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2000 Land Rover Range Rover Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
2000 Land Rover Range Rover Review
Body-colored bumpers and new-look alloy wheels for the base model keynote appearance changes to Range Rover for 2000. This is the ultra-luxury companion to the smaller, less-expensive Discovery. Both these British-built SUVs are products of England's Land Rover. Ford recently purchased Land Rover from the German automaker BMW.

Range Rover is a 5-passenger, 4-door wagon that comes in two models, the 4.0 SE and 4.6 HSE. Both have permanent 4-wheel drive, automatic transmission, and a V8 engine. The 4.0 SE uses a 4.0 liter, the 4.6 HSE a 4.6. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, traction control, front side airbags, and a driver-adjustable self-leveling suspension are standard.

For 2000, Range Rover gets standard auto-dimming outside mirrors, tinted turn signal lenses, and revised instrument graphics. The 4.0 SE's alloy wheels are redesigned, and both models get body-colored bumpers and mirrors, and more interior brightwork, including a chrome gearshift surround.

Land Rover offered a small run of high-performance Callaway versions during 1999 and plans to offer a series of limited-production appearance packages beginning in spring 2000.
Competition
Though this segment has cooled somewhat with the rise in fuel prices, it's still one of the hottest. Our Best Buy is the Ford Expedition. We love the size, comfort, and power of this big SUV. Hot on its heels are the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon. We were very impressed with these vehicles initially, and when we have more time to fully evaluate them we expect them to be Best Buys as well. For a few more bucks you can get the highly recommended Toyota Land Cruiser. Its high price is the only thing holding back this refined and drivable SUV.
News
A redesigned Range Rover loosely based on BMW's U.S.-built X5 is on track for the 2002 model year despite BMW's selling Land Rover to Ford last March. BMW purchased Britain's Rover Group, which includes Land Rover, in 1994 for $1.3 billion, then poured in another $5 billion in an effort to counter troubles with the British company's car operations. BMW, being a fairly small manufacturer in world terms, couldn't sustain that kind of drain, hence the sale. Ford was only too happy to scoop up Land Rover, and for the same reason that moved BMW to buy Rover Group in the first place: Land Rover's worldwide renown in 4-wheel drive.

Recent reports have painted the next Range Rover as offering evolutionary styling and BMW power in V8 and possibly ultra-exclusive V12 models. It would not be outright an clone of the X5, however, having its own platform designed for greater off-road ability in keeping with the Land Rover image. Trouble is, this plan would leave Ford in the uncomfortable position of selling BMW engines. What to do? Our guess is that Ford will substitute its own 4.6- and 5.4-liter V8s from the big Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs, though it would require a crash reengineering effort that could delay the new Range Rover's launch by six months at least. The rumored V12 model would be left stillborn as a result, Ford having no such engine in its arsenal.

There is an alternative scenario, though. Within days of Rover Group's announced sale, reports surfaced that Ford had begun preliminary discussions about taking over BMW. Should that happen, Ford would obviously have no problem proceeding with the new Range Rover as designed.

So stay tuned. This drama is far from over.
2000 Land Rover Range Rover Road Test
Pros Cons
Ride Fuel economy
Passenger and cargo room Entry/exit
Interior materials
Build quality
Exterior finish
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

4.0 SE 4.6 HSE Class Average
3 4 4.8

The SE V-8 is smooth and quiet, even at full throttle, but feels lethargic with the transmission in Normal shift mode. Changing to the Sport setting helps, yet 0-60 mph still took over 11 seconds in our test of a '99. The HSE feels stronger in all situations, but its larger, lower-profile tires make for a harsher ride on bumpy pavement.
Fuel Economy

4.0 SE 4.6 HSE Class Average
2 2 3.2

We averaged 14.4 mpg with a '99 SE despite lots of highway driving. The HSE is even thirstier, averaging just 11.8 mpg overall in our tests, with a best of 13.1 in mostly highway driving.
Ride Quality

4.0 SE 4.6 HSE Class Average
4 4 3.9

Range Rovers are capable and comfortable on-pavement and off, but their relatively short wheelbase and long suspension travel make for a less settled street ride than that furnished by big domestic SUVs.
Steering/Handling/Braking

4.0 SE 4.6 HSE Class Average
3 3 4.4

The tall suspension also contributes to noticeable body lean in turns, though grip and stability are reassuring.
Quietness

4.0 SE 4.6 HSE Class Average
4 4 4

Wind noise is a bit alarming at highway speeds for a vehicle costing this much.
Controls

4.0 SE 4.6 HSE Class Average
2 2 4.1

The steering wheel telescopes but doesn't tilt, and the control layout isn't as logical as newer domestic designs. There are lots of switches, and many of their identifying icons are not obvious.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

4.0 SE 4.6 HSE Class Average
9 9 7

Front seats are somewhat outboard in position, but comfortable and supportive.
Room/Comfort (rear)

4.0 SE 4.6 HSE Class Average
7 7 5.4

Interior step-in is reasonably low for an SUV, and there's ample room for five on richly padded seats.
Cargo Room

4.0 SE 4.6 HSE Class Average
7 7 7.2

An expansive cargo area is augmented by an array of bins, but the interior cupholders are too shallow for big drinks. Nifty touches include integrated rear seatbelt buckles that won't get lost when folding the seat, and a reinforced plastic panel that bridges the tailgate and load floor to ease shifting of heavy cargo.
Value within Class

4.0 SE 4.6 HSE Class Average
2 2 3

Range Rover oozes British charm, inspiring images of genteel wealth, country estates, and riding to hounds. Indeed, that's its chief sales appeal. But we don't feel that imagery worth close to $60,000. Especially not when less money now buys equal luxury and better performance in big SUVs from Lexus, Lincoln, even GMC.
Total Score

4.0 SE 4.6 HSE Class Average
43 44 47
Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score
37
Average Score
47
High Score
61
2000 Land Rover Range Rover Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 11/22/1999
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
4.0 SE 4-door wagon $59,000 $52,215 $625
4.6 HSE 4-door wagon $67,300 $59,561 $625
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
4.0 SE
Powertrain
4.0-liter V8 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, permanent 4-wheel drive, electronic 2-speed transfer case, locking center differential, front and rear traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side-airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Variable-assist power steering, leather-wrapped tilt/telescopic steering wheel, leather-wrapped shifter, cruise control, air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate control, interior air filter, leather upholstery, wood interior trim, heated 10-way power front bucket seats w/memory feature, split folding rear seat, front storage console, cupholders, heated power mirrors w/memory and automatic day/night, outside mirror tilt-down back-up aid, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power sunroof, trip computer, computer message center, Harman/Kardon AM/FM/weatherband/cassette w/6-disc CD changer, steering-wheel radio controls, tachometer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage-door opener, remote fuel-door release, heated windshield and rear window, variable intermittent wipers w/heated washer nozzles, rear wiper/washer, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, cargo cover.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, heated headlight wiper/washers, front and rear fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Automatic load-leveling suspension, trailer hitch and wiring harness, 265/65HR16 tires, full-size spare tire, alloy wheels.
4.6 HSE adds to 4.0 SE
Powertrain
4.6-liter V8 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Overhead storage console.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
255/55HR18 tires.
Optional Equipment
Comfort and Convenience Features
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Navigation System
4.0 SE, 4.6 HSE
$2,995
$2,650
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Java Black paint
4.0 SE
$300
$
4.6 HSE
$0
$0
2000 Land Rover Range Rover Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Land Rover Range Rover 4-door wagon
Wheelbase, in. 108.1
Overall Length, in. 185.5
Overall Width, in. 74.4
Overall Height, in. 71.6
Curb Weight, lbs. 4960
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 58.0
Standard Payload, lbs. 1170
Fuel Capacity, gals. 24.6
Seating Capacity 5
Front Head Room, in. 38.1
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 42.6
Rear Head Room, in. 38.2
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 36.5
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  ohv V8 ohv V8
Size, liters/cu. in. 4.0 /241 4.6 /278
Horsepower @ rpm. 188 @ 4750 222 @ 4750
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 250 @ 2600 300 @ 2600
Availability Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
   
4-speed automatic 13/17 13/15
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Land Rover Range Rover 4-door wagon
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%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain None/-- --
Bumper-to-bumper 4/50,000 --
Corrosion 6/unlimited --
Free roadside assistance 4/50,000 --
Free scheduled maintenance None/-- --
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in: USA
Drivewheels: 4-wheel drive
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