the new model, while those with "County Classic" or "County LWB" badging are the old design. For 1996, Land Rover added a high-line 4.6 HSE model, and for the sake of acceleration alone, this is the better bet: The Range Rover 4.0 SE was powered by a 188-hp 4.0-liter V8, while the 4.6 HSE took a 222-hp 4.6-liter V8 with considerably more torque. A four-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive were standard on all models, as were leather upholstery, wood trim and a high-end audio system. Interior furnishings were opulent by the standards of the day, with ample comfort for front and rear passengers.

Second-generation Range Rovers still had solid axles front and rear, but engineers fitted self-leveling air springs to improve their manners on pavement. There's only so much you can do with old-fashioned hardware, though, and compared to other high-end SUVs, the Land Rover Range Rover's ride quality was harsh and body roll was excessive around corners.

Shopping for a first-generation Range Rover could make sense if you're looking for a dedicated off-road vehicle and don't mind repair bills or doing your own repair work. Only a four-door version of the Range Rover came to the U.S., and initially it had a 3.9-liter V8 (rated for anywhere from 178-182 hp, depending on the year) and a four-speed automatic transmission. A long-wheelbase model known as the County LWB joined the lineup for 1993, and not only did it have another 7 inches of rear legroom, it upgraded to a 200-hp 4.2-liter V8.

User Reviews:

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  Step aside tiny cars and shoddy SUVs... - 2003 Land Rover Range Rover
  By AzJamie - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Your friends will be impressed, your enemies will fear you, your mother will be happy that you ditched that "dangerous" sports car... I purchased this vehicle about two weeks ago and have loved every moment of driving it. It feels solid and looks tough. The interior is top notch and filled to the brim with technological goodness. The gas mileage averages out to about 16 mpg - not bad considering the size of the vehicle. Everyone seems to complain about the NAV system, but I dont think it is all that bad. Once you read the manual, things are pretty easy.

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  transmission slippage possible recall - 2004 Land Rover Range Rover
  By salvador - December 29 - 2:00 am

  After about a year, Ive notice transmission is starting to not shift into second. It gets stuck and will not shift. It is getting worse. In addition, the vehicle rises and lowers while sitting at stop signs(I dont think this is normal?). I AM MOST CONCERN ABOUT THE TRANMISSION NOT SHIFTING. RANGE ROVER IS AWARE OF THIS.BUT YOU HAVE TO FIGHT LIKE HELL TO HAVE THESE DEALERSHIPS ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR PROBLEMS. I understand that Range Rover is now going to redisign the transmissions. I guess they added the BMW Transmission with the Range Rover differential system. The problems are starting to happen around 20-30 thousand miles.

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  Very Pleased - 2004 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Pleased - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Driving the Land Rover Range Rover has been a thrill. This SUV not only turns heads based on the sleek appearance, it handles like a dream. The interior is exceptionally comfortable-it just works well. The stadium seating is great for the kids. Ive never noticed so many people checking out my car as I do now driving the Range Rover- its a great SUV!

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  best - 2004 Land Rover Range Rover
  By hahano - December 29 - 2:00 am

  this is the best ever

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  Some owners need to understand. - 2004 Land Rover Range Rover
  By PITBULL - December 26 - 5:06 am

  Ive had a few different SUVs and this one is the best so far. For owners who whine about gas mileage..."You knew it had a V8!" If gas prices were cheap I dont think anyone would be crying about the Rovers gas economy. Ive also read some owners comments about "squeaking" noises. Leather seats need to be conditioned with leather conditioner and that will stop the "problem" with interior noise. Im willing to bet that a lot of complainers have never had to actually take care of their cars. Just take them in to service and spend a ton of money! Everyday car care could solve a lot of these so-called problems that people who would probably never take them off-road would have.

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  Pretty, But it does not drive straight. - 2004 Land Rover Range Rover
  By soundz - December 19 - 12:00 am

  4 Trips in for service to get the car to drive straight. They now contend that a "right drawl" is a "feature" of the car.

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  A lemon - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover
  By salyg - December 17 - 10:26 am

  My husband purchased this car as a gift. It was a lemon. The engine was cutting off. They added a chip. Altitude problems they said. The navigation system went insane. Another chip was added. The radio got stuck on a single station and woul not turn off. It finally got fixed. the computer system was changing commands by itself...... the car was more at the shop that with us. Finally we got a new car through trade assist. We have has this one for 3 weeks. Engine light came on the other day. they said it was nothing. We will see...

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  Greatly Improved - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Russ - December 12 - 3:46 pm

  Land Rover has come a long way since I purchased my first Range Rover (1995 Classic) The build quality has improved greatly as well as the ride. Interior noise has been reduced to acceptable levels. I can now dump my Lexus LS400 as my daily driver!

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  Good to GO - 2006 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Brian R. - December 8 - 6:10 am

  Have always liked the styling, but never wanted to buy the 90s RRs for fear of build quality. Got a good deal and needed a winter vehicle. Had a LandCruiser previously and the RR gets much better gas mileage; more comfortable ride as well. Really enjoy the unique styling. I have only had normal maintenance so far, brakes, rear bushing, oil, winter tires, etc. The dealership is a little pricy, but not much more than Toyota. I put snow/all seasons on this winter and it performed flawlessly. I have owned 2 e320s, an XJR, a landcruiser, an acura CLS, a grand cherokee, and a cts-v. The interior build quality is the best I have ever seen or owned. And this is coming from a car guy.

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  Its a great car if you have the funds - 2000 Land Rover Range Rover
  By Rovering - November 2 - 6:36 pm

  I bought my truck in November 2000. It was a special edition, in which 25 were made (125 were planned, but 25 only made it out). I love the car, plan on driving it into the ground, however it still is a Range Rover. To begin with Rovers are not well known for their reliability. It isnt the question of whether you have a good one or a bad one, it is more like I have a bad one or a less bad one. So far during my ownership, I have replaced a fair amount, about $10,000 worth of work since new. I also know that since I came out of warranty, I need to put in about $4-5k. I would avoid a Range Rover and go Japanese, unless a Land Rover/Range Rover is a must have