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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  The good, the bad, and not so ugly. - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By kwon303 - June 16 - 10:23 pm

  I bought this 05 model in 07 with about 19000 miles. It now has about 65,000 and I have to say overall I have been very fortunate. Ive heard lots of things about reliability and to be honest and here my experience, tranny is starting to jerk a little when I slow down and speed up so Im a little concerned but I bought the 6 year 75,000 mile warranty so well see whats up. I had to get the rear tailgate fixed...NOT CHEAP..latch broke and would not open. Also sunroof leaks out of overhead dome light... not covered under warranty. BUT this thing rides like its on a cloud, and handles anything off road and looks are timeless. Overall I think I got one of the decent rovers and keeping it.

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  Love our LR3 - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By SJB - May 17 - 3:10 pm

  We looked at and drove every 7+ passenger SUV before buying the LR3. Our final choice was between the Lexus GX470 and the LR3. Adults can actually sit in the rear seats of the LR3 and the seats fold completely flat and you wouldnt even know that they are there. When they are upright they have a footwell. I have more room in the back seats of my LR3 than my brother does in his Yukon and Im pretty sure I could park my LR3 inside of his truck. And thats really where the LR3 stood out for us. I never feel like Im in a truck. The over the hood visibility is tremendous, the ride, while tight, is smooth and quiet. We often get 20 mpg on the highway... on and on and on, we love the LR3

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  Better than my range rover and ML500 - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Guess402 - May 16 - 1:10 pm

  This is far and away the best all around SUV on the market today

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  best land rover yet - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By mrocho - May 14 - 4:00 am

  i have driven a lot of suvs and particularly land rovers. this thing is head and shoulders above. it is the quitest vehicle i have been in and has plenty of power. the 6 speed transmission is very smooth. the 3rd row seat is fantastic and folds flat in the floor. so far so good on reliablility. no problems at all.

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  Heartbreaker - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By kcslc - April 26 - 8:03 am

  I just ended an almost 18 month relationship with my LR3. At the end, I still loved the style and comfort of the vehicle. However, its dreadful reliability finally won out. In the time I owned it I fixed a suspension air compressor ($1,200), broken glovebox door ($250), broken keyless entry ($250), and rocker panel trim that fell off bi-annually. When I traded it in it had faulty HDC control, broken pass door lock, and worst of all a bad bearing in the front axle. This was all between 47,000-62,000 miles. On the plus side: good power, decent mileage for a V8 SUV (17+/-), real off-road ability, uniqueness, just right sized for my family. Id own one again, but ONLY under warranty!

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  Still holding on to my LR3 - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By gr8song - April 7 - 12:21 pm

  In 2007, bought my 2005 LR3 used at about 45,000 miles and also bought very expensive extended warranty from Fidelity due to its bad reputation of reliability. Ending up never needed the extended warranty. Never have had any major problems except a few minors like the rear window wiper and brake cable corrosion. The "Check Engine" light occasionally came on and was told by my dealership that I needed new battery more than a year ago. My local Interstate Battery store checked the battery out just fine, and I am still running with it. I did changed 4 brakes with brake rotors twice for the 4 years and 50,000 miles that I have owned it so far for almost $3,000 each time. Thats expensive!!!

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  My LR3 makes me happy! - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By Katie - April 3 - 6:33 pm

  I test drove other SUVs and none come close to the elegant feel of the LR3. It is hip, cool and exudes confidence. I also like the fact that no one else in my neighborhood has one, but that will probably change since I keep getting so many compliments. The turning radius is so cool and I love the look of the front end and overall styling. Land Rover does a beautiful job of designing something truly unique among all the cookie cutter SUVs out there. I feel good when Im driving my LR3 and feel safe too. Great combination! I love this truck!!

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  Gotta Like It - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By rs1 - March 23 - 5:06 pm

  Since I bought this vehicle I have gotten a lot of comments about it. It is awesome to quote my kids. It is a pleasure to drive. The mileage is not great, but is what I expected. Have slowed down a little on the highway in order to maximize mileage. Not a real problem as the seats are comfortable and I enjoy the ride. Average mileage has been 17.5 mpg plus with about 2/3 of miles on highway. Everyone who gets in it likes how airy it feels with the rear moon roofs.

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  This is what a proper suv should be - 2008 Land Rover LR3
  By discovery3 - March 14 - 11:38 pm

  Where to start??? I have 2008 discovery3/lr3 with the luxury, cold weather, and heavy duty package with front parking sensors And rear entertainment center. Best car I have ever owned!!! And I have owned alot, 15+ since I was 18. This one is staying around for a while. There is nothing it cant do.. well everything except gas mileage. It is quite thirsty guzzling down premium petrol.

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  LR3 - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By Michael B - March 11 - 5:30 pm

  I bought my LR3 through the Internet the process was painless. I got the car at a great price. Since I bought the vehicle I have not been let down. I just got beck from the beach where I used the sand feature and it was incredible. I was actually able to drive the car right through the surf. The car is comfortable with more than enough room and the features seem endless. From my reasearch of SUVs out there, the capabilities of the vehicle exceed most any on the market and the gas mileage is not that bad either. We owned a Discovery prior to the LR3 and the two vehicles are like night and day as far as the comfort and features. They really have done a great job on this car!