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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Love my Disco! - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
By SEOMike - March 17 - 2:56 pmMy 03 S7 is just great. The truck handles so well! Its a lot taller and heavier than my 01 Explorer Limited was and yet it handles so much better. I have had some troubles mechanically though. If youre looking for an 03 Disco you should make sure that the previous owner had the "brain" for the ABS changed with the recall that went out. If not, expect to cough up around $2500. Tires have worn well as have the brakes. Its not a racecar, dont treat it like one. It goes everywhere I can think of without a single copmplaint. Had a lady rear-end me once and it destroyed her minivan. Didnt do a thing to my tank of a truck!
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DiscoRocks - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
By JLand - March 8 - 2:00 amI dont do much everyday driving, except for trips to the off-road rally sponsored by the retailer. It is an exceptional and true off road vehicle and a distinct style to set it apart. Although it needs a long list of upgrades, I still love it. Perhaps the most noteworthy of the upgrades is in the technology department.
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Great Car w/ Fun, Flexibiltiy, &Security - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
By lorry bolton - January 18 - 2:00 amThis SUV is great.....for everything! Its fun and sporty, while being dependable and flexible. Great European handling almost like a great sports car...but its an SUV with great style and class. Not to mention its got 2 sunroofs.
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Off-road There is no Equal - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
By Edmund1001 - December 1 - 2:00 amI have had no major problems with the vehicle in the 9 mos. of ownership. While I believe the Jeeps to be superb off-road vehicles (owned every model at one time), the Discovery is phenomenal off-road. The dealership offers excellent service and many perks, such as a day of off-roading that is first-class and exciting. The vehicle has a stiff suspension, but is comfortable on the highway with no drift. This is made to go on safari but has comfort amd luxury for everyday driving.
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Meets both family and personal needs - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
By dcw - October 6 - 2:00 amThe rear “child” seats are great. Their close proximity to the floor allows the kids to play with toys or lay out crafts for the trip. The individual headphone jacks for each are great, especially since the kids can listen to the radio station of their choice while we listen to our CDs up front. My wife likes the neat small things such as the passenger side purse hook, windshield micro-wire defrost and dual climate control zones (she is always cold when I am always hot). I appreciate the high stance, especially in stop-and-go traffic. I also value the extremely capable handling the vehicle has in the snow.
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Ill never drive any thing else - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
By nichoal - July 23 - 12:36 amIt is everything I thought. The clear view, the comfort. I am 5,2 112 lbs. This is the only SUV that fits me. My husband hates it but thats ok. It is my birthday gift. I love clearly seeing everything when I drive. I have found my second love.
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In a market of its own - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
By Dr. French - June 7 - 6:40 amIm coming from a 2001 Wrangler Sport and a 2002 Infiniti QX4 and I must say the Disco is unique. For whatever reasons, I love the rugged, quasi- military/safari styling and how the truck sits, especially from the front, and especially with the newly designed front end and lamps. I bought it about 1 year ago for $9000 from a wholeseller (it was about a 7.5 out of 10 with massive head gasket and coolant hose leaks, a faulty oxygen sensor, a broken glove box opener and a slightly damaged rear bumper and a few dings) and was prepared to put money into it. $1800 later its a 9/10, puts a smile on my face, and is still cheaper than a Jeep product. More regal than the QX4 also and better leather.
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Need to be Different! - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
By pappa granda - June 6 - 10:00 amAfter reviewing all of the SUVs out there, the LandRover DIscovery stands out!! 2003 offers abigger, more powerful engine, exterior changes, better warranty and noise reduction. She is tough, rugged and drives great!! If you care about gas mileage, she is not for you. If you wnat to be middle of the road, she is not for you. If you want class, power and toughness, call your nearest LandRover dealer. PS she has a bit of snob appeal, as well!!
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One of the last real SUVs - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
By saharatj98 - May 8 - 6:10 pmI researched this vehicle extensively and was warned about reliability issues although later Discos were to be better. I grouped most problems to improper maintenance. Owning other European makes I am well aware of religeous routine maintenance or expensive repairs. So far it has been just fine and I use it off road extensively. Having owned Jeep Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, and Wrangler I would never go back. The Disco has more storage areas, is much more comfortable and much more solid than any Jeep. Interior materials are much better and the suspension articulation off road is amazing even stock. Not for everybody, but one of the last real SUVs built for off road use.
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Stick with the ML 500. - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
By kevin - February 26 - 12:16 pmAfter owning the Mercedes ML500. I thought it would be fun to drive the Land Rover. I have been very pleased with this SUV. The Mercedes does perform much better on road than the Land Rover.
