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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  Great vehicle with bad gas - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By Sam - August 16 - 8:30 am

  I towed 6,000lbs of Porsche 911 and full trailer across the country with this truck. Never missed a beat. Ran super in the snow and is very comfortable not to mention great looking. Zero problems. Brake pads are still more than 50% in front. DVD player is wonderful for kids. Everything you could want except for some of the worst gas mileage in its class. We average about 12 MPG. But considering we bought late in the model year and got a $42,000 truck for $31,500 I figure the savings buys me about 4,000 gallons of gas. So no worries.

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  Horrible Choice - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By Ramez - August 4 - 8:23 pm

  This is a horrible SUV to own. Stay away from it unless you are a wife who wants revenge on a cheating husband. There are plenty of better choices out there. Bad quality, uncomfortable interior, low gas mileage, sluggish starts from full stop and lots and lots of leaks!!

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  Very Solid Vehicle - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By mazerac - July 20 - 10:00 am

  This 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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  Still Lovin it! - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By Geoff - July 12 - 12:56 am

  Use is as a daily driver here in New England. Exterior is beautiful and interior appointments are plush save for the electronics which were outdated even when new. Its more like a luxury all weather vehicle but still sturdy when you need it most. Always turns heads and you feel great driving it.

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  You gotta love this Rover... - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By atldane - July 10 - 10:08 am

  I know, I know...horrible reliability, very expensive, low mpg..but I love this vehicle. This is our third one, and this one I am going to keep. I have 130,000 miles on this Discovery, I am pouring money into it, but I love it. It was time to get something more reliable and better on gas, so I chose a new BMW 328i so I could keep the Rover. I now have a new car, but have my boy to take to the lake and use for rugged adventures. You know the saying "if it isnt leaking then it is empty" about Land Rovers. well it is true, true, true! But worth every penny...I really love this truck!!! Very Classic....

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  Find a good one - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By iward1 - July 8 - 11:33 pm

  I bought my 2003 Disco with 98k miles for $6000 in September 2013. Have a Land Rover specialist (preferably not a dealer) do a thorough inspection before you buy. Get a service history. Expect a lot of work to have been done. The only red flag is a history of overheating associated with a very loud engine knock/tap. In the last 10k miles I have replaced the power steering pump and done regular maintenance, about $1200 total. Im not bothered since I paid so little up front. Its a fantastic truck with an old-school feel. I average 11mpg city and 15mpg highway. If you love it and treat it well, this truck will get to 200k miles and beyond.

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  Great So Far! - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By Billbo - June 27 - 10:00 am

  Great 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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  Engine damaged after overheating - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By jeevanga - June 5 - 1:12 pm

  Bought with 29k and whole year of warranty left for $22000.Used for 4 years and put on only 11k due to terrible gas mileage.Loved the ride and apperance.No issue for 3.5 years then 3 amigos appeard but did not fixed. Engine overheated due to coolent tube leak and seems to be head gasket blown or engine cracked.Sold it to carmax for $7000.

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  Sad! - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By alicia75024 - May 29 - 6:07 pm

  I have been reading blogs all over the Internet about Land Rover problems and I could just spit! I purchased my 2004 LRD 10 days ago... I dont drive much, just back and forth to work. A couple days ago I was driving and the car overheated, I pulled off the freeway right away and while pulling over the car started to smoke and shut down... now I need to spend 6K on a new engine, the mechanic at LR chuckeled and said "yep, we see it ALL the time". What a waiste of time and money.. If this is such a common problem shouldnt there have been a recall??? Also, anyone know a good and honest mechanic in north Texas...or should I just part it out and cut my losses? It sounds like this wont be the last problem with this vehicle!!!!

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  Lovin it! - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By tindallsmom - May 26 - 2:00 am

  I 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.