2000 Land Rover Range Rover: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

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.