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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  LR V8 SE - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By retfalvi - February 10 - 12:53 am

  As expected the "Queen of SUV"s. Love the solid feel and the quietness of the V8. Straightforward design, cannot go wrong with a Jaguar engine. Features are tailored to my needs. This will be a keeper.

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  wouldnt buy one - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By powershopper - February 6 - 8:00 am

  The test drive was impressive so much so that you could visualize yourself driving on the off-roads on the weekends but discover there is no compass! The windshield sensors dont work right and so you have to manually operate them which can be hazardous on long drives. (There is no intermittent control) Ive had the car for three months and it has been in the shop for at least 3 weeks. Lots of trouble with the compressor and rattles we cant get rid of. There are a lot of blind spots. Should be more luxurious for the price. Hard to find climate control buttons. Doesnt have a lot of pick up for a V 8. Car has a nice exterior appearance. Im a little worried about taking it on a long trip.

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  Good but quirky - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By RJD - February 3 - 4:36 am

  As the other reviewers said, it is solid, heavy, and safe. I feel comfortable when wife is driving it with our daughter. But for the money, there are so many quirky things that go wrong, the tire pressure guage is faulty, had an issue with brakes, the issue with water coming in the car from the sunroof, etc. It is a solid car, but Costco is the only jungle Im headed to. Too many off road features and not enough attention directed to designing a slick, ergonomic cockpit. Way too many buttons, and the nav totally stinks. A paper map is more useful. My Acura TL has a nav that blows this away. Ill be turning my lease in in 2 months and not getting another.

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  Best SUV around - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By Best SUV around - January 10 - 5:46 pm

  Ive had the fully loaded HSE since November, 2005 and have 6000 miles on it. No problems whatsoever! I love this car...the smoothest SUV Ive ever been in. I thought about the X5, MDX, Toureg, RX, Cayenne and ML.....I have absolutely no regrets for picking the Land Rover. The best part of the car is the ride....by far.

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  Im in love all over again. - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By C.L.B. - January 8 - 2:16 pm

  Yep, just when I had given up on SUVs, along came LR3. I traded in my Mitsu Montero Ltd.(the full size one), for a Toyota Solara in 07. I wanted something sporty, fun to drive & good on gas. I got all of the above & had given up on owning SUVs. Then one day I decided to drive into a Jag dealership to take a look at the new Jag, when I saw a silver LR3. It was love at first sight. I absolutely love it. It has plenty of room for 7, handles & ride is A+, so many features, off-road A+, city & highway A+, luxury A+, my friends love it, complements all the time(could be because of the 22" chrome rims), gas mileage, well, its a SUV, but its worth it. Heck, I have my Toyota when I need to save money.

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  Best SUV out there - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By prover - December 30 - 6:40 am

  Great car. Handles excellent in severe weather. Sweet sound system and smooth seats. Bluetooth is simple as well.

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  It Wows! - 2007 Land Rover LR3
  By Stephen - December 19 - 11:43 am

  This is one smart, hot, sleek, functional, stylish and rugged baby. That is a disparate set of qualities and as a loyal Land rover driver, I didnt ever expect to have all these attributes in my vehicle. Past Land Rover Discoveries inspired a grudging loyalty among devoted fans. The LR3, well thats altogether different... Unreserved and undiluted satisfaction. I just love it.

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  Outstanding thus far - 2007 Land Rover LR3
  By cbm - November 8 - 11:50 pm

  The vehicle has been a pleasure. Great looking externally and internally, excellent layout and ergonomics, and incredible flexibility from an amazingly comfortable road trip / commute car. Prepared to take the beating of bad roads / potholes / merges....but clearly is just so roomy for moving and hauling people and gear while being right-sized for the city.

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  Head To The Top Of The Class! - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Chofgarden - September 18 - 2:33 am

  Picked up our fully optioned LR3 last week, cant decide whether its a luxury sport utility or a rock climber- it does both so well. Ride, quiet, refinement, power, ergonomics all superb, features are many and well thought out. Quality seems excellent, no initial problems of any kind. Feels solid as a rock, drives as quiet and smoother than our E320 Mercedes. This car raises the standard way above anything else on the market, even the Range Rover! Well worth the price, in fact a bargain.

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  I should have listened to my husband - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By Kelly Weaver - September 17 - 6:46 am

  After owning about six reliable Toyotas, We purchased a 2006 LR3. While the car is fun and rugged, it has not proved to be a reliable, quality vehicle at all. Many of the problems have been minor (broken seat belt, gas cap fell apart, bright lights come on with blinker, etc.)but there are a couple of larger issues we are still trying to solve regarding suspension and the radio(which sounds incredible when it is working). The suspension fault indicator sometimes comes on daily for no reason. I had a problem with something else that was causing the check engine light to come on, which required two trips to the dealership to have a part changed out. Too many aggravations.