Used 1997 Land Rover Range Rover Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 1997 Range Rover, so we've included reviews for other years of the Range Rover since its last redesign.
Must be "hands on" owner!
oc_range_rover, 07/25/2014
1996 Land Rover Range Rover 4.6 HSE 4dr SUV AWD
14 of 14 people found this review helpful
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!
Hey it's a Range Rover
range driver 007, 02/15/2009
1997 Land Rover Range Rover 4.6 HSE 4dr SUV AWD
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
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.
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See all 0 listingsAfter 16 years of ownership.
dench, 03/27/2012
1996 Land Rover Range Rover 4.0 SE 4dr SUV AWD
15 of 16 people found this review helpful
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 $.
Solid and basically reliable
Farkle, 12/23/2002
1997 Land Rover Range Rover 4.6 HSE 4dr SUV AWD
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
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.
great car when it works
niccoram, 01/12/2010
1997 Land Rover Range Rover 4.6 HSE 4dr SUV AWD
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
This is my daily driver to and from home and school through city streets and the occasional bad traffic. Out of town trips are pleasant for as long as you check the hoses and water level so that overheating wont be a problem. changed suspension to Bilstein heavy duty shocks after the air stanchions gave way. Overhaul the engine every 35k Mi.. it makes a big difference. front windows come off alignment after a while which cause them to fall into the doors. I've already changed the climate control to Sanden AC. Carpeting has also given way and needs to be reupholstered after 30k Mi. Change oil once a year (Mobil 1 synthetic for warm climates)
97 Range Rover 4.6 HSE Review
Best4x4, 03/12/2006
1997 Land Rover Range Rover 4.6 HSE 4dr SUV AWD
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
I've owned several Land Rover's and the 97 4.6L HSE is without a doubt the most comfortable vehicle to drive in especially on long trips. I would highly recommend any Land Rover product to anyone looking for a unique and extremely comfortable vehicle.
Awkward, expensive, and unreliable!
turbostarr88, 10/15/2010
1996 Land Rover Range Rover 4.0 SE 4dr SUV AWD
10 of 11 people found this review helpful
Nothing, I mean nothing, in this car works properly! The headliner is falling, the sunroof just stopped one day, the alarm doesn't work, the EAS is broken, the ignition is temperamental, all the trim pieces are falling apart/off, the power mirror memory has amnesia, the climate control does not function in "Auto" mode, the ABS system failed, the starer is slow to work, there is a mystery oil leak, the courtesy lamps in the back do not work properly, the tailgate jams, the nuts for the wheels are warped and EXPEN$IVE to replace (like everything else in this vehicle). The handling is that of a barge, but it can go anywhere. Provided nothing vital breaks and leaves you stranded!
Best SUV vehicle that money can buy.
Lord of Marlbrough, 12/11/2008
1996 Land Rover Range Rover 4.6 HSE 4dr SUV AWD
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I've owned this beautiful 4.6 HSE which was a one owner car owned by a heart specialist and had onlt 65000 miles on it when I picked it up at the dealership. I've been blessed by this vehicle since day one, because it was properly maintained before than I kept up with it no bills higher than couple of hundred dollars twice in five years. this vehicle is 12 years old now and it still turn heads as you drive by.
Great vehicle, nothing else like it.
lrscott, 03/19/2010
1996 Land Rover Range Rover 4.0 SE 4dr SUV AWD
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
It's been a decent truck. Got it a little over a year ago and was a little concerned about the decision, but went ahead and did it. NO REGRETS! Very well built, feels like you are commanding a luxurious cruise ship down the road in your captain's chair! Visibility is terrific! It leaks, get used to it... Recently drove a 2002 blazer. They don't even compare. Drives like a truck and is a bit of a slug, but is smooth as silk and gives you a feeling while driving it, that I cannot explain, and that cannot be replicated in any other car. Rovers are for enthusiasts and require more maintenance than usual, do it smart (don't take it to the dealership) and cost of ownership is fairly low.
RANGES ROVERS SUCK
rover's suck, 01/29/2004
1997 Land Rover Range Rover 4.0 SE 4dr SUV AWD
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I hate the reliability of this truck. it breaks down often & repair prices are ridiculous. When this truck breaks down, the repair is $2,000.00 on average. this truck has parts in it that no other truck has & they all break down. I put $10,000.00 into this truck in one year. the blue book value has plummetted. i can't believe this truck was once $69,000.00. NEVER BUY THIS TRUCK OR YOU WILL PAY THE PRICE.
love this suv
sparkette, 07/13/2005
1997 Land Rover Range Rover 4.6 HSE 4dr SUV AWD
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I love this car!!! I have always owned BMW's and swore that was all I would ever drive. My husband bought this car when I got pregnant because it was big and safe and he had always wanted one.He thought after a couple months I would give it to him and get something else.I won't give it up. It is very fun to drive and I love how high you sit up and you can see everything. His Tahoe has horrible blind spots. It is more comfortable to sit in for long trips than his bigger Tahoe. Repair bills are comparable to other luxury vehicles, it is not a Ford and will cost more to fix. That's why it's luxury. The only drawback is it is a little slow on pick up but its not a sports car either.
Once Bitten, Thrice Shy
Wayne, 02/13/2009
1997 Land Rover Range Rover 4.6 HSE 4dr SUV AWD
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
Always dreamed of owning a Range Rover. Finally plucked up the courage to buy one in 2005 and after extensive research and product comparison found a one owner low mileage one at a local premier car dealer ship. I must say the after glow of owning my first "luxury" SUV began to dim very soon after we took delivery. Silly things started to go wrong almost immediately. Heated seats stopped working, sway arm needed replacing early on (causing an alarming feature called "wheel wobble"), small coolant pipe perished causing leakage, mega bucks to replace, many many air suspension faults, remote central locking system troublesome, sun roof broke itself! (big money to repair) that was the final straw.
Range Rover great visibility and comfort
kpacific, 02/25/2008
1997 Land Rover Range Rover 4.0 SE 4dr SUV AWD
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
I commute in the vehicle on the freeway, and love the height and visibility that I have. The Rover manuvers well on the open road, but pick up can be a problem. Sluggish going up hills. Does well on dirt mountain roads in rain and snow. The AWD is a plus. The cost of driving the car, from gas to repairs to replacement parts is very high. In my 30+ years of driving, I've never had to have my car towed in for repair until my Rover...it's been towed twice. With this vehicle, you must find a reliable, knowledgeable repair facility. This is difficult, even in an urban setting.
A Great Vehicle
scott f., 02/07/2010
1996 Land Rover Range Rover 4.0 SE 4dr SUV AWD
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I got it when gas was expensive as a second car. I have to say, I am very impressed with it. It is definitely not an average car and cannot be treated like one either. It is a conversation starter and still turns heads. However, this trucks is not for everyone. It does require a bit more maintenance and is not a vehicle you can skimp on. If you give it the very best, it will give you its very best. if you want something unique and dont mind the extra maintenance get a rover. It won't disappoint you.
Poor Reliability/Expensive repairs
s@mmy, 11/11/2002
1996 Land Rover Range Rover 4.0 SE 4dr SUV AWD
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
We purchased a 1996 Range Rover 4.0 in Jan. 2000. The sensors regularly need replaced. At 50,000 miles we had to replace the fuel pump. At 60,000 miles we had all hell break loose with one problem after another--the auto-dimming rear view mirror began to cloud-up and the liquid chemical in it began to leak and dripped on the dash board and ate away some of the dashboard. I'm serious. Then the driver's side window quit working one day. The left turn signal works when it wants to. Lots of electrical problems. Without warning, the engine blew at 62,000 miles. In one year we spent $7,000 in repairs- OUCH!
Own a life sized exterior paper weight!
JTKRY, 01/22/2008
1996 Land Rover Range Rover 4.0 SE 4dr SUV AWD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
The truck looks like a dream, but runs like a nightmare. The EAS system is a joke, the engine is as fragile as a crystal glass. I've had to change the head gasket within 2 months of owning the truck, to only have the engine crack while warming it up in the winter time. For an engine to crack while trying to warm it up is a disgrace!
Solid and Majestic
Concorde, 06/25/2010
1996 Land Rover Range Rover 4.0 SE 4dr SUV AWD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Having owned my rover for some time now. I can say its been a great vehicle. Rovers in general are high maintenance but their cores are incredibly strong. Btw, the last poster said it's a Ford which isn't true. They weren't bought out by ford till 2001. And how does paint "fail"? I'm not going to lie, mine leaks, it creaks, and has plenty of quirks. But I love it. I have 164k miles on it and it shifts smooth, the engine purrs, and it's amazing off road. It does ride a bit harsh, but that is solid axles for you. Its incredibly easy to work on and a great DIY vehicle. Everyone in the family loves the rig and it has lots of room and its AMAZING in the snow.
Been Great!
Roverdude, 03/16/2005
1996 Land Rover Range Rover 4.0 SE 4dr SUV AWD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought used, has been VERY reliable. I think if it is this old, all the necessary parts have been replaced. Now has about 170K, and has been more reliable than my newer "luxury" vehicles. If you like to work on it yourself, this is perfect for you, very easy. Mileage is not bad for the species.
Never again
PAT, 08/26/2006
1996 Land Rover Range Rover 4.0 SE 4dr SUV AWD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought it used with about 60,000 mile, seemed in good shapes. First air shocks went replaced with fixed springs. Paint job failed. Several interior trim pieces have cracked and fell apart. The dealership quoted a price of $300+ for a simple interior trim piece that should cost $50 to $75. They said it had to be imported. Oil leak that cannot be found. No independent shop can analyze the electronics but the dealer. Numerous noises and rattles that can't be found. This a high priced Ford and not a very well-built Ford. The Dealers sales and service departments have attitudes but the parts department are ashamed at the prices they charge. I WOULD NEVER BUY ANOTHER
Happy with 1996 Range Rover
Rover in Portland, 03/07/2002
1996 Land Rover Range Rover 4.0 SE 4dr SUV AWD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I purchased a used 1996 4.0 Range Rover with 33,000 miles on it in December 2001 and have been very pleased with the car. There is no comparison to any other SUV as far as luxury; Range Rover is the "Creme de la creme". Definately the Ultimate 4x4! Also definately don't buy a new one, wait a few years and pay half the new retail sticker - I picked mine up for $29,000 and the sticker on new ones is over $60,000.
Quirky but Cool!
fmxa, 12/20/2002
1997 Land Rover Range Rover 4.0 SE 4dr SUV AWD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Classic beautiful looks and style, off roads like a mountain goat, mechanical/electrical nightmare, abysmal gas mileage and outrageous service costs. Truly English and eccentric, wouldnt drive anything else!
97 4.6 HSE
Alex, 02/28/2006
1997 Land Rover Range Rover 4.6 HSE 4dr SUV AWD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I really love our Range Rover. It truly is a great vehicle. It fits five people just fine, and handles great on slippery conditions. Thinking about getting another one. You will truly love how this car drives as long as you keep it maintained.
"P" OFF
da_truth , 10/08/2007
1997 Land Rover Range Rover 4.6 HSE 4dr SUV AWD
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
I have grown to be very disappointed in this vehicle,because its has been a constant struggle to keep the engine light off, air condition continues to not work properly and last but not least I had to have regular shocks installed due the air suspension going out aleast 3 times within the first year of having it. I guess I would say that Land Rover needs to invest more money into their mechanics training, because their truly not get it done correctly. I think I will never invest so much time and money in Range Rover ever again. This was my first and problably the last that I will ever own.
Horribly overpriced with poor cupholders
runf77, 05/27/2002
1996 Land Rover Range Rover 4.0 SE 4dr SUV AWD
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I wanted a used RR forever, and finally purchased a 96 rover with only 10k miles a year on it. As far as comfort and room there was no comparison, but as far as value forgetaboutit. I have had only minor repairs done since I have purchased and let me tell you $520 +to replace a front headlight.(just the lightmind you).350.00 to reset a sensor for the electronic stabilizing system...glad nothing major has gone wrong, I'd need a second mortgage! This is on top of 12 mpg driving the tank.The final straw...the most ill concieved cupholders in the auto industry. You'd think a $59000 vehichle could hold a cup of Starbucks coffee. Spend your money on a Landcruiser or Lx470.
Too expensive.....
KBenton, 12/28/2002
1996 Land Rover Range Rover 4.0 SE 4dr SUV AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Although this is a solid ride unless you have deep pockets don't consider buying this SUV. In 5 years it has left me stranded to be towed in 5 times, $6000+ in repairs and unable to sell or received fair market value for trade in (on another Land Rover no less) at Land Rover dealership. In the dealerships words, "This is a high end vehicle so expect high end costs." We will never buy another Land Rover.
Beautiful car
wapman, 10/13/2002
1997 Land Rover Range Rover 4.0 SE 4dr SUV AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The 4.0 and 4.6's are beautiful cars, with a sleek exterior, and an interior quality and style that is unmatched by any other SUV. However, The 4.0's are slightly underpowered, and even the 4.6's cannot match some of the competition. While some have criticized Range Rover for mechanical issues, the 4.0/4.6 series seems to have most issues rectified. These are solid, reliable vehicles.
I like it much more than I thought
Mikeny, 01/15/2003
1997 Land Rover Range Rover 4.6 HSE 4dr SUV AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car has really grown on me. Nothing offers such a great view of the road as a Range Rover. I thought I liked the classic for its ride comfort, but the extra push of th 4.6 makes such a difference. The EAS is a great feature and I use it much more than I thought I would. I have looked at just about every suv including the new 2003 and can anything really compare to this truck? I am going to keep this one a long time.
Beautiful & Clever - The RANGE ROVER
kensingtonhse, 10/14/2005
1997 Land Rover Range Rover 4.6 HSE 4dr SUV AWD
2 of 6 people found this review helpful
The 1997 Range Rover 4.6 HSE Kensington Edition - Land Rover is unsurpassed for their unbeatable crafting of excellent veicles. The 97 Range Rover is no exception. I have owned this veicle for a year now (my first car), and its fantastic! The only thing I had to fix was an airbag, and the sunroof. It has a little over 100,000 on it. I maintain my own Rover. For the DIY owner (Or an independent LR shop if you wish)its quite resonable to fix. If you own more than one land rover - buy reasonable diagnosic software, to help you out with electronics - as it does have it quoter! As for fuel ecominy - what do you expect! Fuels not at $5 yet, so big deal! Wow what an excellent veicle.....
Baby is her Name
son of a KING, 09/09/2004
1996 Land Rover Range Rover 4.6 HSE 4dr SUV AWD
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I picked it up a few days ago,from Don Johnson in Hollywood,I researched it real good,and if your looking for a preowned RR make sure you know what your looking 4,it has less than 9thousand miles a year on it,I drove it home with my lil bro for over 40 hours, right through Hericane Frances. we live in florida,pushed throught the storm at 90 MPH,no problem for this BABY,yes this truck is a lil more to service than any other car I have ever owned, but it is going to be a work truck and I can tell she is going to be up for it,im gonna use her on the farm, GOD WILLING,this girl has been taken care of,it was such a blessing,she is wounderful,Thank God
late 90s range rovers the best ever
patrick collum, 12/14/2003
1997 Land Rover Range Rover 4.0 SE 4dr SUV AWD
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
bought my rover used with 41000 miles on it . had it 2 years the best car i ever had!!!!!!!
review
sean99cd, 05/30/2002
1996 Land Rover Range Rover 4.0 SE 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this is a great overall and very safe car
Great SUV at tremendous cost
eab6287, 08/05/2003
1996 Land Rover Range Rover 4.6 HSE 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We purchased a 1996 Range Rover HSE about a year ago and it has been the best vehicle we've ever driven...when it's working. The alternator, engine computer, air suspension compressor, and numerous other parts have been replaced, costing thousands. Despite all this, at least for us, it's been worth it. Even when there was a problem, the in-dash display warned of it and the engine electronically limited its speed...it never left us stranded or needed to be towed.
Unhappy with my RR 4.6HSE
4.6 HSE RR Owner, 12/08/2003
1996 Land Rover Range Rover 4.6 HSE 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It feels like every other month, there is always something that needs repairing:BeCM replaced $2200 EAS system faults (I am in the process of converting to springs)$1500 Center-caps for the wheels keep popping off $22 each, eight replaced thus far Rear hatch problems $200 Os2 sensor Replaced under recall, but the dealer wanted to charged for labor
awesome truck
hilly, 07/14/2004
1996 Land Rover Range Rover 4.0 SE 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the best vehicle I have ever owned but be prepared to use alot of gas.
Please, Please, don't WASTE your money
litigator, 05/20/2003
1996 Land Rover Range Rover 4.0 SE 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I initially wrote a book on the problems I've experienced with my car. Listen, don't get sucked in by the hype-this car is REALLY a piece of crap. Read the reviews, Consumer Reports, and make an informed decision, not one based on emotion like I did believing all the hype. I would never, ever purchase another land rover. I've spent close to $7000 fixing all kind of stuff on this car.
Great 4x4
Icebergs, 06/02/2003
1996 Land Rover Range Rover 4.0 SE 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Has been 100% reliable so far. Mileage much better than expected - 19 on hwy. Very well behaved in town, easy to drive.
Met Expectations
2nd time around, 03/14/2008
1996 Land Rover Range Rover 4.0 SE 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought the vehicle 4 years old and kept it until 2008. Our 2nd RR. Probably better experience then most on a RR. This car has been vary reliable. Not typically the case from what I read. Key is to find a reliable NON DEALERSHIP mechanic. Remember it's a Range Rover, not a Toyota.
highs and lows
bay area rover, 06/20/2003
1996 Land Rover Range Rover 4.6 HSE 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Owning this vehicle is a combination of highs and lows. Overall, we hate the RR most just after we've paid another $2K repair bill. We love it shortly before it breaks again. I'd never buy another. We bought it as a family hauler right before the birth of our second boy. It's done OK there - hauling us to Tahoe a few times, never stranding us anywhere, plenty of space inside. However, its resale value has dropped so quickly that we're upside down on the loan and can't sell without paying $$. The controls - especially the power window switches - are infuriatingly obtuse. The owners manual is more than 200 pages, and you have to read every one.
More fun than my LexusLX470
Steven, 10/04/2021
1996 Land Rover Range Rover 4.6 HSE 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've owned my 1996 P38 since new and the first 20 years to 2016 were regular service only. Since then I've had some major (expected) repairs to bring it back to "as new". The 4.6 rover engine itself is bulletproof but the stuff around it, after nearly quarter of a century is what cost. But it was $120k brand new so spending $10-15k now is a bargain when you consider I've now got an as new car that should last another 20 years. And, it's still in mint condition, looks great and as time progresses I'm increasingly getting compliments from complete strangers about how great "my" model ranger looks. I've even had strangers approach me and ask if it's for sale including my Range Rover specialist mechanic who wants to buy it for his own use if ever I want to sell. He loves the P38 and like me thinks that at current prices they are a bargain. Selling my ranger will never happen. I have a 2007 Lexus LX470 which is more powerful, smoother, quieter, fuel efficient, you get the gist, but my old ranger is the one I love to drive most and it turns heads. My 5 stars is for the pure joy the car gives me on many fronts. If I amortise the cost of maintenance and repairs over the 25 years I've owned it I'm more than happy.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
It is the King of SUV's
rover7, 05/28/2002
1996 Land Rover Range Rover 4.0 SE 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
My Range Rover has been a joy to own, other than regular matinence it has been a real treat. When the occational problem arises it is costly to go to land rover but the quality of work, and the atmosphere is great! My Rover has never left me stranden, and that is very important to me and my family. We feel very safe and secure in this primier SUV. It is a 10 for me! Join the club!!!