1992-2002 Land Rover Range Rover Full Review

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Land Rover Range Rover. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Land Rover Range Rover.

1992-2002 Land Rover Range Rover Review

With a design dating back to the 1970s, this British-built luxury sport-utility vehicle came in two forms for '92: base Range Rover and the County. Both 4-door wagons came with a 178-horsepower, 3.9-liter V8 engine, mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission. Permanently engaged 4-wheel drive was standard. Antilock brakes were standard on County models, but unavailable on base Range Rovers.

Year to Year Changes

1993 Land Rover Range Rover: Range Rover of North America changed its name to Land Rover North America, and a Range Rover LWB joined the lineup, as a longer-wheelbase rendition of the County. Base models were gone. The added length increased rear leg room by seven inches. The LWB got an enlarged 4.2-liter version of the aluminum V8, making 200 horsepower. A height-adjustable air suspension system was standard. The standard Range Rover County gained an Electronic Traction Control System.

1994 Land Rover Range Rover: This year, the County model added the electronic air suspension introduced in 1993 on the LWB edition.

1995 Land Rover Range Rover: The County LWB was updated as an early 1995 model, gaining dual airbags and side door-guard beams, as well as a redesigned dashboard. A new 4.0 SE model arrived in mid 1995, with different styling that featured more-rounded corners. The 4.0 SE used a new chassis and electronic air suspension, plus a new 4.0-liter V8 rated at 190 horsepower.

1996 Land Rover Range Rover: A fresh lineup arrived for 1996. The old-fashioned Classic model was dropped and a new flagship went on sale: the 4.6 HSE, with a 225-horsepower 4.6-liter V8 engine and 18-inch alloy wheels.

1997 Land Rover Range Rover: Only minor changes were evident this year.

1998 Land Rover Range Rover: Changes were minimal for 1998, with the same two models available: 4.0 SE and 4.6 HSE.

1999 Land Rover Range Rover: A new 4-wheel electronic traction-control system went into Range Rovers. During 1999, a small run of high-performance Callaway versions went on sale.

2000 Land Rover Range Rover: Body-colored bumpers and mirrors, and new-look alloy wheels for the base SE model, highlighted changes for 2000. Standard equipment now included auto-dimming outside mirrors, tinted turn-signal lenses, and revised instrument graphics. Several limited-production appearance packages debuted during the 2000 model year.

2001 Land Rover Range Rover: This year, the 4.0 SE adopted the larger V8 engine of the uplevel 4.6 HSE to become a 4.6 SE. Also for 2001, the navigation system added several features designed for off-road use, and HSE got a no-cost "Luxurious Carpets" trim option with special carpeting and seat piping.

2002 Land Rover Range Rover: Land Rover's flagship lost its base 4.6 SE model for 2002, leaving only the top-line 4.6 HSE version. A redesign was in the works for '03.

1992-2002 Land Rover Range Rover Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration (4.6-liter)	Fuel economy

Ride	Control layout

Antilock brakes	Price

Passenger and cargo room	Entry/exit

4WD traction

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Though not as spry as some domestic SUVs that cost far less, a Range Rover performs well on-road. Unlike many others in this class, the ride is delightfully supple. Suspensions absorb bumps and ruts easily and allow only a little bouncing on wavy surfaces. All models feel rock-solid on the roughest roads, but lower-profile tires on the recent 4.6 HSE do impair ride comfort. The 4.0-liter V8 is smooth and quiet, even at full throttle. Although it feels somewhat lethargic with the automatic transmission in Normal shift model, performance improves in Sport mode. Still, a late model with the 4.0-liter V8 took 11.4 seconds to reach 60 mph--not exactly a swift jaunt. That model averaged only 14.3 mpg, in a trial that included a lot of highway driving. Acceleration with the 4.6-liter is a bit better, but fuel economy dips to close to 10 mpg. Despite pronounced body roll in turns, Range Rover clings to the road quite well. Corners may be taken with good grip and reassuring stability. However, a relatively soft suspension and boxy profile make the early Range Rover sensitive to strong crosswinds. Not everyone cares for the buslike driving position on early models. Steering is heavy and slow, and requires frequent correction to maintain the desired direction, especially in crosswinds. Climate controls on early models are confusing, but better after 1994. Power-window controls are mounted at an awkward angle on the center console, and many switches are hard to reach while driving. Passenger and cargo room are abundant in the long-wheelbase models, with plenty of space for five on richly padded seats. The back seat is huge, though a high step-up into the interior makes entry/exit difficult. Owners get an expansive cargo area, as well as many bins and cupholders, and a host of handy features. Aluminum body panels save weight and are impervious to rust, but they could dent easily and be quite costly to fix. Our test vehicles have suffered a variety of electrical glitches, so be forewarned.

Value for the Money
A Range Rover is extremely capable and comfortable. It's also been considered the ultimate 4x4 in terms of luxury and snob appeal. Still, it's difficult to justify the still hefty prices, when so many competent competitors are on the market. Prices for 1996-up models, with more-modern styling, are far higher than those of earlier-vintage Range Rovers.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Land Rover Ranger Rover 4.6 HSE	Rating

Performance	4

Fuel Economy	2

Ride Quality	3

Steering/Handling/Braking	3

Quietness	4

Controls/Materials	2

Interior Room	9

Room/Comfort (rear)	7

Cargo Capacity	7

Value within Class	1

Total:	42

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

1992-2002 Land Rover Range Rover Reliability

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Accessory belt: Serpentine drive belt comes off when idler pulley breaks. Should be replaced as a dealer recall. (2000)

Climate control: If the heating, air conditioning, and ventilation systems do not work properly, a new circuit board (logic control) must be installed. (1997)

Engine misfire: Some vehicles were built with a crankshaft timing gear that was not properly hardened. If it has already been replaced, you will see red paint on the engine's front lifting eye. The company is replacing the gears beyond the normal warranty period. (1995-96)

Fuel odors: When refueling, the pump nozzle may click off at full flow requiring a much slower flow due to a twisted breather pipe at the fuel-tank filler neck. (1992-96)

Hard starting: Difficult starting or a no-start is probably due to a bad ignition coil which has overheated. (The pitch may have even leaked out.) The ignition module is the root cause. (1992-94)

Oil leak: A revised output seal can remedy transfer gearbox oil leak. (1992-98)

Transmission leak: Water can enter the transmission breather tube and, in cold weather, freeze causing the transmission to leak. (1995-98)

Transmission noise: The transfer case makes a whining noise, but a gear-lever kit has been designed to fix it. (1994-95)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.


Item Name	Repair Cost

A/C Compressor	$1,240

Alternator	$610

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$1,250

Brakes	$400

Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing	$990

Exhaust System	$460

Radiator	$840

Shocks and/or Struts	$680

Timing Chain or Belt	$880

Universal Joints	$235

NHTSA Recall History

1993-95 Classic: Stress crack may develop in plastic fuel tank of some vehicles, which may ultimately result in evidence of fuel from underside of vehicle when filling (or especially, overfilling) the tank.

1993-95: Stress cracks may develop in some vehicles' plastic fuel tanks, resulting in fuel leakage. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.

1995 w/4.0-liter V8: Idler pulley can fail, resulting in serpentine-belt damage or disengagement.

1995: Chafing of cruise-control wire can cause insulation to fail; electrical grounding can cause driver's airbag to deploy.

1995: Rear radius arm can fail; a broken arm can allow movement of rear axle and vehicle instability.

1995-98: Certain underhood hose and tubing components can fail, allowing fluid to leak.

1995-99: As a result of water entry, subsequent freezing, and ice blockage, transmission breather tube can become clogged and expel transmission fluid from dipstick onto hot engine components.

2000: One or both bolts that retain brake caliper to axle may be loose or possibly missing.

2001: Water contamination of the automatic-transmission oil can lead to transmission failure, resulting in unintentional vehicle movement.

1992-2002 Land Rover Range Rover Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1992
Range Rover	$2,900-3,600	$2,200-2,700	$700-800

1993
Range Rover	$3,200-4,000	$2,500-3,100	$800-1,000

1994
Range Rover	$3,600-4,400	$2,900-3,500	$1,000-1,200

1995
Range Rover	$4,300-5,100	$3,600-4,200	$1,500-1,700

1996
Range Rover	$5,000-6,200	$4,300-5,300	$2,000-2,500

1997
Range Rover	$5,800-7,200	$5,000-6,300	$2,400-3,000

1998
Range Rover	$6,700-8,800	$5,900-7,700	$3,100-4,000

1999
Range Rover	$8,200-10,500	$7,400-9,500	$4,200-5,400

2000
Range Rover	$10,000-13,000	$9,000-11,700	$5,200-6,800

2001
Range Rover	$12,000-15,000	$10,800-13,500	$6,700-8,400

2002
Range Rover	$15,000-17,500	$13,700-15,900	$9,500-11,000

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

1992-2002 Land Rover Range Rover Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	100.0

Overall Length, in.	175.0

Overall Width, in.	71.4

Overall Height, in.	70.8

Curb Weight, lbs.	4401

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	82.8

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	21.6

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	38.4

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.0

Rear Head Room, in.	37.3

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	32.7

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

In 1992, all Range Rovers had a 3.9-liter V8 engine. For 1993, the 3.9 was joined by a new 4.2-liter V8. Mid 1995 brought a 4.0-liter V8, followed in '96 by a 4.6-liter version for the 4.6 HSE. The aluminum V8 engines actually were descended from a Buick design of the 1960s. All Range Rovers had a 4-speed automatic transmission.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

ohv V8	3.9 / 241	178-182	220/232	4-speed automatic: 12/15	4-speed automatic: 13.8

ohv V8	4.2 / 241	188-190	236	4-speed automatic: 13/17	4-speed automatic: 14.3

ohv V8	4.2 / 261	200	251	4-speed automatic: 12/15	4-speed automatic: 14.1

ohv V8	4.6 / 278	222-225	280-300	4-speed automatic: 12/16	4-speed automatic: 11.6

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Built In: England

Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/4-wheel drive

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Also in the 1992-2002 Land Rover Range Rover Review:

Land Rover Range Rover

Land Rover Range Rover Road Test

Land Rover Range Rover Reliability

Land Rover Range Rover Prices

Land Rover Range Rover Specs & Safety

Land Rover Range Rover Photos

Land Rover Range Rover Full Review