Overview & Reviews
For decades, Land Rover SUVs were known primarily for their utility and off-road prowess. During the 1980s, they became more luxurious, but their ability in the dirt has never been in question.
A prime example of this change was the Land Rover LR3, which replaced the aging Discovery. The old "Disco" was long on utility but a little shy on amenities. The LR3 offered a lot more style. Unfortunately, it still suffered from an underwhelming engine, quirky ergonomics and a poor reputation for reliability.
If all-terrain adventures are a frequent family activity and the thought of owning a pedigreed SUV appeals to you, it's hard to think of a better-suited vehicle for the task than a used Land Rover LR3. But if you'll be sticking primarily to pavement, other luxury SUVs like the Acura MDX or Lexus RX 350 will be better choices.
Most Recent Land Rover LR3 Models
The Land Rover LR3 was produced from 2005-'09. Originally, there were SE and HSE trim levels. The SE came standard with a 216-horsepower 4.0-liter V6 (we would avoid this), while the HSE got a 300-hp 4.4-liter V8. The V8 became standard on all LR3s for 2008. The HSE trim essentially became an option package in the final production year. Aside from the third-row seat becoming standard on the HSE for '06 and in the SE for '08, other changes were limited to additional standard features.
Though smaller than the Range Rover, Land Rover's midsize LR3 was still capable. V8 versions could tow up to 7,700 pounds and the LR3 was hard to beat off-road. All variants came standard with fully independent adjustable air suspension and a host of electronic off-road aids. Combined with a locking center differential, an optional electronic rear locker and the LR3's new Terrain Response system, this truck had the ability to climb boulders in a single bound.
At the same time, the LR3 also provided a useful interior as well. There was seating for seven adult passengers and both the second- and third-row seats folded flat to make cargo-hauling easier. The cabin design was a tad utilitarian and lacked the luxurious ambience of its competitors or its successor, the LR4. Another downside was the chaotic mess of little buttons spread upon the dash that could be confusing to use at a glance.
Other than being underpowered given its hefty curb weight, there were few complaints about the way the LR3 drove. It delivered the kind of tight, refined ride we expected from a luxury SUV and the steering provided excellent road feel and more feedback than many of its competitors. A tight turning circle and an effective power assist kept it nimble in parking lots.
In reviews, we were endlessly impressed with the Land Rover LR3's capabilities off-road and continuously surprised at how well it performed on road. However, besides the above concerns, there's also the matter of its thirst for fuel and poor record for reliability. As such, buying an out-of-warranty LR3 without being close friends with a Land Rover mechanic is not the wisest idea.
User Reviews:
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Lousy Tires - Good Year - 2006 Land Rover LR3
By Bill - May 20 - 3:40 pmThe car is great , but it wears out tires like very fast. Be prepared to change out your tires at 12,000 miles because thats all they last per the dealer. The LR3 is too heavy and the tires are too hard. Be prepared to sheel out $1,000 for the four and thats only if you get a 50% rebate back form Goodyear. The tires started to wear out at 8,000 miles . i could not take the noise from highway driving it was cruel. The roared on a quick trip up the I 95 to savananah Georgia from WEst plam Fl. Upon return to dealer I got the bad news. Your tire are cupped, tire speak they are worn out and noisy. Be prepared to sheel out $1,000 and another $250 to balance and align, not covered by warranty.
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Love it - 2007 Land Rover LR3
By ZCS - April 29 - 1:06 pmHad a 04 Lincoln Navigator before. Time for something a little smaller. Owned a 1999 Discovery II for 4 years before the Lincoln. The Landrover is just built better. Better quality material. People complain about quality. Never had any problems with my Disco and nothing so far with the LR3. Funny thing my Acura RL was in the shop more than either of these two trucks. This truck is great. Outstanding looks and the dealers rock. Best Ive ever had. Better than my Mercedes, Acura, Lincoln, BMW.
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Cant find a better vehicle - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By jokawood - April 3 - 4:43 pmI use to go through vehicles every 2 years or less. The first thing I look at when getting something new or thinking of getting something new is what compromise will I make when getting this? I have owned my 2005 LR3 SEV8 since 2007 (when gas prices were high) and so far after 6 years of ownership I have done regular maintenance, changed the bushings in the suspension, thermostat housing, water pump, had all the recalls. You would do to any other vehicle just like an LR3. But, I have NEVER had this vehicle leave me stranded on road or trail, never had an electrical glitch, or had a major issue. Best vehicle I have owned and I would have to compromise to get anything else out there.
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Incredible - 2006 Land Rover LR3
By Zeus - March 31 - 6:43 pmIf you are looking for a truck that has style, corners well, has toys (Bluetooth, Voice Recognition, Navigation w/4WD mode) this is the one. The command driving setup (Driver sits high, while all the doors/frame is cut low to highly improve 360" visability is incredible. Lots of room, yet tight frame (resulting in boxy look) making it easy to deal with in the city. The turning raidus on this thing is insane (very impressed.) Overall I have had the care a few weeks, and NOTHING compares (tried X5, MDX, Yukon, Denali).
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A total package - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By JR - March 30 - 2:50 amI have had the LR3 about three weeks and it has surpassed my expectations. I have gotten a lot of compliments about the styling. My kids like it better than I do. I have not gone off road or in snow, but I cant wait.
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Check Vehicle Carefully - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By Off Roader - March 18 - 12:00 amOn the plus side, the LR3 provides the off road features of the Range Rover for a lot less. Do not pay premium for HSE, SE with added options a much better bargain. Do a thorough check of the vehicle for manufacturer defects and quality. My car had a tear in the rear seat leather and numerous internal scratches consistent with dropped tools during manufacturing. Rear parking assist didnt work upon delivery. Remember, you are buying a British made vehicle, not German or Japanese, so dont expect the same quality of workmanship. Having said that, as a true off road type SUV it is the best on the market for the cost. I also like the third row seating - much better than comparable SUVs.
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Love it so far... - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By Amy Peterson - March 11 - 3:36 amThis is such a new vehical, the jury is still out, but so far its terrific. It drives like a luxury car, but its so nice to sit higher in traffic. Its so high-tech that there are features I know I wont use. The third row seats are roomy and easy to fold. When folded, there is a ton of cargo space. When people are sitting in the 3rd row, there is little cargo space. My kids think the best feature is the 3 sunroofs. Great sound system too and very quiet ride too.
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Saved My life - 2008 Land Rover LR3
By Peterkin - February 25 - 6:56 pmI was driving my brand new Land Rover Discovery last week when the car next to was hit by another car and hit me. I was pushed off the road and hit a group of large trees at about 40 MPH. I did not even have time to hit the brakes. The car did everything right- all airbags deployed engine shut off etc. I walked away -the car totalled. You know all the other features are great but safety is number one. I am picking up my new Discovery soon!
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Just bought - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By K and G - February 21 - 12:33 pmPicked it up Wednesday. QC issues apparent still. Moonroof wouldnt open (solenoid, relay, switch, fuse?) Ding over gas tank. Orange Peel. For $50K should be better esp. upon initial delivery. I realize its a LR which will be taken into the wilds but dings are acceptable new only on a Defender. Drives comfortably but not sure if im confident enough to take it up to Bimmer speeds on A3 autobahn. Still too new to review accurately. Cross shopped with X5, XC90. Nav system is intuitive but ive found systems such as the Portable Hertz "neverlost", easier. Location of CD Nav player is ridiculous. Not too concerned over the Logic 7; which carmaker really knows audio? Best in Class room.
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Great SUV - 2006 Land Rover LR3
By DriverLR3 - February 3 - 9:40 amExcellent SUV overall. No problems other than regular maintenance. Maybe a bit underpowered but overall we are very happy with it.
