Owner reviews for the Rover 100
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Overall rating 4/5Well-known as a thrifty, easy-to-park city car, the Rover 100 keeps things simple and affordable for first-time buyers and budget-friendly households alike.
No edits, no filters—just real feedback from verified vehicle owners to help you make confident decisions.
Overall rating 4/5The Rover 100 is a compact supermini designed to make light work of urban driving. Produced from 1994 to 1998 as an update of the Metro, it offers value, reliability, economy, nimble handling, comfortable seating and classic styling. It is recognized for its basic but solid construction, low running costs, easy parking, good visibility, light controls, and low insurance premiums.
Rover 100s come with basic safety features including seatbelts, an immobiliser and sometimes a driver’s airbag. However, safety standards were limited compared with today’s expectations, leading to an understandable lack of electronic driver aids.
You'll find 1.1-litre and 1.4-litre petrol engines or a 1.5-litre diesel in a Rover 100. These small workhorses are simple to maintain, though not particularly powerful. The petrol engines work well for city driving, while the diesel stands out for economy on longer trips.
Standard features were quite primitive, with a simple radio cassette player, manual windows and cloth interiors. Higher trims like the Ascot and Knightsbridge SE offered electric windows, central locking and sunroofs, but there is no modern infotainment – it’s pure, uncomplicated motoring.
The most efficient diesel versions can easily achieve more than 50mpg, while petrol models provide between 40-46mpg. Low insurance groups and affordable maintenance help keep running costs lower than many other small cars of its time.
Look out for corrosion, especially around the sills and wheel arches, sagging Hydragas suspension, and any cooling issues. Electrical gremlins occasionally crop up with these older cars. For extra peace of mind, consider booking The AA Vehicle Inspection to get an expert opinion before buying.
Generally, Rover 100s have a dependable reputation if they are well maintained. The engines themselves are robust and often outlast the bodywork. However, ageing suspension, rust and occasional electrical issues mean regular checks are wise as these cars get older.