1997 Land Rover Range Rover Review
1997 Land Rover Range Rover Review
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Used Range Rover for sale
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Off-road ability, rugged styling, luxurious interior
Cons
- Fuel economy, price
What’s new
The 4.0 SE gets three new exterior colors (Oxford Blue, Rioja Red and White Gold, all matched to Saddle leather interior), a HomeLink transmitter and jeweled wheel center caps. The 4.6 HSE gets three new exterior colors (British Racing Green, Monza Red and AA Yellow), one new interior color (Lightstone with contrasting piping) and a leather shift handle.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1997 Land Rover Range Rover 4.0 SE 4dr SUV AWD and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$330/mo for Range Rover 4.0 SE
Range Rover 4.0 SE
vs
$201/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
Virtually unbeatable in both snob appeal and off-road talent, the Range Rover comes in two trim levels: 4.0 SE and 4.6 HSE. Both are the benefactors of new colors and fresh finishing touches for 1997.
In the 4.0 SE, an update of Land Rover's 4.0-liter aluminum V8 engine works in concert with a ZF four-speed automatic transmission, offering normal, sport, and manual shift programs. The 4.6 HSE comes equipped with a significantly stronger 4.6-liter V8 engine. Electronic traction control augments the permanent four-wheel-drive system. All-disc, all-terrain antilock braking is standard. So is a CD changer. This Range Rover 4.0 SE can tow 6,500 pounds on the highway, or 7,700 pounds in low range. Under the sheetmetal is a ladder-type chassis, plus an electronic air suspension system and beam axles. Rear trailing arms are made of lightweight composite material.
The Range Rover is loaded with standard equipment. That means leather and burled walnut in the interior, automatic climate control for the driver and front passenger (with micro-pollen filtration), 10-way adjustable heated front seats with memory preset, sunroof, 120-watt stereo--well, you get the idea. Dual airbags protect driver and passenger.
In addition to a stronger engine, the 4.6 HSE adds Pirelli 255/55HR18 tires, five-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels, mud flaps, a leather shifter, and a chrome exhaust.
With a 4.0 SE priced well past fifty thou', the Range Rover obviously isn't for everyone. The Land Rover company calls it the "world's most advanced sport utility," aimed at "discerning drivers and sportsmen." We won't argue with that description. Given a choice, we'd prefer something on the order of a Lexus LS400 for ordinary highway driving. Still, if a taste of off-roading lies in your future, and a run-of-the-mill sport-utility vehicle doesn't turn you on, what better way to blast into the bush than in a Range Rover? It's not a drive, it's an experience.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1997 Land Rover Range Rover.
5 star(40%)
4 star(37%)
3 star(10%)
2 star(10%)
1 star(3%)
40 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Must be "hands on" owner!
oc_range_rover, 07/25/2014
1996 Land Rover Range Rover 4.6 HSE 4dr SUV AWD
Now that I've had mine for about 10 months I will say, this is a fantastic vehicle.
To get all the comfort with the rugged of road capability is a true blessing.
The value of these cars "used" is immeasurable.
There is one big caveat to ownership however, that is, you must be a hands on owner.
Must be able to do much of the maintenance and repair work yourself.
also be able to source … parts yourself.
If you can do this the vehicle is an incredible value.
If you cant, and must take it to a "qualified" shop when something goes wrong, then your wallet will be drained faster than your gas tank on this bad boy. Get your own hands greasy and be happy!
4.38 out of 5 stars
Hey it's a Range Rover
range driver 007, 02/15/2009
1997 Land Rover Range Rover 4.6 HSE 4dr SUV AWD
Beside the electrical problems, and other odds & ends, the truck is fun to drive. The key is have a good mechanic, the one I use has a graveyard of dead land rovers to pick parts from. Also I was recently in an accident (rear ended) and all I can say is you should see the other guy.
4.5 out of 5 stars
After 16 years of ownership.
dench, 03/27/2012
1996 Land Rover Range Rover 4.0 SE 4dr SUV AWD
I have this car (1996 RR 4.0SE P38a) for the past 16 years and it has been one of my favorite car that provides most fun when driving it.
I love the driving position that gives me the control of the road like no other SUV.
There are many problems with the car, but the main thing is that it's a truly reliable vehicle when you take good care of it.
I've also experienced things like … EAS(changed to fixed suspension), disfunctional A/C (Auto failed), plastic parts on the door frames are falling apart, interior panels crack apart, check engine light on all the time (didn't have any clue) and it just keeps on going and going... I've done most of my maints on a local shop, didn't spend much $.
4.13 out of 5 stars
Solid and basically reliable
Farkle, 12/23/2002
1997 Land Rover Range Rover 4.6 HSE 4dr SUV AWD
I have owned many British cars --
including a Rolls and a couple Jags --
and I was used to unworldly service
bills but with 112,000 miles on the
odometer, this truck has been
reliable. I have the 225hp 4.6 liter
model.
Truck has never let me down. I off
road it a few times a year, pull a
trailer (2000 lbs), fill up a roof
rack and have screaming pre-teens in
the … back. Very few creaks and rattles!
Short girlfriend really likes the air
suspension, which can "kneel" to allow
convenient access.
I have not found service costs to be
unreasonably high or extraordinarily
frequent.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1997 Land Rover Range Rover, so we've included reviews for other years of the Range Rover since its last redesign.
1997 Range Rover Highlights
4.0 SE
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 13 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $330/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 31.0 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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