Overview & Reviews

Land Rover SUVs are the first choice of England's royals when the need arises for a vehicle gutsy enough to tackle rocks and mud. It's no wonder; in addition to their go-anywhere bravado, Land Rovers offer a uniquely British brand of elegance that feels supremely upper-crust. The Land Rover Discovery, offered in Europe a few years before coming to North America, was created to serve as a bridge between the manufacturer's utilitarian Defender and prestigious Range Rover models.

Unlike today's family-friendly crossovers, the Land Rover Discovery was an old-school luxury SUV that was at its best when pitted against treacherous ravines and vertiginous mountain paths. On-road performance clearly wasn't the primary focus, though on later models, Land Rover made more of an effort to strike a balance between trail-busting capacity and boulevard comfort.

In certain aspects concerning versatility, interior ergonomics and safety, the Land Rover lagged behind its peers. Cargo space was limited, and side airbags and stability control weren't available. Then there was the issue of reliability. Land Rovers of years gone by had a notoriously intimate relationship with repair shops, and the Discovery was no exception. More recent models, though, showed some improvement in this area.

Legendary off-road capabilities and a high level of luxury are the Discovery Series II's best points. But in our opinion, both are overshadowed by the vehicle's faults. Most buyers will probably be better served by competing Japanese or domestic luxury SUVs.

Most recent Land Rover Discovery

The Land Rover Discovery was a two-generation vehicle, and its most recent generation was built from 1999 until the SUV's demise in 2004. (The Land Rover LR3 took its place in the lineup.) Between model years 2000 and 2002, the Discovery was known as the Discovery Series II.

This generation saw a dizzying flurry of trim changes. In 1999, the Discovery was available in two versions: the outgoing generation called the SD and the new Series II. In 2000, the old one was dropped. Model-year 2001 saw another revision; the Discovery Series II could be had in SD, LE and SE models. The LE trim level was dropped in 2002. In 2003, the SUV once again became known simply as the Discovery, and from that point on it was available in base S, SE and top-of-the-line HSE trim levels.

Base-model Discovery models from this generation weren't light on luxury features, offering standard amenities like a CD player, power-adjustable front seats and dual-zone climate control. The nimble Land Rover was also ready to roam the great outdoors, thanks to permanent four-wheel drive, plenty of ground clearance and Hill Descent Control. Active Cornering Enhancement, a hydraulic suspension system that reduces vehicle body lean during cornering, was available, as were a self-leveling rear suspension and third-row seats.

Initially, two 4.0-liter V8s were available, one good for 182 horsepower and 233 pound-feet of torque, and the other for 188 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. In 2000, the less-muscular V8 was dropped from the lineup. Model-year 2003 saw the introduction of a more potent 4.6-liter V8 good for 217 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. This engine was used to power all Discoverys until the model's retirement. This Land Rover wasn't known for stellar fuel economy. Discoverys powered by the 4.6-liter got a paltry 12 mpg in the city and 16 in highway travel.

Engine changes weren't the only ones experienced by the Land Rover Discovery during these five years. In 2000, the SUV benefited from minor interior upgrades. In 2002, new alloys were added, along with a standard Harman Kardon sound system. The Discovery got revised styling and interior treatments for 2003, and improvements were also made to its steering, brakes and suspension. By 2004, the options list had grown to include a navigation system, rear-seat DVD entertainment system and rear parking sensors.

Top-notch interior materials were the order of the day in the Discovery's cabin. There was ample head- and legroom, but the SUV's narrow proportions resulted in scarce shoulder- and hiproom. Additionally, this Land Rover's cramped doorways and tall stance made entry and exit somewhat of a challenge.

In editorial reviews, the Land Rover Discovery scored high marks for its off-road performance. On pavement, it was plagued by sluggish steering and an overly harsh ride. Ride quality saw some improvement after 2003's refresh, so opt for a 2003 or 2004 model to get a Discovery offering the most competence in this area. Finding a well-maintained and -documented model is probably wise given the Disco's less-than-exemplary reputation for reliability and durability.

Past Land Rover Discoverys

The Land Rover Discovery's first generation lasted from 1994-'99. Standard features included full power accessories, keyless entry and cruise control. A third-row seat and, eventually, a CD player were offered as options. Early Discoverys got their juice from a 3.9-liter V8 good for 182 hp and 232 lb-ft of torque. This engine was replaced by a 4.0-liter V8 in 1996, offering slightly more torque (233 lb-ft) and improved fuel economy. In 1997, the Discovery's interior was upgraded to include burled walnut trim.

Even more so than later models, Discoverys from this generation were prone to reliability issues; on-road ride quality was also quite unforgiving. Given these factors, we'd recommend that those in the used market place their money with one of the SUV's more amenable Japanese competitors. If you're determined to get a first-gen Discovery, opt for the 1996 and '97 versions, with their more frugal engines.

User Reviews:

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  Oh God Ive Made A Terrible Mistake - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By please take it back - December 30 - 12:46 am

  I have never known true regret until I bought my 2003 Discovery. There it was sitting in the lot gleaming, little did I know that the Devil can come in the shape of a car. I should say that I bought it used, with 55,000 miles on it, it drove wonderfully for the first 3 months when my monthly sojourn to the Land Rover Service Lot began. Every light on my dashboard has lit up like the 4th of July sky, I especially enjoy the ones with the exclamation marks. Every gasket, every hose, everything except the engine, whose failure I am currently awaiting, has failed. Anyone who comes across this vehicle should run, not walk in the opposite direction. A demon lurks beneath the gleaming hood.

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  All Name, No Game - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By JC - December 13 - 6:53 am

  After running my 03 Disco for 44k, my vote is mixed but leaning towards the not worth the price and could use lots of improvements side. Nothing big has gone wrong, but lots of little items have. Both front windows failed in a week. Gas door has broken twice, horn buttons snapped off, leaking windows, two oil leaks after service, brakes need changing almost yearly, spark plug wires went bust, cruise control is poor and punchy, and comfort level in rear is horrific, front poor. A/C vents just don’t seem to hit driver in face, a must in Florida summers. On the other had, great looks, powerful, off-road works very well.

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  Beautiful to Drive, Awful to Maintain - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By skibum232 - February 11 - 3:46 pm

  I would love to rate this car a 1 but honestly cannot. Purchased used with 50k in 2006 and sold in 2010 with about 90k. Routinely the car went in the shop from 2008 until I sold it and typically was $500-$2000 a time. The car constantly had issues with pumps, leaks, brakes, gaskets. The MPG too was horrid, at one point doing neighborhood/city only I averaged 9.8 MPG. Mechanical aside though I loved it. Loved the looks, the way you sat, the space, features, handling in snow and Land Rover knows how to make a car look cool. Would I ever own again? Probably not unless they overhaul how they build cars. My next car purchase I was focused on reliability and MPG and not just good looks.

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  Its a car you will hate to love - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By Bryce - February 4 - 8:36 am

  This is my second Land Rover Discovery. My first was a 2000. It caught on fire on the freeway. What else do I need to say about that. I was stupid and bought a 2004 model in May 2008. Okay I know its now 4 years old now, but its only got 46,000 miles which I thought was pretty good. I cant drive it without lights turning on every second and a dinging noise going off all day. Driving it will remind you of Vegas. My check engine light wont go off because of the gas cap either. Its funny how they use Land Rovers in Jamaica for off road safaris from 1985 but my 2004 cant make it to the store. If you are thinking about a Land Rover just dont do it. Go buy an Acura.

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  Stay Away - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By rockyroad - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Overall quality very poor for the price and fuel economy worse than 12- 16...DO NOT BUY THIS

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  Stay Away From Disco - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By Stay away - July 2 - 2:16 pm

  Ive had my 2003 disco SE7 for 3yrs. Purchased at 50,000. Less than 2 months, I spent over $800 on axle job. Next it was $3200 engine gasket leak plus a host of other issues. It does not hold second hand value either. It looks great and people think it cost a lot but I will not buy landrover anytime soon. Poor engineering period.

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  Still unsure about my HSE - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By tikelmeami - June 24 - 10:00 am

  Had my truck for 1 hour. Pulled in my garage with AC, and headlights on. Took key out of the ignition, the air was still running. Thought the engine was on but it wasnt. Turned off lights to get out of the car, my AC went off. HA HA...No key in the ignition but the lights turn on and off my AC. Dealership said they never saw this before and called technical support. Said it was minor. The HVAC system wasnt programmed right so they had to reprogram it. THE TURNING RADIUS SUCKS.Makes me feel like I dont know how to drive when parking or making a u turn. When you roll the window down an inch,the wind in the car is unreal. I like some fresh air, but geez

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  What a nightmare !! - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By NO more Disco - May 21 - 10:30 am

  Bought this from the Land Rover Dealer, They forgot to mention this year has a problem with ABS/Downhill Assist/Traction control failing,and with Engine Oil pumps. They remembered it after I bought it, "yes they have had a few problems with this year" The 2003 is not the year to buy, the locking diffs, and transfer case are not on this model year but on the 2002 and 2004. Should have bought a jeep. It looked cool, when it ran it was awesome when it did not it was awful.

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  Slow and Overpriced - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By Tom - December 13 - 3:56 pm

  A good SUV in allot of way. It’s strong, solid and safe. However it’s a thirsty, under-powered slug with a nice leather interior. Also the ongoing service will take the fun out of having it. I can’t tell you how disappointed I am with this SUV, not to mention the hit I’m going to take to get out from under it. Never again

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  90K miles - time to replace every gasket - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By BarryC - August 28 - 11:20 am

  I loved my 03 Disco until year 5. After 90,000 miles (147,000 km) every gasket in the engine had to be replaced. What originally appeared as a simple oil pan leak turned into the replacement of the head, timing assembly, and oil pan gaskets, plus radiator leaks and other miscellaneous hoses at the cost of CAD $2000 in parts and $1,300 in labor. Other annoying items: the passenger window motor self destructed, premature fading of wheel well fenders, excessive engine knocking even with regular 94 octane use, seat heater failing. The vehicle was serviced religiously. My advice - sell before the warranty expires. Im used to high maintenance vehicles but will never buy another Landrover.