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 SUV - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By Jay - February 20 - 2:46 am

  I bought this car for my wife about one month ago & we love it. The Disco rides great & is very easy to drive.

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  Love it - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By gpp - December 25 - 10:00 am

  We picked up an SE7 with a couple of extra features. To accomodate child access to the back seat, we added running boards. To date, the car drives very well with nice pickup. Driver space is super -- at 63" my only complaint is with the steering wheel positioning for entry into the drivers seat. Surprised also by stopping distance, which is quite good given the weight. While moving, the car seems to float, giving the imprecise feeling of standing still -- I still have to look at the spedometer to gauge the speed Im going. I mean this in a good way:. Basically, we love to drive it. Also, the gas mileage in town has averaged 16! Better than I had expected

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  2004 Land Rover Discovery - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By xtern0 - November 30 - 2:00 am

  This is NOT something you take Madison to soccer practice in. This is a 4x4 yuppie tank, a posh off-road vehicle. Imagine a Jeep built back when the Military set certain requirements on the base design (pre-Hummer era). As expected, gas mileage is awful. Downside: The "Ford Business Model" shows. Hmmm...4x4 off road vehicle that requires a $250 option in order to get floormats? I wonder if the Land Rover plant counts the squares on the toilet paper rolls and unscrews half the lightbulbs? Sounds like a corporate executive or two need to retake Marketing 110. That being said, if thats the only downside I can find, well, you be the judge.

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  NEWBIETO THE LANDROVER FAMILY - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By JSEA - November 16 - 10:00 am

  PICKED UP MY NEW DISCO ABOUT THREE WEEKS AGO.MIXED REVIEWS TO DATE. OVERALL, IT IS A PLEASURE TO DRIVE. ENGINE SEEMS STRONG, AND TOWING A 5K BOAT IS A BREEZE. SOLID RIDE,WITH A GREAT FINISH. SOME ITEMS SEEM CHEAPLY MADE. LIKE THE FUEL DOOR CLASP. BROKE OFF IN A WEEK. THE PROS FAR OUTWEIGHT THE CONS SO FAR. WILL REPORT AGAIN IN A YEAR.

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  You get what you pay for. - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By M.M. - November 9 - 10:50 am

  This is my 2nd Discovery and I have gotten what I paid for with both, a very capable on and off road vehicle, with great benefits in the fact that it is weighty and stable. I got out of a Dodge 2500HD diesel 4x4 crew cab into this and was looking for something substantial, and found it in the Discovery. I have had no major service issues. The "command position" seating is great because you can see almost everything. I feel very safe hauling around my precious cargo in the Discovery and would buy another. Dont get it if you are looking for good gas mileage, that isnt what these were built for.

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  SE-7 - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By guillermo islas - October 18 - 2:00 am

  The Discovery 2003 incorporates the engine 4.6 and transmission from the 2002 Range Rover, the brakes were improved also over the 02, the front suspension was reconfigured to reduce body roll without the need of the expensive ACE system, so you basically are driving a cool series II Discovery with all the better things that were just available in the expensive RangeRover that made it famous. It is a vehicle designed 100% for offroad, that transfers a great handling SUV for your daily drive in highways. Probably the only car that looks in place offroading in high mauntains and at the vallet parking at the Opera in the same Saturday.

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  Like it, But.... - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By bsvenson1 - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I really like the vehicle , but there are some things that should be changed. Such as the doors should open further, in-dash cd changer should be standard, exhaust should be on opposite side of rear door handle, do away with plastic fender flares that fade in sunlight, it should have seat and mirror position memory, and the tilt steering wheel should tilt more. I dont have any major complaints, just litle things that could easily be changed to make the vehicle that much better.

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  Gr8 Ride! - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By TheSugarsRover - July 18 - 2:00 am

  We just purchased our new Land Rover SE from the guys in Fort Worth. Great Dealership and we love our new ride! The ride is smooth and powerful for such a heavy vehicle. It is such a unique experience driving this vehicle.

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  Quirky, but loved anyway - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By Red Rover - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Test-drove it and had to buy it. Instead of a labored acceleration from stop, the Disco accelerates with ease and relative quiet. The turning radius is more than acceptable. Braking is excellent. For such a tall SUV, body lean during cornering (even without the touted ACE option) is minimal. As stable and sure-footed as a billy goat off-road, but refined enough to serve as a daily-use vehicle. Road noise is minimal, and the suspension is neither too stiff OR too soft. Drives like a wet dream in the rain on city roads, so dont let anyone ever tell you that its useless in town. Whether towing, mudding or hauling, what a capable vehicle.

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  Shes a beast! - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By RoadRunnerTX - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Overall, I am very pleased with my 03 Disco SE. It adopted the 2002 Range Rovers silky 4.6L engine, and is as powerful as it sounds. Shifting is smooth and quality-sounding. Sharp- looking inside and out. With a skilled driver and without ACE, it still corners remarkably well. Surprisingly quick acceleration - very deceptive at stoplights. :) Plows through heavy rain, puddles and soft sand like a hot knife through butter. Will pull anything you can think of, yet is refined enough to shame the H2. Very easy to park. Looks like a box, but is as nimble as a sedan.