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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  Enjoyable - 2007 Land Rover LR3
  By Prawdz - May 8 - 3:23 am

  We really enjoy our Land Rover. We are first time owners and feel the realibility and service is teriffic. Because of the large engine and performance, the gas mileage is disappointing. As well all the offroad gadgets can get in the way. Really, do any of us actually use half of what the Land Rover offers in off- road performance.

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  Not Dependable - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Monster - May 6 - 4:13 am

  The Land Rover LR3 is a beautiful car. But is not very reliable. In two years we had our car towed three times due to failures with the transmission. But the car is a blast to drive. I have spoken to others and it has run fine--but I think we got a bad seed.

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  I got a lemon...and they dont care! - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By landroversorrow - April 21 - 8:56 am

  My new rover has been back @ the dealership 3xs in 4 months and STILL runs like a 15 year old clunker. sounds like a lawnmower. AND...the mirror casing and 3rd row seat latches have popped off and when searching for a coin I dropped the hardware under my seat was so sharp it cut a 3" slit across my wrist.

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  LR# - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By stwsam - April 13 - 2:16 pm

  I have owned 5 new LRs in the past 4 years. This takes the cake. Even more bullet proof than our 2004 Range Rover. Just everything is flawless. 3800 miles and not the first sensor light. LR is catching up at long last. The ride is smooth, the power is great and the sound system with blow you away.

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  2005 LR3 SE - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Craig Snyder - March 20 - 9:26 am

  Just purchased new LR3 this weekend. I think it is an incredible vehicle, very heavy and sure footed. Got a good deal from the dealer, theyre starting to move off of the sticker a little now. Traded from a leased 2004 S60 which they bought out for me too!

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  LR3 is pretty tight - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Zerry S Vaughan - March 11 - 12:26 pm

  My wife and I are happy with the purchase of our LR3 so far. It has lived up to what we have expected from it. Here in VA. we had a couple of snowy days and I put it through a test of what I need from an SUV and it handled great!!! For everyday driving conditions it is a fun, smooth driving experience. I didnt expect for an SUV to handle as well as the LR3 did, I mean when Im driving down 95 switching lanes I feel comfortable and in control with not even a hint of swaying Im impressed. The Harman Kardon sound system is the bomb, and the sound is so richly toned and crisp like whoa!!! Great job Land Rover.

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  lr3 rating - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By stephanie elendu - February 28 - 2:36 pm

  my car (lr3) is fun to dive, she does whatever you want. Its a pleasurable experience to own an LR3, if you own one, then youll understand what Im talking about; thats why the LR3 is rated "the SUV of the year" for 2005.

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  Completely disappointed, cheaply made - 2007 Land Rover LR3
  By e - February 27 - 5:00 am

  We sold our 2 year old GMC Denali to get the LR3, and have regretted it every since the first week. We have had nothing but problems, one thing after another and live 3 hours from the dealership. The Land Rover is built like a car 1/4 of the cost. To pay 50+K for our land rover, you should expect more things standard like a navigation system or at least something that tells you which direction you are headed. It seems the LR3 is poorly made and we will not be upgrading to the Range Rover sport as initially intended. I would NEVER recommend one. I am a mother of three and drive very conservative, still after less than 20K miles we are having to replace the brakes and tires. WHY? Cheaply made.

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  Great Luxury SUV - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By P K Able - February 2 - 9:33 pm

  It has been a great car We take it to Tahoe and Carmel plus around town driving--it is the only true 3rd seat SUV in this price range--When you need that extra cargo room the 3rd row seat is hidden and you get total use of the cargo space--try that with a Lexus, Escalade, Denali Toyota you get back sprain lifting the 3rd row seat out to get the max cargo room

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  LOVIN IT - 2007 Land Rover LR3
  By MC - January 20 - 1:56 am

  We bought a Range Rover initially and loved it so much we bought the LR3. And it does not disappoint. What a great SUV. Absolutely no complaints. The Range Rover may have a sleeker style but otherwise the LR3 is very comparable.