2008 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2008 Land Rover Range Rover Sport manages to retain its genetic good looks outside, but its interior is less perfect. The 2008 Land Rover Range Rover Sport cuts a mean profile with its chiseled shape and tall greenhouse (the windows). The shape recalls classic Range Rovers that came along well before the Sport's 2006 introduction, all with elegantly thin roof pillars and a purposeful presence that looked like it was ready to tackle forest trails or desert sands.When the current model was being designed, Land Rover was owned by BMW, and this Range Rover retains its Bavarian-engineered roots. That translates into a vehicle that handles and rides far better than one would expect from a top-heavy SUV.

It's certainly not focused on sporting dynamics like a Porsche Cayenne. The 2008 Land Rover Range Rover is a luxury SUV available in two trims: HSE and Supercharged. The HSE is equipped with 19-inch wheels, an adjustable air suspension, front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, xenon headlights, a sunroof, tri-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery and 12-way driver and 10-way passenger power-adjustable front seats. Bluetooth, a navigation system with "bread crumb" off-road tracking and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon Logic7 stereo with six-CD changer, satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack are also standard.

Now in its third generation, the Land Rover Range Rover still carries considerable prestige. From an off-road perspective, it's one of the most capable SUVs available at any price. From a luxury perspective, it's probably the most elegant and distinctive utility vehicle on the market, despite a few rough edges. High pricing keeps all but the very rich from buying a new Range Rover -- a fact that only adds to the appeal of this elite 4x4.

Standard safety items on this 2008 Land Rover Range Rover include antilock disc brakes (more powerful Brembo brakes are fitted to the Supercharged model), brake assist, stability control and hill descent control. Side airbags for front occupants, full-length side curtain airbags, a driver's knee airbag and front and rear parking sensors with a rearview camera are also standard.

Overall,the 2008 Land Rover Range Rover is a classically handsome SUV that earns high praise from reviewers around the car world, who admire its mix of the rugged and the luxurious.