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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Very Solid Vehicle - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
By mazerac - July 20 - 10:00 amThis is a well built vehicle and the quality of it is evident the first time you get in. It is comfortable and has excellent road manners. It is at its best when navigating roads during bad weather. The 4WD and high drivers position make driving during stormy weather.
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Great So Far! - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
By Billbo - June 27 - 10:00 amGreat to drive, youve got "vehicle" around you. Can see the whole road around and in front, others want to get around to know what is actually going on in front of us. Fuel economy lacking, but if thats what you want, its simple... Look Elsewhere! Customer service at my dealer is outstanding, "Pampered yet Professional". So far Ive gotten what Ive paid for. Will see this winter and following my first Land Rover Dealer Sponsored "Wheels event" where they help you to fully understand and appreciate the abilities of this true off-road vehicle.
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Lovin it! - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
By tindallsmom - May 26 - 2:00 amI love this SUV! I must admit Land Rovers are an aquired taste, but once you aquire it youre hooked. I really like sitting up high-even my hubbys Z- 71 seems low to the ground to me now. It handles well and I feel very safe in it. It only gets 3 light poles per gallon :-) but we were aware of that before we purchased it, so its no big deal. The doors dont open very wide & I was concerned about being able to get my daughter in/out, but it hasnt been a problem. Overall,Im extremely pleased with our purchase.
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Weekend Fun - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
By Mark - May 1 - 10:10 amI bought the Disco used as a third vehicle for weekend fun. After driving across the Santa Cruz river and trudging through 2 feet of mud and silt... Im totally impressed if not shocked. So were the heavily modified trucks and Jeeps I drove past. Rocky terrain found here in Arizona is a non issue as my new backcountry driving experiences have taught me. This truck may not be refined (Ive owed a Lexus and a baby Benz) but its endearing, fun, versitile and more stares and positve comments than the shiny Lexus and little Red Benz. People just seem to gravitate towards its bold styling and appreciate its brutish stance. It guzzles gas no doubt, but the V8 sounds way cool, especially on start up
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I Love my Quirky Land Rover Disco - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
By sms65965 - April 2 - 10:00 amI grew up in the back of Land Rovers (what most people know today at Defenders), and the off-road heritage that has been passed down to todays LRs is just as mud, snow, sand, and rock gripping as in the past. The daily commute in a LR bears little resenblance to the original LR tractor/all around farm vehicle the Brits first developed, and it hasnt lost any of its utility. The LR Disco may now be a people-ferrying vehicle, but it is still first and foremost a utility vehicle.
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My Gasaholic - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
By DJF4x4 - March 28 - 10:00 amThe vehicle is an incredible SUV. I love everything about it with the exception of the gas mileage and the fact it only runs on premium.
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Power to spare - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
By coldbt - February 14 - 10:00 amRugged and powerful... Makes my 93 Wrangler look like a toy. Truly an off raoad vehicle with tremendous towing capacity. Installed cat-back "real" dual exhaust with K&N intake... 20% performance increase plus and honest 20 MPG an trips
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Great SUV - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
By Skarfy - February 14 - 10:00 amThe 2004 Disco, redesigned in 2003, is gorgeous. Make no mistake though, it is a serious SUV...If you want a "car" that also has 4WD, this may not be for you. I love it, but it is not as smooth as, for instance, our 2004 Envoy. However, the V8 blows away the Envoy, and the offroad ability is in a different league altogether. The interior is wonderful - love the wood trim and the interior light. The front is roomy, and extremely comfortable. Was thinking about waiting for the LR3, but the Disco is uniquely Rover, the LR3 looks a little "ford-like" to me. Plus a new Disco is an incredible deal now that the model is ended. Much less body roll than you think in such a high vehicle!!
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What a Vehicle! - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
By William Blake - January 4 - 2:00 amI love my new 2003 Discovery. I looked at many other high line vehicles but the Land Rover came out on top. The new design is awesome and classy, yet modern. The interior is great and has every control within reach. Visibility is second to none. I have the navigation system and love that, although I wish there was a screen, but if there was I would have a wreck. Gas mileage could be better, but I surely understand why it is not that great; the vehicle is made of basically solid steel and weighs around 5000 pounds. I am completely happy with my Land Rover. I highly recommend this great vehicle for you!! GO LAND ROVER!!
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Greatest - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
By vijl - January 2 - 10:00 amThis is my second landrover discovery own two now. There is no comparison available.
